Dealing with Birdbaths in Your Asphalt Driveway
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Maintaining your asphalt driveway is essential to avoid costly repairs down the road. And one of the most common issues with asphalt driveways is birdbaths, which are low spots that collect water and turn into puddles. Unfortunately, birdbaths not only look unsightly but can also cause structural damage to your driveway if left untreated. In this blog post, we will explain what causes birdbaths in asphalt driveways and provide tips on how to prevent them.
What Causes Birdbaths?
Birdbaths are the result of poor installation or inadequate maintenance of your asphalt driveway. When installing an asphalt driveway, the contractor must ensure that the foundation is stable, compact, and level. Failure to do so will result in uneven settling, which can create low spots where water collects. Additionally, poor maintenance, especially neglecting to fill asphalt cracks, can lead to damage and potholes in your driveway, causing water to pool in those low spots.
Tips to Prevent Birdbaths
Hire a Professional Asphalt Contractor
The best way to prevent birdbaths is to hire a professional contractor that has experience installing and maintaining asphalt driveways. A competent contractor will assess the existing foundation of your driveway and ensure that it is compact and level before installing the asphalt. Additionally, a professional contractor will recommend regular maintenance, such as sealcoating and filling in cracks, to ensure your driveway's longevity.
Regular Maintenance
Regular maintenance plays a vital role in preventing birdbaths. This includes regular sealcoat application, which protects your driveway from water intrusion, UV rays, and general wear and tear. Filling in cracks and crevices will, similarly, prevent birdbaths from developing by ensuring that water does not sit in any low spots for an extended period.
Proper Drainage
You could also ensure your driveway has proper drainage by creating a sloped surface. When installing your driveway, it is essential to ensure that it has a slope, so water doesn't accumulate in one spot. A slope of at least 1% is recommended to prevent water from pooling on the driveway.
Avoid Heavy Vehicles
Heavy vehicles such as trailers and trucks should not be parked on the driveway. The combined weight of these vehicles can create depressions in the driveway and cause water to accumulate in those spots, leading to birdbaths. If you need to park heavy vehicles, consider placing a sturdy board beneath the tires to distribute weight more evenly.
Conclusion
Birdbaths can be a frustrating issue with your asphalt driveway, but it is a preventable one. Regular maintenance and proper installation play vital roles in ensuring your driveway remains level and water-resistant. If you're looking for a professional asphalt paving company in Sacramento, contact M. Carroll Blacktop Service today to get a free quote. Let us help you maintain your driveway and prevent birdbaths from developing.