Summer in Ontario is a time for enjoying the outdoors, but the combination of intense UV rays, heavy thunderstorms, and frequent use can be incredibly tough on your asphalt driveway. While asphalt is a durable surface, it’s not indestructible. Proactive summer maintenance is the key to preventing costly repairs down the road and keeping your property looking its best.

By following a few simple steps, you can protect your investment and extend the life of your driveway for years to come. Here are five essential tips from the experts at Asphalt Seal King.

1. Clean Your Surface Regularly

Over the week, your driveway collects dirt, sand, leaves, and other debris. While it may seem harmless, this grit acts like sandpaper under the weight of your vehicle's tires, slowly wearing down the surface of the sealant and asphalt.

What to do: At least once a month, give your driveway a thorough sweep with a stiff broom or use a leaf blower to clear off all loose debris. For a deeper clean, you can wash the surface with your garden hose and a brush to remove any grime.

2. Treat Oil and Chemical Spills Immediately

One of the fastest ways to destroy an asphalt surface is to let automotive fluids sit on it. Oil, gasoline, and transmission fluid are petroleum-based solvents that will actively dissolve the petroleum binders that hold your asphalt together. This creates soft, weak spots that quickly turn into cracks and potholes.

What to do: Act fast. Blot up any excess fluid with a rag. Cover the remaining stain with an absorbent material like kitty litter or sawdust and let it sit for a few hours, then sweep it up. For any remaining stain, use a mild, biodegradable degreaser and a stiff brush to scrub the area before rinsing with water.

3. Keep Weeds at Bay

If you see weeds growing along the edges or through tiny cracks in your driveway, don't ignore them. Their root systems will expand over the summer, forcing the cracks to widen. A tiny fissure can become a major problem in just one season.

What to do: Pull weeds by hand or use a string trimmer to keep the edges of your driveway clean. For stubborn weeds growing in cracks, use a commercial weed killer to stop them from causing further damage.

4. Inspect and Fill Cracks Promptly

Summer is the perfect time to give your driveway a close inspection. Look for any cracks that have formed, especially after the winter. Even a small, 1/4-inch crack is an open invitation for water to seep into your driveway's foundation. In the winter, that trapped water will freeze and expand, shattering the asphalt and leading to widespread "alligator" cracking and potholes.

What to do: Crack filling is the single most important piece of preventative maintenance you can perform. While DIY options exist for tiny cracks, for a durable, flexible, and waterproof repair that lasts, you need professional service. Our residential sealing and repair process ensures cracks are properly cleaned and filled to prevent water intrusion.

5. Protect and Beautify with Professional Sealcoating

After cleaning the surface and filling the cracks, the final step is to apply a protective shield. Sealcoating is a critical barrier that defends your asphalt against everything summer throws at it. A high-quality, oil-based sealant:

• Blocks damaging UV rays that cause oxidation (the fading, grey colour).

• Creates a waterproof membrane to stop water penetration.

• Resists damage from oil and gas spills.

• Restores the rich, black finish, instantly boosting your home's curb appeal.

The warm, dry weather of summer provides the ideal conditions for the sealant to cure properly, creating the hardest, most durable finish.

Let the Professionals Handle Your Summer Sealing

A little bit of cleaning and weeding goes a long way, but for the most critical jobs of crack repair and sealcoating, a professional application ensures lasting protection. The team at Asphalt Seal King uses only the highest-grade, oil-based Blackmac sealant for maximum durability.

Protect your driveway from summer wear and tear. Request your free, no-obligation quote online or call us at (519) 220-4112 today!