An asphalt or blacktop surface is composed of sand, tar, bitumen and rock. When first mixed, it appears as a dark, gooey, thick and sticky substance. Blacktop is used to drive and walk on. It is often used for playgrounds, walking and bicycle tracks. Rock and sand are the two asphalt ingredients that make it strong and durable. It’s also designed to be somewhat flexible. Even with flexible properties, it is able to withstand the weight of heavy vehicles. Bitumen and tar are both liquid ingredients. These are the two additives that give blacktop it’s flexible properties. To ensure this is the case, here are some tips on proper maintenance of blacktop in Columbus.
Homeowners who have a blacktop driveway need to be aware of what can cause damage to the surface. Gas, grease, oil, salt and some other substances can cause asphalt to break down. Once it begins breaking down, it will start crumbling. Most fluids from an automobile including brake fluid and transmission fluid can also cause damage. If any of these items come in contact with the surface it will need to be immediately cleaned up. This will help keep these substances from causing permanent damage to the asphalt surface. Salt is one of the most damaging substances. If you live in a geographical area where winter storms and ice are an issue, it’s best to use an ice removal product that is designed for blacktop surfaces.
Blacktop is designed to last for decades when it is properly cared for. Part of that care will include sealing cracks when they occur. The longer you leave cracks unsealed, the more opportunity there is for liquid to penetrate the asphalt. Any time it rains, the water will soak into the blacktop surface. From that point it will begin seeping underneath. This is the beginning of a problem with additional cracking and crumbling. The professional technicians with hills blacktop can seal any cracks. They also perform other routine maintenance and repairs of blacktop in Columbus. You can find more information online about this and other services related to maintenance of asphalt.
