How to Protect Asphalt Driveways from Water Damage

Before potholes have you scrambling to call an asphalt driveway repair company, it can be a good idea to take preventative measures to protect your driveway from water damage.
Over time, driveways are susceptible to damage from water and outdoor weather conditions. Rain, snow, and humidity can all work together to degrade your pavement, not only ruining its appearance but causing costly damage as well.

Taking steps to protect your driveway from water damage can save you money, ensure safety on your property, and extend the lifespan of your driveway.

Preventing Asphalt Pavement from Water Damage

Many property owners only think of asphalt driveway repair once there is a major problem on their pavement, such as a pothole, sunken ground, or uneven surfaces.

Unfortunately, this is the wrong approach. Once this type of damage occurs, it can be very expensive and complex to repair. Property owners can be sure to pay more when they let water damage (or any other type of damage) to get out of control.

The best approach to asphalt repair is to use ongoing maintenance and preventative measures to protect against water damage. With this approach, property owners can use simple maintenance procedures regularly. While this requires more frequent work and inspections, it can end up saving them a lot of money and time in the long run.

Causes of Asphalt Water Damage

How exactly does water damage an asphalt driveway? While it may sound strange, water damage is actually the biggest cause of damage on driveways and other asphalt surfaces.

When cracks form in asphalt, they allow water to seep under the surface, degrading the ground beneath. Every time it rains, snows, or becomes wet, water can enter the asphalt through cracks, causing extensive damage. Often, this damage is not visible from the surface but can still be quite extensive. If left for too long, it can lead to potholes and other major types of damage that require costly repairs.

Furthermore, moisture can penetrate asphalt surfaces, helping degrade both the surface and the ground beneath. Particularly with parking lots or large driveways, areas of pooling or standing water can end up leading to damage of the asphalt.

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Ways to Prevent Water Damage to Asphalt Driveways

When it comes to asphalt pavement distress, there are a number of ways that property owners can protect their driveways. By taking the proper steps, homeowners can prevent water damage from eating into their driveway (and wallets!).

Sealcoating Asphalt

Sealcoating is one of the most effective methods for preventing water damage and extending the lifespan of driveways. Pavement contractors can apply a protective sealant to the asphalt surface, effectively sealing cracks and keeping the surface protected from moisture. Sealcoating is a cost-effective and affordable procedure, and can end up saving homeowners a lot of money by preventing potholes, degraded ground, and other major types of damage.

Crack Filling

Asphalt pavement crack repair is important for preventing water from penetrating asphalt surfaces and damaging the ground underneath. Pavement contractors can quickly and easily fill in cracks, effectively eliminating them and preventing water from flowing into them. Very minor cracks may be able to be addressed by property owners themselves, but for larger cracks, it’s important to have a professional pavement contractor perform the work.

Pothole Repair

Potholes are often the result of water damage, but they can also be a cause of water damage too. When a pothole opens in your asphalt surface, water can easily flow in, creating worsening forms of damage throughout your driveway. Potholes require emergency repair from a professional pavement maintenance company. The longer you wait, the higher the cost and necessary repair will be.

Regular Maintenance

Property owners should perform regular maintenance and inspections of their property, dealing with problems before they get out of hand. Checking for early signs of damage, patching minor cracks, and ensuring proper drainage are all things that can help minimize damage and repair on an asphalt driveway.

As the leading pavement maintenance contractor in the GTA, Sure-Seal Pavement Maintenance Inc. specializes in catch basin repairs, rebuilding, and repaving. We offer an industry-leading, seven-year structural warranty. Contact us today for more information on how we can perform catch basin repair for your driveway or parking lot.