Asphalt Driveway Basics: 9 Things First-Time Homeowners Should Know

Perhaps an asphalt driveway won’t be the first thing that comes to mind when you talk about investments. But if it’s your first time owning a home with one, you’ll quickly realise that keeping it in great shape takes a bit more than just parking right and sweeping.

Asphalt is durable, but it’s not completely set-and-forget. New Zealand’s often-erratic climate, alongside daily wear-and-tear, can break down even the best-laid surfaces if proper care isn’t taken. Understanding the basics from day one can also save you thousands in future repair costs, keeping your investment functional and presentable for many years to come.

Here’s what you should know about caring for your asphalt driveway, as per the experts at Asphalt Services Ltd.:

1. Not All Asphalt Is Created Equal

Asphalt quality can vary, with many different types and compositions available on the market. Whichever mix you use in your driveway should match the climate and site conditions. Areas like Dunedin can get everything from frosty mornings to blisteringly hot afternoons in one day, which makes choosing the right formulation even more important. For that reason, it pays to work with local professionals who understand how to prepare for these variations.

2. Your Driveway Needs a Solid Foundation

A flawless top layer is well and good, but it won’t last long if the base underneath is poorly prepared. Asphalt can resist direct impacts and erosion, but water pooling and undersurface cavities can eventually lead to cracking and potholes as the top layer loses its support.

Unfortunately, bad subgrade work is hidden underneath asphalt, and you can’t always see it with a spot check. Your next contractors should spend time compacting and grading the foundation properly before any asphalt is laid. If you’re based in Dunedin, you’ll be able to trust in our services.

3. Drainage Isn't Optional

Good drainage is non-negotiable if you want your driveway to survive the South Island’s relentless wet seasons. Your driveway must have adequately sloped surfaces and well-positioned outlets to help keep water moving away from your asphalt and its vulnerable subgrade. Without these features, water can seep in and compromise your driveway, especially during rapid freeze-thaw cycles.

4. UV Damage is Inevitable, Even in Cooler Areas

New Zealand has some of the highest UV levels in the world. The constant UV exposure can dry out your asphalt prematurely, even if you live in a cool area or a place with constant cloud cover. Over time, this constant exposure can lead to brittleness and cracks. Our professionals can add protective sealcoats to shield your driveway from UV degradation, keeping it in pristine condition for longer.

5. Don't Ignore Minor Cracking

Asphalt naturally expands and contracts with temperature changes. As a result, minor surface cracks can and will happen, especially in the first few seasons. Crack sealing is a simple, low-cost maintenance step that prevents the surface from deteriorating further, preventing larger structural issues down the track.

6. Think About What You're Parking

Repeatedly parking heavy vehicles like campervans or delivery trucks in the same spot will eventually cause indentations and eventual cracking. If you foresee the need for heavy vehicles to use your driveway regularly, talk to your contractor so that they can adjust the design and materials accordingly.

7. Edges Are the Most Vulnerable Part

The sides of your driveway are more exposed to crumbling compared to the top surface. Each time a tyre goes over the edge, there’s a chance that some bits of asphalt might break off, especially if it’s the wrong formulation or has gone brittle with age.

A lack of proper reinforcement or kerbing will further shorten the lifespan of the edges. Knowing this, you’ll want to avoid driving over the edges and consider installing kerbing or planting soft landscaping alongside to provide a physical buffer.

8. Clean It Properly

Oil spills, moss, and debris can break down asphalt over time. In the short term, these can create slip hazards that make parking just a little more inconvenient. A gentle sweep with a broom and occasional hose-down is good for keeping your driveway clear. Avoid using harsh chemical cleaners since these can strip away any protective layers and prematurely degrade your top surface.

9. Local Knowledge Makes a Big Difference

New Zealand’s conditions are uniquely tough on asphalt surfaces. You not only get rapid temperature shifts from early morning to mid-afternoon, but you can also expect some coastal erosion risks in many inhabited areas.

You’ll want to get a team that knows what to expect and has years of experience paving, kerbing, and maintaining driveways across Otago. The people at Asphalt Services Ltd. will be happy to guide first-time homeowners through every step so that you can enjoy a nice asphalt surface for many years to come.

The Best Way to Keep Your Driveway Pristine

The longevity of your driveway isn’t just about having the right asphalt formula. It’s also dependent on who installs it and how well everything is set up to handle your specific conditions. For the best chance at success at your building or refurbishing project in Dunedin, stay local. Hire us for long-lasting asphalt driveways designed for Dunedin’s unique climate. Get in touch with our people for a free site assessment now.