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Morristown TN Real Estate For Sale - 6 Maintenance Tips for Caring for an Asphalt Driveway

By
Real Estate Agent with Elite Realty Group

 

6 Maintenance Tips for Caring for an Asphalt Driveway
Having an asphalt driveway is a great way to dress up your home's exterior, but these types of driveways require some upkeep. Asphalt driveways are fairly low-maintenance, but there are a few tips to keep your driveway looking its best for as long as possible.
1- Keep Debris from Clogging Your Gutters and Pipes
Asphalt driveways are extremely porous, meaning that water can drain through them quite easily. Keeping debris from clogging the pores will help the asphalt stay porous and drained, which means fewer cracks to fill for you!
2- Avoid Driving or Parking on Sensitive Areas
When asphalt contracts in extreme cold, the surface becomes very brittle, making it more susceptible to cracking when vehicles are driven over it. Be sure to avoid walking near tree roots as they cause most driveway problems. Also, if there is damage to your driveway, be sure not to drive over it before having someone look at the problem, so it doesn't become worse than what you had to begin with.
3- Inspect Your Asphalt Yearly
Drivers often neglect the condition of their asphalt driveway in favor of focusing on the car. Inspecting your asphalt is a great way to catch problems early and save yourself some money before they become huge issues in the future. Look for any signs of oil or other substances on the surface which may indicate a leak in your driveway's sealant or undercarriage. Inspect your driveway for potholes, depressions, or sunken areas where water can collect and freeze during the winter months. Watch out for tree roots growing near the edge of the driveway, as they can cause damage to the driveway from below ground level.
4- Change Out Broken Panels Quickly
Time is of the essence when it comes to replacing damaged panels, so be sure to keep a few extra in your garage just in case you encounter an emergency down the road. This will avoid having to drive over partially patched-up gaps or waiting around for a service person when there is work that needs doing right away.
5- Replace Missing Shingles
Missing shingles can leave gaps in your asphalt that can lead to serious trouble. Replace missing shingles as soon as possible, and be sure that the panels are replaced in their original pattern for a seamless look.
6- Keep Your Asphalt Clean
Spilled oil, paint, antifreeze, chemical products, tires - these things cannot be removed from an asphalt driveway without damaging it or changing its color completely. Be sure to take preventive measures by having catch basins installed under the hoods of cars whenever possible to keep harmful fluids away from where they can do damage. If you see any spills on your driveway, immediately vacuum them up with a shop vacuum to avoid trapping the chemicals next to the asphalt for too before they are able to penetrate.
Leaves are one of the worst things that can happen to an asphalt driveway, as they can easily clog up your pores and create hazardous mud pits. Make sure to keep the surface free of debris at all times for optimal performance. Also, if there is any standing water after a heavy rainstorm or snowy day, be sure to remove it, so it doesn't freeze and expand under your panels.
As you can see, asphalt driveways are fairly easy to take care of when you know what you're doing. Take a few minutes every week to inspect your driveway for any damages, and be sure to keep up with the regular maintenance it needs in order to stay looking great!
Watch our Facebook Live Show every Wednesday at 12p.m. est. Elite Realty Group 423-307-8566 Licensed in TN Equal Housing Opportunity
*original article by David Jackson on ActiveRain
 

The Elkins Home Selling Team with Elite Realty Group provides services with Morristown TN Real Estate For Sale and Morristown TN Homes For Sale to home buyers and home sellers in Morristown TennesseeWhitesburgTalbottRussellvilleSeviervilleBean StationDandridgePigeon Forge and surrounding communities.

We specialize in working with Home Sellers in getting their homes listed and sold. We utilize the latest and most up to date marketing materials in assuring the job gets done quickly and with the least amount of hassle. Our homes are listed on over 32 different Real Estate web sites including realtor.com, yahoo.com, trulia.com and many others. Each office independently owned and operated.

Elite Realty Group is a full service real estate company serving Morristown TN Real Estate For SaleJefferson City TN Real Estate For SaleTalbott TN Real Estate For SaleRussellville TN Real Estate For SaleGrainger Co TN Real Estate For SaleDandridge TN Homes For SaleCherokee Lake TN Homes For Sale and Douglas Lake TN Homes For Sale.

Comments (4)

Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

Nice tips, Norma... I don't hardly see asphalt driveways in my area... typically they are concrete (and these tips could also apply), unless someone has done a custom driveway with pavers.

Oct 12, 2021 05:56 AM
Norma J. Elkins

Nina Hollander, Broker I agree with you on that one.  We have a mixture of both here in East TN so it really is useful for both.  Hope you have a wonderful day!

Oct 14, 2021 06:51 AM
Bill Salvatore - East Valley
Arizona Elite Properties - Chandler, AZ
Realtor - 602-999-0952 / em: golfArizona@cox.net

Yes, 6 excellant points. Great information, and thanks for share.  We made it to Tuesday, don't forget the Tacos.  Thanks again for the post and make it a productive day.  Bill Salvatore

Oct 12, 2021 06:08 AM
Norma J. Elkins

Bill Salvatore - YVP Blog that meme cracked me up.  That was way too funny.  Hope you have a wonderful day!

Oct 14, 2021 06:55 AM
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Norma, like Nina, we don't see many asphalt driveways, usually concrete.  Sometimes in the rural areas....

Oct 12, 2021 06:11 AM
Norma J. Elkins

Joan Cox we have a mixture of both here in East TN more concrete then anything though.  Hope you have a wonderful day!

Oct 14, 2021 06:56 AM
John Pusa
Glendale, CA

Hello Norma J. Elkins these are very good list of maintenance tips for caring an asphalt driveway.

Oct 12, 2021 03:20 PM
Norma J. Elkins

John Pusa thanks for stopping by and I hope that you have a wonderful day!

Oct 14, 2021 06:56 AM