How to Take Care of a New Asphalt Driveway
Asphalt, tar, and blacktop are all words used to describe driveways and roads that are covered with a sticky black substance that hardens into a smooth path. Asphalt driveways can last for years when taken care of properly. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Park your cars in the street or at another location for at least three days after your new asphalt driveway has been poured. The paving material needs time to set without any additional weight on it. Driveways that are completed in the summer may require extra time to harden.
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Avoid using sharp, pointy objects on your asphalt driveway. This includes kickstands from bikes and high heeled shoes. Objects of this shape can poke holes in the asphalt, especially if it is very newly poured.
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Distribute the weight of your cars and other vehicles evenly during the first year. Rotate parking spaces to prevent the asphalt from becoming uneven. If you plan to park heavy-duty trucks or RVs in your driveway, place a barrier such as plywood down first before parking.
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Hose down your asphalt driveway as needed to remove mud and other dirt.
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Repair small cracks in your driveway with a filler kit, such as the products sold by Latexite (see Resources). Small filler strips can smooth out imperfections that often occur after a cold winter.
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Wait at least three months before you seal your new asphalt driveway. Asphalt needs to cure over time and can go without sealants for several years.
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