As we approach the height of summer and the heat that accompanies it, many homeowners are taking action to protect their homes from heat damage. Did you know that the summer heat can affect your driveway as well? It most certainly can! Today, we will share with you how this happens and the steps you can take to protect your driveway.
How Does Heat Affect My Driveway?
Have you ever tried to walk barefoot on your driveway during the summer, only to jump away when you realize how hot it is? That is because your driveway absorbs heat, just like any other hard black surface. This forces the surface temperature of the driveway to rise, and when that temperature is sustained for long periods of time, it can create soft spots on the driveway.
How to Prevent Heat Damage on Your Driveway
#1: Change Parking Locations
A step that you can take daily during the summer heat is to switch up your parking location if you park on your driveway. As we said above, consistent heat can make your driveway soft. The heat combined with the weight of your car can actually cause your driveway to sag. It’s similar to when you sit on the same couch cushion every day, and it molds to your backside. By parking in different locations, you can avoid this issue.
It is important to note that any consistent, heavy weight on a hot driveway can cause it to sag, so you will want to consider moving anything like this off the driveway for the summer. This can include heavy machinery, cement blocks, parking signs, building materials, etc.
#2 Perform Regular Maintenance
As a responsible homeowner, you should perform regular maintenance on your driveway year-round. Routine maintenance includes repairing cracks, managing water distribution, and regular cleaning. By keeping your driveway in peak condition, it is less likely to be negatively affected by extreme temperatures.
#3: Sealcoat Your Driveway
Sealcoating should be a part of your regular maintenance schedule, but it often gets forgotten because it is needed less frequently than other actions. By sealcoating your driveway on schedule, it helps to keep everything protected.
If you haven’t sealcoated lately, summer is an excellent time to do so. When you get sealcoating during times of high temperatures, it allows the coating to bond to the surface of the driveway better. As well, the heat lowers the viscosity of the seal coat, which enables it to penetrate deeper into existing cracks for an even better protection.
When was the Last Time You Had a Driveway Inspection?
While there are many tasks homeowners can DIY, the majority of driveway maintenance, other than cleaning, is recommended to be done with the help of a professional. If you haven’t had a driveway inspection in a while, now is the time to get one. Our experts can identify any problem areas that could negatively affect the health and lifespan of your driveway. For more information, please book an appointment with us today.
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