A well-kept bitumen surface, whether it is a driveway, an access road or a car park, saves you money by holding off the big repairs. It does need regular attention though. Whether your surface is freshly laid or has been down for years, here is what keeps it in good order.
Clean it regularly
Regular cleaning is the simplest and one of the most effective things you can do. Dirt, leaves and debris let moss and algae take hold, and those hold moisture against the surface. Oil spills are worse again, because they break bitumen down and lead straight to cracks and potholes. Sweep the surface often and clean up any oil or chemical spill as soon as you spot it.
Sealcoat for the long haul
Sealcoating is the step most people skip. A protective coat over the top guards against weather, oil and UV, and stops water finding its way into small cracks. Every two to three years is a good rhythm, adjusted for how much traffic and sun the surface cops. It is a modest job that noticeably extends the life of the surface.
Repair cracks while they are small
Cracks turn up eventually, from traffic, ground movement or a weakness in the base. Seal them early. Left alone, a crack draws in water, spreads, and becomes a pothole and then a structural problem. A simple crack fill restores the surface and heads off much bigger work.
Keep water off the base
Water is the main enemy of any bitumen surface, and standing water is the worst of it, because it soaks into small openings and erodes the surface from underneath. Make sure the surface is graded to drain properly. In our climate the summer downpours test drainage hard, so if you see water pooling, sort it out before the wet really arrives.
Mind heavy traffic
If trucks or machinery use the surface regularly, expect more wear: depressions, cracking and rutting in the load paths. High-traffic areas can be built or reinforced to suit, and regular inspection catches the early signs before they spread.
Adjust with the seasons
Our year is really wet and dry rather than hot and cold. Get cracks filled and drainage clear before the storm season so water cannot get in, and a fresh sealcoat heading into the drier months protects against the sun. Matching the maintenance to the season keeps the surface in shape year-round.
Want your bitumen surface professionally checked, sealed or repaired? Get in touch for honest advice and a free written quote.