How Do You Deal With Oil Spots On Asphalt Parking Lot Or Driveways?
The presence of oil spots on a parking area or driveway is often undesirable. Further, these spots will make the paved area look unsightly and damage the pavement material if left there for too long. Luckily, you can restore the appearance of your asphalt and ensure the oil content doesn't damage the surface. With that in mind, continue reading to learn effective remedies to consider after spilling oil or fuel on an asphalt surface.
Fresh Fuel or Oil Spills
Removing fresh oil from an asphalt surface is easy, even with a visible stain. Note that the easiest way to address the problematic area is to clean the surface by applying a detergent. Also, you may use a brush on the area and then rinse to eliminate the residue. If the oil is still noticeable, you may repeat the process and seal the surface after rinsing to safeguard it from further damage.
Alternatively, you can soak up everything so the content doesn't get absorbed. To do this, cover the area with cat litter and stomp on it to allow it to soak up as much liquid as possible. Also, leave the litter overnight, then remove it. If this technique does not work, you can get baking soda and sprinkle it on top. Once you do this, brush it off before rinsing the area with clean hose water.
Stains That Have Been Absorbed in the Surface
If oil is left to sit for long hours, the content will be absorbed into the surface. When this happens, the material will fall apart because of the foreign elements. Hence, you will need to treat the area with soapy water to ensure the paving material doesn't deteriorate.
Note that once oil seeps into the surface, it dissolves the binder, and parts of the material will soon break off. This will ultimately cause the asphalt surface to crack or form a slight dip. That said, the surface can be fixed with infrared heat if pitting hasn't occurred. After using the infrared heat, the professional will then apply a seal coat to mitigate the damage of future spills.
There Is Visible Deterioration
Sometimes, damages from oil spills may be severe, which may soften the surface. In such a case, you will have to install new material on the paved area. Hence, a paving expert you hire will re-pave the affected area with new material to restore an even surface.
It's evident that oil spills on asphalt surfaces should never be ignored. Hence, consider any of these repair options depending on the kind of stain or damage you have.
Contact a local asphalt paving service, such as DJs Paving, to learn more.
