Spring Driveway Maintenance Tips

Spring has officially sprung, and as winter fades away, you’ll start seeing what tricks Jack Frost played on your driveway over winter (even a mild one). Cracks or potholes in asphalt are a common side effect of the cold winter months. However, delaying getting these items fixed can make for a HUGE headache later. So read on as we look at how to repair your driveway this spring, so it looks its best and stays in good condition.

Asphalt

Asphalt driveways have many advantages. They provide a smooth, durable surface for vehicles to drive on and park. A well-maintained driveway can also be an attractive asset to your home, adding curb appeal. The one thing to remember is that to keep your driveway that way; it requires regular care to remain in top condition. Little cracks can become big and become a crumbling driveway when left unchecked.

Driveway issues

Spring is the perfect time to give your driveway a once over and check for damage that winter’s moisture and extreme cold may have caused. First, you will want to look for any cracks that have formed. It’s essential to address these early; the longer you let a crack go, the more likely it will grow in size and eventually form a pothole. If close to the edge of your driveway, a crack could eventually lead to a piece breaking off on the edge. There are off-the-shelf items you can purchase to address more minor cracks, but it’s a good idea to have a local paving contractor take a look and recommend the best course of action. If your driveway has formed a pothole or a low-lying dip where water collects, you definitely want the help of a paving contractor. A larger job like this will need special care that a professional can provide.

Edging

Many overlook the damage that grass can do to the edge of a driveway. Grass allowed to grow tight against and over the edge of a driveway is unsightly and can weaken the edge. Spring is a great time before the grass gets into its full growth period to trim back the edges of your driveway. Once you have done this, maintain that edge throughout the growing season. If you find weed and grass encroachment to be too much of a problem, clear an area around the edge, lay down a weedproof mat, and cover it with mulch or decorative river stone.

Sealcoating

Spring is also a great time to sealcoat a driveway. You should consider having your asphalt driveway sealcoated every 3 to 5 years. It’s a back-breaking job if done on your own, and many products sold in stores simply are not high quality. Instead, contact a paver that does sealcoating to bring your asphalt driveway back to it’s original glory.

Spring is a great time to give your driveway a little TLC. Whether you need some advice on crack repair, have a pothole that needs to be addressed, or are looking for some sealcoating, you can trust J. McDonald Contracting to give you incomparable quality. Contact us today, and let’s work together on your spring driveway tune-up!