How to Care for Your New Driveway

June 11, 2020

So, you just had a new driveway paved on your property—it makes the whole place look nicer, doesn’t it? Getting a new asphalt driveway not only looks great, but it’s also much more pleasant to drive upon. If you want to preserve that “new driveway look” for as long as possible, be sure to follow these new driveway care tips in Nashville, TN. The better you take care of your driveway, and the more quickly you call for repair and maintenance when needed, the longer your driveway will look fresh, dark and smooth.

Here’s a closer look at how to care for your new driveway:

  • Park somewhere else (at least for a few days): Depending on when your asphalt is paved, you’ll need to keep cars and other vehicles off your driveway for three to five days. If the weather is particularly hot, err on the side of parking elsewhere for a few days longer—the heat can soften the asphalt and make impressions or dents.
  • Be aware of curing time: Your driveway will not completely cure until six to 12 months after it was paved, which means you need to be especially careful of the traffic, particularly on hot days. The asphalt will be somewhat pliable until it cures—when the temperatures start inching up, you can always run a hose over the driveway to temporarily harden it.
  • Drive carefully: This is not the time to film your Dukes of Hazzard remake on your driveway. Starting and stopping too fast and turning your steering wheel when the car isn’t moving can make large depressions in the driveway.
  • Avoid using objects that could dent or pierce the asphalt: If you have a boat, trailer, kickstands or lawn chairs, make sure that you keep them off the driveway whenever possible. Kickstands and lawn chairs will dent the asphalt, while trailers and car jacks can make larger depressions or holes, especially if the driveway hasn’t fully cured. If you must store vehicles or equipment on the driveway, use large pieces of plywood to help distribute the weight.
  • Ban heavy traffic: The heavier a vehicle is, the more potential it has to damage your driveway—don’t allow large vehicles like RVs, motorhomes, farm equipment and tractor-trailers to drive across your asphalt.
  • Keep it clean: Dirt can suck the necessary oils out of the asphalt, so make sure you sweep and rinse it off if you notice dirt piling up. Grease, oil and car fluids can also damage your driveway, necessitating repairs—if you notice any problems, be sure to call a professional right away.
  • Repair early and often: Speaking of repairs, the earlier you catch problems with your asphalt, the more effective those repairs will be. Keep the number of your asphalt paving company handy.
  • Use a quality sealcoat: Finally, after a year, your driveway will be ready for a protective sealcoat, which will help preserve its color and structural integrity for years to come.

For more driveway care tips in Nashville, TN, or if you need help keeping your driveway looking fresh and new, call the team at RoadBuilders today.

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