If your asphalt driveway or parking lot has oil stains, it is best to remove them as soon as possible. Prompt removal of oil and other stains from the asphalt surface should be a routine part of your regular asphalt maintenance program. Even in small quantities, oil left on an asphalt pavement can quickly cause surface deterioration. Eventually, oil left sitting on the surface will seep deeper into the pavement and could cause severe damage. Given enough time, the repair will involve the removal of the affected asphalt material down to the foundation, which may need to be repaired before the contractor can install new asphalt.
Parking Lot Maintenance Tips – Removing Oil Stains
Can Preventive Asphalt Maintenance Help Protect Against Damage From Leaked Motor Oil?
Asphalt sealcoating contractors recommend that you ensure that your pavement receives fresh sealant as needed. For most pavements, the schedule is every two years, but your pavement may need sealcoating less frequently. A few pavements need sealing every year. Sealcoating provides a barrier between oil leaks and the asphalt pavement. However, although sealcoating significantly slows the progress of the oil, it will eventually eat through the sealant and reach the underlying asphalt. Therefore, even if you are conscientious about maintaining your sealcoating, you should still remove oil spills as quickly as possible.
Another important reason to maintain your sealcoating is that reputable contractors will ensure that they perform any necessary asphalt repair before applying the sealant. Asphalt crack repair is essential during the sealcoating procedure and will alleviate the additional access points for oil to enter deeper into the pavement’s interior. Keeping your asphalt free of all stains and debris will increase its longevity. A strict preventive asphalt maintenance program, including visual inspections, can decrease the likelihood of major repairs by identifying problems early.
How Do You Remove Oil and Other Stains on Asphalt Pavement?
The process of removing oil stains will depend on the severity of the damage that the asphalt pavement has suffered. If caught early, you can use dry, clean rags to remove the oil. If oil remains, apply a covering of kitty litter or another absorbent material. Leave it on the stain overnight. After removing the absorbent material, the area will need additional cleaning.
To thoroughly clean the area, you can use a product explicitly engineered for asphalt pavement. However, in many cases, liquid dishwashing soap or a household degreaser will be sufficient. If you choose a specialty cleaner, follow the manufacturer’s instructions. If you use dishwashing soap or a household degreaser, the strength of the solution should depend on the severity of the oil stain.
After you apply the cleanser, use a stiff brush with a long handle to gently work the cleanser into the asphalt surface. Use a circular motion and be thorough. If you notice any loose granules of asphalt material, you should stop the process and contact your asphalt pavement contractor immediately. The appearance of loose material could signify that the pavement has begun to ravel, requiring you to replace or repair the area.
If the treated area does not show damage from raveling, you may continue the cleaning process. Rinse the area well and let it dry thoroughly. The area must be oil-free before your contractor can apply fresh sealant.
Although cleaning oil stains yourself may be feasible for an asphalt driveway, you may not have sufficient staffing to clean a large parking lot with numerous stains. In that case, let your contractor deal with the stains. Experienced asphalt sealcoating contractors know which stains will interfere with the bond between the sealant and the pavement, and they know how to remove these stains efficiently. Sealcoating professionals have access to a greater variety of cleaners, the knowledge to use them safely, and the equipment to perform the work quickly.
Alpha Paving Is Your Central Texas Sealcoating Expert
Alpha Paving applies more gallons of sealcoating annually than any contractor in Texas. We offer a full range of asphalt paving services, including paving and asphalt overlays, pavement crack sealing, road construction, pavement striping, thermoplastic pavement markings, asphalt milling, street maintenance, parking lot signs, speed bump installation, and asphalt repair. We also offer concrete services. Our client base includes many municipalities and counties, subdivisions, shopping centers, health care facilities, homeowner associations, restaurants, apartment complexes, hotels, airports, entertainment venues, industrial facilities, religious institutions, grocery stores, and educational facilities. We have excellent references and an impeccable reputation for providing high-quality results at competitive prices. For a free quote, call our Round Rock office at 512-677-9001 or use the online request form.