How Can You Restore Your Asphalt Driveway?

Many homeowners choose to install an asphalt driveway outside their property, as it may tend to put up with the harsh Australian climate more effectively. Further, they may require less maintenance compared to concrete or gravel and may maintain their appearance far longer than the alternative. However, asphalt can also start to deteriorate as time goes by, and if your installation is starting to look a bit sorry for itself, what can you do to rectify it?

How to Restore Your Driveway

The most cost-effective way of dealing with asphalt degradation is to bring in a contractor who will spray it with a bitumen sealant. This will help reduce or eliminate any signs of fatigue that may have built up over the years and mask any stains that may have appeared. For example, you may have parked some older vehicles on your driveway, and they may have dripped some oil. Bitumen sealant will quickly mask that mess and save you the challenging task of trying to remove those stains instead.

Watch out for Cracks and Water Infiltration

Sometimes, tiny cracks can appear in the surface of an asphalt driveway, which can often be caused by shifting soil beneath. Also, if you live in an area that is affected by sharp winter weather, a freeze-and-thaw cycle can cause additional cracks, especially if some water has found its way into one of those cracks.

The Need for Action

Whenever you notice signs of degradation around your asphalt driveway, it's important to take action as soon as possible. If you simply let matters slide, water can make its way further into the asphalt, leading to additional issues. Also, if your driveway remains untreated, it will become increasingly porous. In time, this will lead to potholes or cause the side of the driveway to give way. Clearly, these issues could be costly and very time-consuming to repair.

The Sealing Process

The bitumen spray sealing process involves two separate steps. To begin with, the contractor will spray a single layer of bitumen as a hot liquid and will then add an additional layer of crushed aggregate. The bitumen will act as a "binding" agent and will also be impervious to water.

Get Expert Help

So, to restore your asphalt driveway to its former glory, get in touch with a specialised contractor today. They will arrange to spray a bitumen layer to seal the surface and protect your investment.