Key Takeaways:
- Regular pavement inspections prevent costly problems.
- Look for cracks, potholes, drainage issues, and wear and tear during inspections.
- Clean the pavement before winter to prevent premature aging.
- Seal coating protects the pavement from environmental factors and prolongs lifespan.
- Residents can help maintain pavement by reporting damage and following rules.
As we settle into fall’s cozy embrace, it’s essential to take this season as an opportunity to ensure your Home Owner Association (HOA) pavement is ready with proactive asphalt maintenance for whatever winter throws at us!
Maintaining your community’s roads and driveways means taking care of minor issues before they become major problems later. Not only are you doing something good for everyone in the association, but keeping up with maintenance will save you money in the long run. Atkins Paving offers three tips for maintaining your HOA community pavement. Other than that, we’ll also discuss the role of residents in asphalt maintenance. Protect your pavement this fall so everyone can continue living safely and comfortably.
What to Look for When Inspecting Pavement for Damage?
As the season shifts from summer to fall, your pavement may be exposed to temperature changes and other external factors that could lead to issues. Initially, these concerns are superficial but can develop into costly problems if left unattended. That’s why thorough inspection is essential for fall asphalt maintenance before things get out of hand!
Inspections help uncover issues present on the asphalt surface. But you need to know what to look for during an inspection. Here are a few things to do during a pavement inspection.
Look for Cracks, Potholes, and Other Deformities
When examining your HOA pavement, begin by assessing the conspicuous abnormalities. These may include cracks, potholes, dips, and ruts. You can address these typical issues swiftly and effectively by performing periodic inspections of your asphalt pavement.
Check the Drainage System
Clogged drains or water pooling on the surface could indicate drainage issues that must be fixed immediately. Poor drainage is one of the leading causes of pavement damage, so ensure your HOA’s drainage system functions correctly during inspections.
Look for Signs of Wear & Tear
The typical lifespan of an asphalt pavement is about 15-30 years. Asphalt pavement is not indestructible and can suffer from wear and tear over time due to everyday usage by vehicles or pedestrians. So look for indentation, cracking, crumbling edges, or a surface that has lost its original shape.
Hire a Professional Paving Contractor
For a more detailed inspection, hiring a professional paving contractor is essential. Such contractors specialize in pavement inspections and have the right tools and expertise to evaluate the condition of your HOA’s asphalt pavements.
Importance of Damage Repair Before Winter
Inspection can help uncover pavement issues and facilitate asphalt maintenance and repair planning. Maintenance and repair must be handled before winter. Cold weather can wreak havoc on asphalt pavement and worsen the damage. So, inspecting the pavement in the fall and repairing damages before winter is suggested.
Importance of Pavement Cleaning
Cleaning is next on the list of fall asphalt maintenance. Clean the pavement before winter to keep the asphalt in good condition. Cleaning helps remove dirt and debris, like grease, oil or fuel spills, and other contaminants that stain the surface of asphalt pavements. It can help prevent the premature aging of pavements and make them last longer.
How to Perform Pavement Cleaning?
1. Pressure Washing
It is one way to clean asphalt pavement and remove surface-level dirt, stains, and debris. However, consult a professional paving contractor before hosing down the pavement.
2. Chemical Cleaning
Chemical cleaning is a great option to remove stubborn stains and dirt left after pressure washing. Commonly used chemicals include hydrochloric acid, sodium hydroxide, and trisodium phosphate. Practice caution when handling these dangerous chemicals. Consult a professional before using any chemical cleaners to avoid damaging your pavement.
3. Vacuum Sweeping
Vacuum sweeping is one of the most popular methods of asphalt cleaning used by professionals today. It removes surface-level contaminants without damaging the asphalt’s integrity.
Pavement Seal Coating
Next on the list of fall asphalt maintenance is seal coating. It refers to applying a protective sealant to the asphalt. It helps protect it against oxidation and other environmental factors that can lead to premature cracking and pothole formation. The sealant also adds a layer of protection for winter weather, preserving it from heavy snowfall and ice accumulation. It prevents moisture from seeping into the pavement and freezing, creating cracks. Perform pavement sealing every three years to prolong its lifespan.
Why Should Professional Paving Contractors Handle Seal Coating?
Professional contractors know the roads in your area, including their condition and composition. Plus, they can apply the sealant properly with the correct consistency and quantity to ensure it’s evenly spread and doesn’t cause further damage to your pavement. They use high-quality sealants that protect better than store-bought products.
Role of Residents During Asphalt Maintenance
Although HOA pavement is the responsibility of the HOA administration, residents can help to ensure that it is properly maintained. Residents should watch for any signs of damage or wear and tear. If they notice anything unusual, they should inform the HOA immediately so that appropriate action can be taken to prevent further deterioration. Additionally, residents need to clear any debris from their driveways or parking spaces to avoid any build-up of dirt and grit, which could cause damage over time. In addition, they should also follow the rules offered by the HOA regarding pavement, for instance, not driving over the pavement with heavy vehicles.
Related: Is It Still Too Cold To Seal Your Pavement?
Conclusion
Regular inspections to detect damage, timely cleaning, and seal coating are essential steps that must be taken to ensure long-lasting pavement for your HOA. Residents should also follow the rules outlined by their HOA regarding pavement use. These simple steps can help keep your pavement looking great throughout the year!
Rely on Professionals for Your HOA Pavement Maintenance in Lancaster, SC
At Atkins Paving, we understand the importance of keeping HOA pavement in top shape. We provide comprehensive services for asphalt maintenance and have extensive experience with HOAs. Our team is dedicated to helping you keep your pavement looking its best through our high-quality professional services. Contact us today for a free estimate.
