The driveway is one of the first things people notice when they approach your house. Not only does it beautify your home’s look, but it also increases its durability and safety if your driveway is made of asphalt and well taken care of. Still, one thing that is mostly neglected in terms of driveways is sunlight degradation. Gradually, the harsh sun rays destroy the asphalt through heat and UV, causing small cracks, sometimes discoloration, and an overall rough look.

In this blog, we will discuss how sun damage is to your asphalt driveways and, more importantly, how you can protect your investment through effective strategies in residential asphalt maintenance.

Why Does the Sun Damage Asphalt?

Just like any other material, asphalt is vulnerable to elements. When it comes to sunlight, the primary culprit responsible for the damage is the UV radiation degrading the chemical composition of the asphalt. The UV ray can:

Cause the surface to become brittle: Oils in asphalt lose elasticity during breakdown and thus easily form cracks.

Cause fading: The surface of asphalt absorbs direct rays of the sun, causing the black color to fade out, giving the driveway an older and more used appearance.

Increases oxidation: UV rays enhance the process of oxidation that causes a buildup in the asphalt to dry out, crack, and finally break down.

Unkempt Surface: The sun also expands the asphalt and then contracts it, thus developing cracks or potholes.

Ways to Protect Your Asphalt Driveway from the Sun

Having understood all these effects of the sun, let’s now discuss more practical ways to protect your residential asphalt driveway and keep it looking great for years to come.

1. Sealcoating: The Best Protection

The best protection that you can give to your asphalt driveway is seal coating from damaging sun rays. This layer will serve as a shield between the harmful rays of the sun and the surface of your driveway, therefore preventing it from being damaged. Sealcoating will protect against these:

• Degradation of Asphalt oils, which make it flexible
• Restore the dark color your driveway used to have
• UV radiation will not be able to cause oxidation.
• It reduces the effects of water, oil as well as other damaging materials.
• Sealcoat your driveway every two to three years to maintain protection against harsh sunlight and keep it looking great.

2. Regular Maintenance and Servicing

Dirt, debris, and other foreign contaminants expose your driveway to undue wear and tear. Clean your driveway regularly to prevent buildup that traps heat and breaks down the asphalt.

• Sweep your driveway regularly to remove dirt and debris.
• Clean the top with water and mild soap to remove spots, staining, and oil that can break down the asphalt.
• Remove weeds and other plant growth along the edges, as their root systems may cause significant cracks within the driveway, which will enable moisture penetration.
• Keeping your driveway clean can also help you prevent sun damage and ensure the integrity of the surface remains intact.

3. Add Reflective Coatings

If your driveway is in an area that gets a lot of sun exposure, a reflective coat is possible. These coatings reject the sun rays off the top of the driveway rather than absorbing them. This reduces heat buildup, thereby reducing the sun’s effects on the driveway.

• Reflective coatings can contribute to: 
• Reducing the temperature of your driveway, which in turn will reduce cracking.
• Reducing the fading of the color from the asphalt.
• Reduce the absorbed heat in your driveway with a more environment-friendly alternative.
• Reflective coatings are more commonly used in commercial or large-scale projects but can be applied on residential driveways as well

4. Proper Drainage is Key

Water collected on top of your asphalt driveway can make damage from the sun worse. Water can go through small fractures and will make the asphalt swell as well as contract. Proper drainage will deny water a chance to collect and dry up; it will prevent more damage caused both by the sun and rain.

• Your driveway should slope away from the house and other buildings to prevent water from pooling around them.
• Check for areas of pooling and repair any low spots that allow water to collect on your driveway.
• Install or keep drains to drain water away from your driveway. This will minimize further damage caused by moisture.
• A properly drained driveway is less likely to suffer from both water and sun damage.

5. Shade the Driveway (If Possible)

You cannot eliminate the amount of sun that falls on your driveway; however, you can add shade to reduce sun exposure and prevent heat buildup. Plant trees, or even simpler, install a carport to overlay the driveway.

• Plant shade trees along the driveway’s edges. Choose species that won’t have invasive roots and might damage the asphalt.
• Build a carport or shade structure for protection both for the driveway and your vehicle from direct sunlight.
• Shading protects the skin from the sun and also cools the surrounding area for your driveway and home.

6. Monitoring for Damage and Repair Early

Even with maintenance in place, wear and tear will occur. Periodically inspect your driveway for cracks or fading that could be signs of sun damage.

• Seal any cracks you might notice on your driveway immediately to seal against further damage and penetration of moisture.
• Topcoat and recoat every 6 to 8 years.
• Repair potholes where the driveway surface has become uneven or eroded.

Thus, by maintaining regular checks on your driveway and repairing the damaged ones early enough, you can reduce the effects of sun damage to extend the lifespan of your driveway.

Conclusion

They take a beating from the sun, and yet it’s something that doesn’t have to happen. After all, the right kind of maintenance will prevent such damage-it includes seal coating, proper drainage, and cleansing of the surface. The tips implemented will then ensure that your asphalt remains durable, maintains its looks and function, and looks brand new for years to come.

Remember, residential asphalt maintenance, including driveways, is not just about looks; it’s also about protecting your investment and ensuring that your parking lot will last a long time. So, get out there and give some love to that asphalt before the sun can do too much damage!