Perhaps your driveway has seen better days; cracks, holes, stains, fading. These are all signs that it might be time for some much-needed maintenance and care. But before you jump right into a driveway repair or schedule a full sealcoating job, there’s one important step you can’t afford to skip: asphalt cleaning.
A clean surface is the foundation of any great repair or sealing job. It’s like painting a wall; if you don’t clean and prep it first, the paint won’t stick properly. The same goes for asphalt.
At Rock County Sealcoat, we’ve been doing this for years and have dealt with all kinds of asphalt issues. We know what works, and it all starts with a clean surface. This practical guide serves to walk you through our cleaning process and how it sets the stage for a driveway repair that lasts longer and looks better.
Why Cleaning Matters for Driveway Repair
All driveways take a beating. Between weather, traffic, and everyday use, they collect tons of grime – oil from cars, dirt, salt from winter roads, dead leaves, even moss and weeds.
If you skip the cleaning step, you could run into a few problems:
- Prevent sealcoat from bonding properly
- Trap moisture in cracks, making them worse
- Hide damage that needs to be repaired
- Shorten the life of your driveway repair
Bottom line: Clean asphalt means a better repair that lasts longer.
Step-by-Step: How We Clean Asphalt Before Driveway Repair
Here’s our step-by-step process to clean your asphalt before we repair or seal it:
- We Inspect the Surface: The first thing we do is take a close look at your driveway. We check for cracks, wear, stains, and more, so we know exactly what needs to be treated and cleaned.
- Prep the Area: The next step is to remove debris like leaves, twigs, rocks, and anything else lying around. A simple leaf blower or broom usually does the trick here.
- Pre-Treat Oil and Stains: Oil spots and heavy stains need special attention. If you’ve got spots where your car has leaked, we’ll treat them with a commercial-grade degreaser. Left untreated, oil can eat into the asphalt and stop any repair or sealcoat from sticking.
- Pressure Wash: We then use a pressure washer to deep clean the surface, blasting away any dirt, moss, algae, and leftover residue. It also helps flush out the fine dust that can settle in cracks.
- Target Stains and Tough Spots: If any stains or heavy buildup are still hanging on, we go back and clean those areas again. We won’t move forward until everything’s clean as can be.
- Rinse It All Down: Once the cleaning is done, we’ll give the driveway a very thorough rinse to wash away any leftover cleaner or dirt.
- Final Inspection: Finally, we check the entire surface again. If anything was missed, we’ll handle it before we move on to repairs or sealing. A clean surface is imperative for any good driveway repair.
- Let It Dry: The last step is easy but crucial; the asphalt must be completely dry before applying any patch or sealcoat. Moisture can ruin the repair job and create bubbles or peeling in the sealcoat.
Clean Asphalt = A Better Driveway Repair
Cleaning your asphalt might not seem like a big deal, but it’s the groundwork for everything that comes after. A clean driveway makes your sealcoat last longer, your repairs stick better, and your property look sharper. It also gives us a chance to spot and fix small cracks early before they turn into much bigger problems.
Don’t waste money on a quick fix that doesn’t last. Start with a proper clean and do it right the first time.
Reliable Driveway Repair & Cleaning with Rock County Sealcoat
In the scenario that your driveway is cracked, stained, or just looking worn out, don’t wait until it gets worse. A proper asphalt cleaning before your driveway repair will save you money down the road and bring your property back to life – guaranteed.
The Rock County Sealcoat team has helped homeowners and businesses all over the area get their driveways back in shape with honest work, fair prices, and results that really do last.
Contact us today for a free estimate!