Maintenance Monday: Maintaining Pavement in the Bay Area

Pavement is an integral piece of our day-to-day infrastructure and movement in the Bay Area – although it may not be something most of us think about on a daily basis. In fact, you know pavement has been well-laid and well-maintained when it is hardly noticed at all! Smooth surfaces, little-to-no cracks, and a sidewalk or parking lot void of vegetation allows you to get from your point A to point B in the Bay Area without a second thought. 

It is when pavement has not been maintained well, however, that it is noticed. A jolt from driving over a pothole in a parking lot, a trip over uneven pavement and its cracks, or an unexpected step in pooling water brings poorly cared for pavement to our attention, and they are clear indicators that pavement needs some attention. It is best for everyone to avoid scenarios such as these altogether! Let’s take a look at seven ways concrete companies and asphalt companies in the Bay Area maintain pavement and help you avoid the need for major rehabilitation over time.  

1 – Sealcoating

One of the surest ways to extend the life of your pavement is to apply a sealcoat. Typically, this should be done within thirty to ninety days after pavement installation. To be truly effective in ensuring pavement longevity, sealcoating should be done again every two to three years. Not only does sealcoating protect the surface of the pavement from UV rays, water penetration, and other environmental factors common to the Bay Area, but it can extend the life of your pavement up to 20 years! These protective factors, along with improving the appearance of your pavement, makes regular sealcoating a worthy investment of your time and resources. 

2 – Crack Sealing

Any cracks in your pavement should be promptly addressed to prevent water infiltration, which can cause damage as weather shifts from warm to cold and back. We normally crack-seal the same day we apply sealer. This is almost universally performed from spring through early fall. This allows the sealant to more easily penetrate the cracks in the pavement. 

Although crack sealing may be a more expensive maintenance action for you as the pavement owner, this is outweighed by the value of an extended pavement life expectancy. Crack sealing may last for up to five years or more, preventing the formation of potholes and extending the life of your pavement. 

3 – Pothole Repairs

If potholes do form in your pavement, they should be quickly addressed to prevent their expansion and the occurrence of more significant damage. Asphalt and pavement companies would recommend using the best materials and techniques to result in longer-lasting and more durable pothole repairs. 

4 – Proper Drainage

Proper drainage is crucial to ensuring the extended life of your pavement. The drainage of your pavement should be such that it prevents water from pooling. This means that correct grading and drainage systems are crucial upon installation. Should you notice drainage issues with your pavement, it is recommended to consult with a trusted asphalt and paving company on how to best implement repair and quickly avoid any water-related damages. 

5 – Vegetation Control & Routine Cleaning

A simple and cost-effective means for maintaining the life of your pavement is to consistently inspect and promptly remove any vegetation that may pop up through the cracks in your pavement. In a moisture-prone climate such as the Bay Area, the appearance of vegetation between cracks in pavement is inevitable. The simple and essential means of vegetation-maintenance will help you avoid potential damage which vegetation can cause in your pavement. In the same way, routine cleaning by sweeping away dirt, debris and leaves will help sustain both the integrity and look of your pavement over time. 

6 – Professional Inspections

In order to extend the life of your pavement, it would be to your advantage to hire a professional pavement company to take an in-depth look at the condition of your pavement every few years. The expert eyes of a trusted company will be able to take an assessment of the state of your pavement and provide you with professional recommendations for any repairs or maintenance required. 

7 – Responsive Repairs

One of the most important things you can do to protect and maintain your pavement is to immediately address any small issues or damage that may arise. By doing this on a regular basis, you will avoid small issues snowballing into larger, more expensive repairs down the road. 

At Calvac Paving, we complete each job with our high-quality materials and equipment to ensure the longevity of your paving in the Bay Area. When you work with us for your paving needs, you can trust that the end result will be reliable, long-lasting, and visually pleasing for years to come. Contact us today!