New Jersey features very hot summers, very frigid winters, and everything in between. These characteristics give the state four distinct seasons, which keeps things interesting, but they also wear out paved surfaces. Asphalt is strong and flexible, but it still needs to be cared for on a regular basis to stay strong through freeze-thaw cycles, road salt, UV exposure, and heavy traffic.
If you have a driveway at home or a big parking lot at work, it’s crucial to know how to take care of asphalt to protect your investment. As long as they are taken care of, New Jersey’s asphalt roads can last for more than 20 years.
How the Weather in New Jersey Changes Asphalt
In the Garden State, asphalt surfaces have their own problems:
• Freeze-Thaw Cycles: Water gets into cracks, freezes, and then expands, making the fissures bigger. Over time, this makes potholes.
• Getting rid of snow and ice: Rock salt and plowing keep people safe, but if not done appropriately, they can also destroy asphalt.
• Heat and UV Rays: When asphalt binders are exposed to the summer heat for a long period, they become softer, which causes the surface to fade and wear down.
• Heavy Rain: When water doesn’t drain properly, it pools on the pavement, which makes it weaker and speeds up deterioration.
People who own property in New Jersey need to be proactive about maintenance because of these environmental pressures. They shouldn’t wait for severe problems to happen.
Important Things to Do for Maintenance
The good news is that asphalt is one of the easiest types of paving to care for. You can make it last a lot longer by keeping up with routine maintenance.
1. Sealcoating
Sealcoating keeps moisture, UV rays, and fluids from cars from getting in. New Jersey experts suggest that sealcoating every two to three years will maintain the surface looking nice and the rich black color.
2. Filling up gaps
You should mend even the smallest cracks immediately away. Filling the cracks keeps water from coming in and freezing in the winter, which is what causes potholes.
3. Repairing Potholes
Quick fixes keep potholes from getting bigger and damaging cars. Patching is a quick and economical approach to address things compared to full resurfacing.
4. Taking care of drainage
Having the correct grading and drainage systems is very crucial. Redirecting water away from pavement reduces erosion and problems with the structure that can happen underneath the surface.
5. Cleaning on a regular basis
You should pick up debris, oil stains, and standing water on a regular basis to keep the surface from breaking down. A clean driveway or lot also makes you look more professional.
Why knowing the area is important for asphalt paving in New Jersey
People who wish to hire specialists for asphalt paving in New Jersey need to know a lot about the area. Contractors who have worked in the area for a long time know how the weather affects asphalt and can give you tips on how to keep it in good shape. They can assist you pick the best sealants, repair schedules, and drainage systems to protect your pavement from seasonal damage.
It’s also easy to identify local contractors for inspections and repairs in an emergency. If a poor winter leaves you with cracks or potholes that you didn’t expect, having a reliable specialist nearby will help you fix them fast and save them from getting worse.
When to resurface and when to repave
People who own property often ask if they should resurface or fully replace their asphalt. The choice is often based on how the base layer looks:
• Resurfacing (Overlaying): If the foundation is still strong, you can add a fresh layer of asphalt on top to make it seem and feel stronger. This is a cheap approach to repair up surfaces that are a little worn out.
• Full Repaving: If the surface is in very bad form, has a lot of drainage issues, or has structural damage, it may need to be fully replaced. The expense of repaving is higher up front, but it provides you a brand-new base and makes sure it lasts a long time.
A expert can assist you choose the finest option for your home.
Benefits of Maintenance Before Issues Arise
A lot of people who own property don’t do something about their Asphalt Paving New Jersey problems until they get pretty bad. On the other side, preventive maintenance provides many benefits:
• Longer Lifespan: Asphalt can last 20 to 25 years if you take care of it, but it will break down in 10 to 12 years if you don’t.
• Saving Money: Small repairs cost a lot less than big replacements.
• More Safety: Reducing the chance of tripping and potholes protects both persons and cars.
• Better Look: A smooth, black surface makes the property look better and gives guests or customers a favorable first impression.
To sum up, protect your investment all year round.
Asphalt is a tough and flexible material, but the weather in New Jersey means it needs to be taken care of on a regular basis to last as long as possible. Property owners can have smooth, long-lasting surfaces for decades by sealcoating, correcting cracks, managing drainage, and hiring trustworthy local contractors.
If your driveway or parking lot is starting to show signs of wear, now is the greatest time to do something about it. In New Jersey, you can protect your investment in pavement and keep it looking its best all year long if you hire a professional and do regular maintenance