Did you recently get an asphalt driveway installed at your home? If so, you'll likely want to take steps that will help maintain the material so that it lasts a very long time. Here are a few tips that will help you do it. 

Be Mindful Of the Edges

The weakest part of your asphalt driveway is going to be the edges where the asphalt meets the surrounding grass. It's important that you are mindful of where you drive your vehicle so that you do not drive over these edges. Repeatedly doing this can cause the asphalt to crack along the edges over time, which is only going to cause the driveway to become more narrow. 

Spread Out Surface Weight

Know that it is possible for heavy objects to leave an impression on your driveway when left there for a long period of time, especially when the driveway is first installed. That's why you'll want to take steps to spread out the surface weight of heavy objects so that the weight is not focused in one spot. For example, if you are parking a dumpster in your driveway to do construction work, you'll want to place boards underneath the feet of the dumpster so that the weight is spread out evenly. 

Keep The Surface Clean

Keeping the surface of the asphalt clean can do a lot to keep the material in great condition. For instance, moss growth can form on the surface of the asphalt, and the chemical reaction caused by the moss breaking down can cause your asphalt to be damaged. Simply keep the surface clean of dirt and debris and you should be fine.

Sealcoat The Surface

Applying a sealcoat to the asphalt surface is a great way to maintain the material. Your asphalt contractor will let you know how long after the installation you should wait to seal the asphalt, and how long after that you will need to reapply a sealcoat. A sealcoat doesn't last forever, and it is up to you to remember to reapply it.

Be Careful About How You Park At First

If you have a curved or more intricate driveway that involves making turns, you'll want to be aware of how you park and turn your tires during the first couple of months when the asphalt is softer. You should avoid situations where the car is parked and you turn the wheels to change direction without moving. This motion can dig into the asphalt and cause some of the aggregate to become loose. Always do rolling turns at first when coming in or out of a parked position to avoid causing damage.

For more asphalt maintenance tips, contact a professional asphalt pavement service in your area.