Autumn is just around the corner. During this seasonal transition, you can expect leaves to fall and temperatures to drop in Maryland. These weather changes can impact the pavement on your commercial property. To avoid major damage to your asphalt, you can take precautions and follow care instructions from your local paving contractor.

Though asphalt should be cared for year-round, fall can be a good time to take a close look at your pavement. Read on to find three standard maintenance tasks that you should complete for your asphalt pavement this fall.

Clean Your Pavement

You should clean the surface of your asphalt pavement on a regular basis to keep it looking its best. Dirty or cluttered areas can be unappealing for potential patrons, meaning your business may suffer as a result of an unclean paved surface.

But cleaning spills and debris from asphalt in a timely fashion will remove materials that can cling to tiny cracks or holes in the pavement and make them deeper and more severe. During the fall, you can anticipate leaves falling and accumulating on your pavement. Removing summer debris will make cleaning these leaves easier in the long run.

Not only will this action make your property look better, but it will be safer too. Spilled substances and debris could make your pavement slippery, risking falls and other hazards for patrons and employees alike. Complete thorough cleaning of your property, whether with sweeping or power washing, to protect your pavement and those who use it.

Patch and Repair Cracks

With your pavement cleaned, you can then more easily complete an inspection of your asphalt. You can clearly spot signs of damage to the pavement, such as cracks or sunken areas.

Not only does this type of damage disrupt the smooth look of your asphalt, but it could point to major structural issues that could hurt your customers or employees. People may trip or harm their vehicles if pavement develops potholes or other problems.

Prompt repair of cracks in the pavement will ensure that damage does not run too deep into the asphalt. You can hire a paving expert to patch these cracks in the fall so that harsh temperatures and weather changes will not worsen these issues.

Accumulation of precipitation or debris can weigh down the pavement and damage it. But you can reduce the harm to your asphalt with these prompt and preventative measures to existing damage.

Consider Sealcoating

Sealcoating refers to the application of a protective layer over your asphalt. This stops moisture and other harmful particles from infiltrating the asphalt and wrecking its structure.

The pavement can be more vulnerable when the weather turns cold and moisture can freeze and therefore expand within the asphalt, creating cracks. You can preserve your pavement with this protection, though its initial application will wear off after a few years.

Harsh weather can make the seal coat wear off more quickly. So you should talk to your local paving expert to learn if you need to add another layer. Usually, sealcoating lasts for two or three years before needing replacement.