So, you’ve just had a new asphalt driveway laid at your home or commercial property and are wondering – what next?
There are some important do’s and don’ts to ensure your new driveway is kept in good shape for years to come. In this article, we share a few of these pointers.
Install driveway edging
We use a 32mpa ready-mixed concrete for all our extruded concrete kerbing (not hand-mixed garden kerb). Driveways are surrounded by natural environments which may cause seeds or soil and water to seep onto the asphalt surface and cause damage down the track. One of the best solutions is to install extruded concrete kerbing. Concrete kerbs are used to separate the driveway from a range of landscaping, footpaths, and other sensitive areas where heavy vehicles and tyres aren’t wanted.
Depending on the job requirements, kerbing can also assist with drainage to further improve maintenance and reduce damage and aid water run-off.
Wait to drive on a new asphalt driveway
How long should you stay off a new asphalt driveway?
For light use, you should wait a few hours before using the driveway. For heavier loads, it’s recommended to wait at least 24 hours. The asphalt laying experts at NK Asphalt will advise you depending on your project.
NK Asphalt’s hot-mix asphalt driveways usually require at least a month to start to oxidise / cure (harden), but thankfully most everyday actions are acceptable just a short time after we leave. Asphalt slowly oxidises and stiffens as it ages and this slow process is the reason that asphalt surfaces can last for decades before needing maintenance or repairs.
A hot mix asphalt driveway entrance on a hill, featuring a stylish gated entrance and white kerbing.
Drive and park with care for longevity
Like most things, if you treat something with care, it should last longer – a new asphalt driveway is no different.
A new asphalt surface is more susceptible to damage if you stationary turn the front car wheels causing scuffing or brake suddenly. By slowing down, or moving whilst turning, you can reduce the risk of scuffs, tyre marks, and depressions in the new surface.
Furthermore, parking a heavy point load in the same spot for a long time may cause indentations or uneven patches in the surface. We recommend storing in a slightly different spot each time and placing long-term heavy objects on a weight distributing pad or wood plank.
New asphalt driveway cleaning and maintenance
To ensure the upkeep of your new asphalt driveway, it’s helpful to clean and maintain it as needed throughout the years. Not only will this aid and improve the driveways visual appearance and functionality but will save you money on repairs and resurfacing down the track.
For a guide to cleaning your driveway, see our 3 Tips to Maintain Your Asphalt Driveway. Alternatively, see our guide to preventing damage to a bitumen driveway.
An appealing front entrance complete with a new asphalt driveway by NK Asphalt and a stylish fence either side.
New asphalt driveway experts Perth
At NK Asphalt, we strive to be the best provider of asphalt surfaces in Perth and the surrounding areas up to 100km from Perth. As one of the most experienced asphalt contractors out there, we know how to create a top-quality product whilst providing an old-fashioned customer service, as we have since 1989.
If you need a new asphalt driveway or driveway resurfacing on an area that’s greater than 150m2, contact us below!
