How to Care for a Paved Driveway

Goodbye, gravel; hello, asphalt. You've broken away from your budget and paved your driveway. Before you just pull the car in and park it, however, there's some more work to do. A paved driveway requires care and maintenance. Follow these few simple steps and guarantee your paved driveway a long lifespan.

Instructions

1. During the first 6 to 12 months, vary your parking patterns. Refrain from turning the steering wheel back and forth in your driveway while the car is not moving.

2. Prevent depressions in the asphalt by keeping heavy vehicles off the driveway. Place a piece of plywood under the camper and boat trailer tires when storing these vehicles for long periods of time.

3. Keep your newly-paved driveway clear during the summer. The heat will soften the asphalt. Chair and table legs, bicycle kickstands and high-heeled shoes can cause indentations in softened asphalt.

4. Build up the sides of the driveway with gravel or topsoil to help support them. Lack of support will cause them to crack or crumble.

5. Seal the driveway for the first time three to 12 months after the initial paving, then every two to three years after that. Consult with a paving contractor for advice.

Tips & Warnings

• Put baking soda on a gas or oil spill to absorb the liquid. Gas and oil can eat away asphalt.

• In hot weather, watering down your paved driveway can help to harden the asphalt.

• Lay five to eight inches of crushed gravel before paving the driveway for adequate support.