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7 Tips to Protect Your Asphalt Pavement in Kansas City, Olathe, Overland Park, Independence and Surrounding Area's

September 20, 2021
Pothole — Kansas City, MO — J & B Asphalt & Paving
Properly installed asphalt is durable and can last many years. Proper installation of asphalt is especially important in harsh weather area's like Kansas City, Olathe, Overland Park, Shawnee, Independence, Blue Springs and surrounding area's.  The longevity, however, is determined by how well you maintain the asphalt. Asphalt deterioration begins as soon as it is laid due to exposure to elements such as rain, ice, the sun's UV rays, and the weight of the vehicles parked on your pavement.

However, proper maintenance will keep at bay problems that can permanently harm your surfaces. Take swift action as soon as you see any bumps, potholes, line cracks, and breaks on the asphalt pavement to avoid pricier repairs. Here are a few more pro tips to help you protect your asphalt.

1. Remove Any Debris

Always sweep up any rocks, leaves, or dirt on your asphalt. Debris can block drainages and impede the water's natural flow which causes it to stand. The pooled water then soaks into the asphalt pavement and softens it. The softened asphalt will then be more susceptible to potholes and cracks. 

Regular sweeping of the pavement also allows you to keep track of any surface anomalies so you can take action before things get out of hand. Also, ensure that you clean any traces of household chemicals, oil, or gas immediately.  

2. Control Long Term Parking

As much as asphalt is durable, it's only suitable for normal parking. Parking for long periods can result in cracks and impressions due to the uneven distribution of the weight of the parked object. An easy way to remedy such issues is to place wide boards or plywood beneath support struts, jacks, or tires.

3. Kill Weeds

It's easy to ignore weeds, but you shouldn't. Weed sprouts up quite fast, and they will be all over the place in a matter of time. What damages the pavement is the weed's roots as they spread underneath the asphalt pavement and create cracks. Water then finds its way into the cracks and mess up your asphalt.

4. Watch Out for Excess Weight

Limit who uses your asphalt pavement. Very weighty equipment can break the asphalt. This means you should change traffic patterns for overweight vehicles such as loaded tractor-trailers, garbage trucks, heavy construction equipment, and delivery trucks. Such vehicles will exert a lot of stress on the pavement and indent it.

If the lot is for public use, there should be signage that prohibits access to such vehicles. Even a waste disposal service truck should not use a residential lot to avoid damage. If need be, allow the disposal truck access early in the morning when the asphalt is still cool.

5. Regular Seal Coating

A seal coat every 24 to 36 months not only elevates the aesthetics of your asphalt pavement but also protects the pavement against water damage. A waterproof seal coating prevents water from seeping into the asphalt's sub-layers. The seal coat also fills small holes and cracks and keeps the aggregate intact.

6. Stop Bad Driving Habits

How you drive on asphalt determines its condition. Bad driving habits such as turning the wheels when the vehicle is motionless presses tires into the asphalt and cause scuff marks or groves. Train yourself to make wide turns when the vehicle is still in motion. Sharp starts and stops are also habits you should stop to avoid scuffing the asphalt pavement.

7. Repair Holes and Cracks in Good Time

Regular maintenance is necessary to increase the life of your asphalt pavement. Failure to repair minor imperfections such as holes and cracks might later necessitate pricier repairs or a new pavement altogether. Filling cracks and holes in good time keeps water or snow away and delays asphalt degeneration.

Adhering to these tips guarantees a long life to your asphalt pavement. Leave the seal coating, repairs, and maintenance of your asphalt pavement to the professionals. Contact J & B Asphalt for unmatched professional service.  Call J&B Asphalt and paving for all of your asphalt maintenance in Kansas City, Olathe, Overland Park, Shawnee, Independence, Blue Springs and surrounding area's.
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