Landscaping Ideas: How to Embrace Your Lawn and Garden

If you had a new asphalt driveway installed, it will last you for many years. There are things you can do to ensure this happens. Below is in formation on two of these things so you will not have to worry about your driveway getting damaged. 

Keep It Clean

Keeping your new driveway clean not only keeps it looking nice but allows you to see if there is any damage. Even small cracks will turn into much larger ones. If you see even tiny cracks fill these in with concrete crack filler. Purchase this at a home improvement store and follow the instructions on how to use it. Cleaning the driveway will also help prevent stains that may come from cars, such as radiator fluid and motor oil. These things can penetrate the asphalt if left on for long periods of time. 

To clean the driveway first use a garden hose to wet it. Pretreat stains with an asphalt stain remover product. You can use a scrub brush to remove stains. Do not use a wire brush, however, as this can damage the surface. Using a pressure washer makes this job much easier. Use a cleaner that is made for asphalt. When you are finished, use a garden hose to rinse the driveway and ensure all cleaner is removed. 

Sealcoat the Driveway

After cleaning the driveway, put a sealcoat on it. This will protect the driveway from stains, cracks, etc. It can also protect your driveway from weather conditions, such as if you have a lot of snow or rain. You can purchase sealcoating at a home improvement store.  

Purchase sealcoating that is already mixed to make the job easier. Pour the sealcoating into a bucket and pour it on the driveway a little at a time. Use a driveway squeeze or a wide broom to spread the sealant evenly. Put a thin coating on first, let it dry completely, and put on another thin coat. The sealcoating instructions show how long it takes to dry. In most cases, this is only a few hours. When finished, don't use your driveway for a couple of days to let the sealant completely cure. 

If you have a large driveway, you can hire a driveway sealcoating service to do this job for you. This will not only save you a lot of time but will ensure the job is done correctly. 

Talk with the asphalt company that installed your driveway for more tips on keeping it in good condition.