The Whys and Hows of Proper Pavement Maintenance in South Shore MA

Parking lots and driveways can be filled with concrete, gravel, or even sea shells. However, there is no comparison to asphalt. Nothing else is smoother or more attractive than an asphalt lot or driveway. With proper Pavement Maintenance South Shore, MA, no other type of driveway or parking lot lasts longer, either. To get the most value and durability out of your pavement, you should start preventative maintenance on it shortly after paving is completed.

Many people mistakenly believe that an asphalt pavement should undergo maintenance yearly. However, preventative maintenance on your pavement should begin within 6-8 weeks after paving is completed. This is all the time that is needed for the pavement to rid itself of surface oils so that a seal coat can be applied. With a proper seal coating, you will only need further Pavement Maintenance South Shore MA every 2-3 years.

What will happen if you avoid Pavement Maintenance South Shore MA? If you thought that low, slow traffic on a driveway or parking lot would cause little damage, you’d be correct. However, pavement takes a severe beating from the weather. First, the sun begins to dry out the oils in the asphalt. This eventually leads to a brittle, cracked pavement.

Next, rain seeps through the cracks, causing the asphalt base to soften. When winter brings freezing weather, as ice expands and contracts, it further weakens the base. This process will lead to buckling of the pavement, which would require expensive, major repair. By comparison, regular seal coating preserves your asphalt pavement for many years and costs only pennies per square foot. A driveway only needs one coat of sealer, while a parking lot should have two coats, plus a third coat on entrances and exits. Visit for more information on sealcoating.

If possible, the pavement should not be used for 12-24 hours after it has been sealed. For this reason, some customers might ask if the pavement can be sealed at night. However, a warm, sunny day with low humidity is required for the sealer to cure fully. When first driving on the sealed pavement, avoid making sharp turns to prevent scuffing. However, some scuffing is normal. If you follow the proper procedures for Pavement Maintenance South Shore MA, your driveway or parking lot will have a smooth, sturdy surface for the long term.

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