Your asphalt driveway is a major investment that protects your property's curb appeal and daily functionality. In South Jersey, where freeze-thaw cycles, heavy rainfall, UV exposure, and road salt all take their toll, regular maintenance is essential to getting the full 20 to 30 year lifespan from your driveway. Harrison Paving has been maintaining and repairing driveways across Gloucester County, Camden County, Burlington County, Salem County, and Cumberland County since 1985. Here are our proven maintenance tips organized by season.
Spring is the most important maintenance season for South Jersey driveways. After winter's freeze-thaw cycles, inspect your entire driveway surface for new cracks, potholes, edge deterioration, and drainage problems. Look for areas where water pools — even small puddles indicate low spots that will worsen over time. Clear any debris, leaves, and sand that accumulated over winter, as these trap moisture against the surface. Schedule crack filling for any new damage before spring rains push water into the base layer. If cracks have widened significantly, consider professional assessment to determine whether filling or more extensive repair is appropriate.
Summer is prime sealcoating season. If your driveway is due for sealcoating (every two to three years, or 12 to 18 months after new installation), schedule it for a stretch of warm, dry weather. Keep the surface clean throughout summer and promptly treat any oil or fluid spills from vehicles — petroleum products dissolve the asphalt binder and create soft spots that become potholes. Rinse spills with dish soap and water as soon as possible. If you use a sprinkler system, adjust heads so water does not routinely spray onto or pool on the driveway surface.
Fall is your last opportunity to address any damage before winter's freeze-thaw cycles make it worse. Fill or repair any cracks that developed over summer. Complete sealcoating if you did not do it in summer — temperatures need to be above 50 degrees and the forecast should be dry for 24 hours after application. Clear leaves and organic debris regularly, especially in shaded areas where they trap moisture and can stain the surface. Trim any tree roots that have begun heaving sections of the driveway.
Use a plastic-edged snow shovel or snow blower rather than metal blades that can gouge the asphalt surface. If you use deicing products, choose calcium chloride or potassium chloride rather than rock salt (sodium chloride), which is harsher on both asphalt and nearby vegetation. Apply deicers sparingly — the goal is to prevent bonding of ice to the surface, not to melt everything down to bare pavement. Avoid piling heavy snow banks in the same location repeatedly, as the concentrated weight and moisture can damage the driveway edge.
Keep heavy vehicles like dumpsters, moving trucks, and construction equipment off your driveway when possible — residential driveways are not designed for concentrated heavy loads. Avoid turning your steering wheel while stationary, which scuffs and can tear the surface, especially during hot weather when asphalt is softest. Maintain clean edges where the driveway meets your lawn to prevent grass and soil from creeping onto the surface and trapping moisture.
Some maintenance requires professional equipment and materials. Hot rubberized crack sealant provides far superior results compared to hardware store products. Potholes should be repaired with hot-mix asphalt by a professional — cold patch from a bag is a temporary fix at best. And sealcoating is most effective when applied with professional spray equipment at the correct thickness and coverage rate.
Call Harrison Paving at (856) 694-4181 for professional crack filling, sealcoating, or repair service for your South Jersey driveway. We provide free assessments and honest recommendations on what your driveway needs to maintain its best performance and appearance.
Contact Harrison Paving at (856) 694-4181 for a free estimate.