Most people would never dream of trying to drive a car for 75,000 miles without ever changing its oil. They know that a conservative investment in periodic maintenance can help them avoid spending thousands of dollars to replace or repair the engine very early in the vehicle’s life. Smart homeowners do not let dryer lint accumulate in the vent pipe to the point that a fire results, nor will they ignore a roof leak until water is dripping on their head, the furniture is ruined, and the floor has been severely damaged. Like most items, asphalt sealcoating needs to be maintained if you want to avoid future problems and significant expenses.
The Cost of Delaying Asphalt Maintenance | Kansas City
How Does Delaying Asphalt Maintenance Increase Future Costs?
Reputable asphalt companies install high-quality pavements that are expected to last for many years. However, asphalt contractors know that their best work will not continue as it should unless the customer takes proper care of the pavement. Proper care includes timely repairs as well as preventive maintenance. Studies have found that each dollar that you spend to maintain and repair your pavement will save you between $4 and $10 in future expenses.
One interesting case study reported on a parking lot would have needed no more than $5,500 to keep it properly maintained. The owner delayed maintenance for five years, and by that time, the pavement had deteriorated so badly that the owner was forced to rebuild the lot at the cost of more than $35,000. Another study found that pavements receiving no maintenance were almost all at the point of complete failure within 10 years of their installation.
What Maintenance Is Recommended for Asphalt Pavement?
No two pavements receive identical traffic or are used for the same purposes. Therefore, every property owner should ask an experienced, credible asphalt contractor to recommend a schedule of services. However, some maintenance procedures are the same for all asphalt pavements.
• Asphalt Crack Repair: Cracks pose a significant danger to asphalt pavement. Fortunately, crack repairs are economical and cause little disruption. Any break in the pavement should be repaired promptly to prevent water from penetrating to the pavement’s foundation. Once the foundation has been eroded and destabilized by water infiltration, the repair costs will increase significantly.
• Seal coat: Sealcoating is an asphalt coating that helps prevent water infiltration, blocks harmful UV rays and slows the damage caused by automotive fluids that have dripped onto the pavement. Seal coat is not a one-time treatment, however. It needs to be reapplied every few years throughout the life of the pavement. Sealcoating is highly effective, but it is also quite economical. Furthermore, sealcoating will bring back the attractive color that your pavement had when it was first installed.
• Drainage: Storm drains, catch basins and other components that are designed to carry away runoff need to be kept clear of clogs. Periodic inspections can help you identify any leaves, trash or other debris that could be impeding the flow of water and need to be removed.
• Resurfacing: Resurfacing, commonly known as installing an asphalt overlay, is much less expensive than rebuilding a pavement. It is an attractive, economical and effective way to add years to the life of a worn-out pavement.
All Pro Asphalt is a Kansas City based asphalt maintenance company and can help you maximize the return on your pavement investment. We specialize in asphalt maintenance, including sealcoating, crack repair, asphalt overlays, infrared asphalt repairs, asphalt paving, and parking lot striping. We also repair and install concrete. Our experience and skills allow us to guarantee that you will be satisfied with our work, and our goal is to exceed your expectations. We serve the Kansas City metropolitan area as well as customers in many nearby counties. Call us at 816-249-6800 or fill out the online form to request a free quote.
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