Baughman Magic Seal, asphalt, asphalt sealing, asphalt parking lot, benefits of asphalt sealing, spring asphalt clean up

Spring asphalt Clean Up: What to Look For and How to Maintain

The sweet smell of spring is in the air. The birds are chirping, the flowers are blooming, and as your thoughts turn towards all the ways you can spend time outdoors, turn your thoughts to spring asphalt clean up!

Winter can be harsh on asphalt, so it’s important to do a thorough inspection and take care of any damages before it gets too hot outside. Learn what you should look for during your springtime clean up and how to maintain your asphalt throughout the season.

Durable, But Not Invincible

Asphalt is an incredibly durable material, but it isn’t invincible. The continuous freeze-thaw cycle, heavy plow and vehicle traffic, and excessive road salt can slowly cause your asphalt’s surface to deteriorate. As water seeps through cracks in the surface, it expands and contracts, weakening the integrity of the asphalt and causing those cracks to spread and, in many cases, potholes to form. That’s why it’s important to do a thorough inspection of your asphalt in the springtime. Look for any cracks, holes, or unevenness that may allow water to penetrate the surface layer. You should correct asphalt damage early before the problem worsens and leads to costly repairs.

Asphalt Sealing

After inspecting your asphalt driveway or parking lot for damage, it’s time to think about sealing. A sealcoat is an important part of asphalt maintenance because it protects the surface from weathering, UV rays, and water damage. You should typically re-seal asphalt every 2 to 3 years. Not sure whether it’s time for a fresh sealcoat? Take a look at the surface of your asphalt. If the color is faded or there are cracks and holes, it’s probably time to give us a call!

Spring is an excellent time to seal your asphalt. The weather is mild and you get a head start on the hot summer months. Sealing at this time will help protect your asphalt from weathering and other damages.

Asphalt Crack Filling

Asphalt sealing is an important part of asphalt maintenance, but it’s not the only thing you need to do. You also need to take care of any existing cracks or holes that may have developed over winter. Asphalt cracking can be caused by a variety of reasons, such as heavy vehicle traffic or environmental factors. Left uncorrected, greater damage such as rutting, heaving, or potholes can occur.

There are some things that you can do to help prevent cracks from expanding. Cracks can be filled with a variety of materials, such as cold-patch asphalt, asphalt crack filler, acrylic caulk, or polyurethane sealant. Once the material is in place, it’s important to compact it so that it forms a solid bond with the surrounding asphalt. The asphalt crack filler provided by Baughman Magic Seal provides a resilient, flexible, and expandable seal to prevent moisture from breaching the surface layer

Should you choose to fix cracks yourself, remember two things:

Make sure the underlying surface is in good condition before applying the asphalt sealant. The sealant needs a solid surface to adhere, so if there are extensive cracks or holes in the underlying surface, the sealant will not adhere properly.
Choose a high-quality sealant. Some sealants are better than others at resisting cracking, so it’s important to do your research.

Asphalt Cleaning

There are a few different ways to clean asphalt. The most important thing is to use a gentle cleanser that won’t damage the surface. You can power wash your asphalt, but be sure not to use too high a pressure. You can also sweep your asphalt with a broom or soft-bristled brush.