It is well known that the temperature in Québec is not the most favourable for asphalted surfaces. Between the different freeze-thaw cycles that we constantly experience throughout the seasons, a simple and efficient maintenance of your asphalt surface will enable you to keep it longer, and in better condition.
As obvious as it may seem, regular asphalt maintenance is the first step in clearing any debris that could be hiding bigger issues. By cleaning your asphalt surface regularly, you will notice defects or imperfections earlier, resulting in a more manageable repair later on.
In order to identify potholes or other cracks in your asphalt surface, regular maintenance of the surface will allow you to target the various imperfections that will need repair as soon as they appear. By being able to clear the surface of debris such as leaves, sand, rocks or other objects, it will be easier for you to see the areas that need to be repaired. The cleaning and maintenance steps are easy and simple procedures, which are done methodically when you go outdoors to complete household tasks; all you need to do is really take your asphalt into consideration, and you’re done! By making it easier for you to identify fixable imperfections, you set the stage for the third step.
As you can imagine, if your asphalt has cracked in the past or shown signs of aging, such as cracks or other larger fissures, it may be a sign that the condition of your bitumen is deteriorating. It is highly recommended in this particular situation to apply a high quality bitumen sealer to protect your yard or any other asphalt surface. By already making it a habit to clean your asphalt and repair or target imperfections in advance, it is easier to apply the sealant. Once the cracks and other holes are filled, all you have to do is clean your asphalt thoroughly and the application of a sealant will resolve the situation, restoring a new and homogeneous appearance to your surface.
At this stage, you will only have to mark out your land and surface well, to ensure that you do not spread any sealant unnecessarily outside your surface. Bearing in mind that the application of a bitumen sealer is done in the same way as painting the walls of a house, you can attach industrial adhesive tape to the edges of the surface, apply cardboard to ensure that you do not overstep and contaminate other nearby surfaces (ceramic tiles, grass, stone, wood or other surfaces). With the right protective product, you will use a paint roller for asphalt and will need to apply the sealer to your cleaned asphalt surface. Occasionally, an additional coat of sealant can be necessary, at which time it would be advisable to apply an adhesive product first, to ensure that the different sealant layers can adhere well to your surface.
Even if your asphalt surface is more than ten or even twenty years old, it is still possible to restore it to its youthful shine. Although asphalt can become rougher over time and therefore more difficult to clean, it is still possible to take the time to clean it thoroughly, to plug cracks and gaps that time has inflicted to it and to prepare the ground for the application of the sealant. It’s like a rejuvenating treatment for your asphalt. Anything is possible with the right products and professional services!
