How to Avoid Defects in Newly Poured Asphalt Driveways


Asphalt driveways are most vulnerable to damage in the first few days after their construction. This article discusses measures that you can take to avoid two of the most common problems of newly laid asphalt driveways.

Surface Distortion

The surface of your new asphalt driveway can become distorted if heavy loads are placed on that driveway before it cures fully. This distortion results because the materials are still very flexible. Any loads can therefore alter the surface of the asphalt permanently. You should avoid placing sharp objects on the driveway. For instance, place the kickstands of motorcycles on blocks. The same should be done for the dolly wheels of trailers. The blocks will distribute the weight of the trailer or motorcycle over a larger area so that the potential for surface distortion is reduced.

You should also be very careful when you are turning a vehicle on the asphalt driveway in case that vehicle has power steering. The surface of the driveway may be scuffed in case you aren't careful when turning that vehicle. Slow down as much as possible so that the effect of the wheels is minimal on the freshly laid asphalt.

Spills

One of the byproducts that is produced when petroleum is distilled is asphalt cement. This byproduct is soluble in fuel or other petroleum products. It is therefore necessary for you to protect your new driveway from being damaged by spills that can dissolve the asphalt cement. Three easy steps can avert such structural or aesthetic damage from spills. First, use an absorbent material to extract any substance, such as engine oil, which spills on your new driveway. Dispose of those absorbent materials in accordance with the laws of your area.

Secondly, you can use a garden hose to clean up the area affected by the spill. The water that you use will dilute the spilt substance to such an extent that it will no longer pose any danger to your driveway. Most of that spill will be washed away by the water.

Thirdly, you can wash the spill off using a brush and a mixture containing a detergent and a degreaser. Make sure that the brush you use doesn't have metallic bristles. Scrub the area thoroughly before you rinse it off with clean water.

The measures above may be sufficient to keep your asphalt driveway intact as it cures. Contact the contractor who laid the driveway in case you notice serious defects, such as heaving. That professional will inspect the affected part and institute corrective measures before the driveway cures with that defect.

About Me

Building a new skate ramp

My son and his friends are huge fans of skateboarding. We live in the country, so there aren't many places that they can go for skating, but we do have a lot of space on our property, so I've decided to have a skate bowl on our property. The local parents are all helping out, including the concrete contractor. The kids are even getting involved in the design of the ramps and slopes, which is teaching them some maths and concreting skills at the same time. This blog is all about getting a concrete skatepark and ramps designed and built.

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