Properly Caring For Your Business' Asphalt Walkway
If you own your own business, and you have an asphalt walkway on your property that customers and employees utilize regularly, you most likely wish to keep it in the best possible shape so it looks pleasing and offers a safe surface to walk upon. In time, normal wear and tear can cause an asphalt walkway to have areas with damage that need to be addressed for the safety of those using it. Here are some steps you can use to improve both the safety and appearance of your walkway on your own.
Take Time To Clean The Walkway Frequently
A walkway that is not routinely cleaned will accumulate a layer of dirt upon it making it appear drab as a result. Any debris that sits on the walkway for an extended time can cause the asphalt to deteriorate. Water that settles in place under branches or leaves could cause the asphalt to become softer in these areas. This would then lead to crumbling portions or cracks within the structure. Use a broom to whisk away debris every few days to keep the asphalt from obtaining damage.
Fill In Cracks To Increase Stability Of The Walkway
An asphalt walkway riddled with cracks will be a hazard to those walking upon it. It will also look unfavorable to those visiting your business. Take the time to inspect your walkway for damaged portions often. As soon as a crack is noticed, it should be filled in with small pebbles or gravel pieces to help maintain its stability. Head to your local home goods store to find an asphalt sealing agent to cover cracks from view. This material is in a caulk tubing form and can be squeezed directly over the stones you had pushed inside cracks, sealing them in place. A putty knife can be used to spread the material over the edges of each crack to hide it in its entirety.
Add A Seal Coat Layer To Increase Protection And Attractiveness
After filling in several cracks in your walkway, you may noticed the discolored portions from the hardened filling agent are less than attractive. To improve the aesthetics of the walkway, consider applying a layer of seal coating to hide repair work from view. This will also give your walkway a rich, dark coloring that helps it appear as if you just had it placed upon your property. Seal coat is applied with a special brush with a squeegee on the other end. This allows you to apply the seal coat material to the walkway and then spread it so it is smooth.