Asphalt Maintenance Tips Every Property Owner Should Know You have invested in a smooth, professional driveway or parking lot. Now, how do you keep it looking that way for decades? In Western New York, asphalt is under constant assault from road salts, heavy snowplows, and dramatic temperature swings. Without a proactive maintenance plan, even the best installation will deteriorate faster than you expect. For property owners in the 14201 to 14224 zip codes, from the bustling Elmwood Village to the quiet residential streets near Cazenovia Park, seasonal upkeep is not optional—it is essential. Here is what experienced paving contractors Buffalo NY want every homeowner and business owner to know. 1. Sealcoating Is Not a One-Time Event Many property owners believe sealcoating happens once, and the job is done. In reality, sealcoating is a recurring shield. This liquid binder fills small surface pores, blocks ultraviolet rays, and creates a chemical barrier against oil and gasoline drips. In Buffalo's climate, near landmarks like the Buffalo River or the Scajaquada Creek Corridor, you should sealcoat every two to three years. However, timing matters. Never apply sealcoat when rain is forecast within 24 hours, and ensure the ground temperature exceeds 50°F. Professional paver installers Buffalo NY typically schedule this work between late May and early September, avoiding the unpredictable spring thaw and autumn rainstorms common in the 14222 area. 2. Crack Filling Before Winter Is Critical Water is asphalt's worst enemy. When moisture seeps into a crack and freezes near Delaware Park or South Park, it expands by nearly 9%. That expansion widens the crack, allows more water in, and repeats the cycle until a small hairline fracture becomes a pothole large enough to damage a vehicle. Inspect your pavement every October. Any crack wider than a quarter-inch requires immediate filling. Use hot-pour rubberized crack filler, not cold-pour products, which fail under heavy snowplow traffic. Homeowners near Buffalo State University or the North Buffalo rail corridor should pay special attention to edges, where pavement meets soil or concrete curbs. 3. Proper Drainage Prevents Base Erosion Even the best paving contractors in Buffalo NY cannot out-engineer standing water. If your driveway or parking lot develops low spots where water pools for more than 24 hours, that water is actively softening the stone base beneath your asphalt. Over time, the surface will sink, crack, and require full replacement. Walk your property after a heavy rain. Look for puddles near downspouts, gutter discharges, or low corners. If you see pooling near the Buffalo Harbor or any low-lying district, consider installing additional catch basins or regrading the surrounding soil to direct water away. 4. Avoid Common DIY Mistakes Well-intentioned property owners often do more harm than good. Here are three mistakes we see regularly in the Old First Ward and Canalside districts: Using gas-powered edgers too close: The heat melts the asphalt binder, creating soft spots. Applying sealer over dirt: Sealcoat will peel within months. Always power-wash first. Ignoring vegetation: Tree roots from mature elms near Richmond Avenue can lift and crack pavement. Install root barriers when planting. 5. Professional Inspections Extend Lifespan Finally, schedule a professional assessment every spring. Experienced paver installers in Buffalo NY can spot subgrade failures, alligator cracking, and raveling before these issues become emergencies. Think of it as an annual physical for your pavement. Most reputable contractors offer free estimates for properties within a five-mile radius of Erie Basin Marina. When to Repair vs. Replace Repair: Isolated cracks, small depressions, or faded sealcoat. Replace: Widespread alligator cracking, sunken areas larger than 10 square feet, or a failing base that feels spongy underfoot. By following these five tips, property owners from the 14215 zip code to the Elmwood Village can double the lifespan of their asphalt surfaces and avoid premature, costly replacements. Contact Information All Pro Paving Service Address: 105 Delta Rd, Buffalo, NY 14226 Phone: 1 716 666 4241 Email: sales@allpropavingny.com Serving Buffalo, NY (14201-14224) and all surrounding Western New York communities.