What To Do With Asphalt Damaged By Diesel Oil

Most of us don't pay much attention to our driveways until we see cracks, chips or other surface damage. A damaged asphalt driveway can lower the value of your home and make it look unattractive to visitors or potential buyers. The damage will continue until you remove the cause and repair the asphalt. Diesel oil, motor oil and grease spatters all cause damage to an asphalt driveway.

Asphalt is composed of asphalt cement and particles of fine stone. When a asphalt driveway becomes coated with diesel oil, which contains petroleum, the glue holding the driveway together begins to weaken. Parts of the driveway eventually will crumble. Ask the Builder notes that diesel oil spills are easy to clean, even if they have been staining your driveway for some time.

To get rid of the oil stains on a driveway, you need a scrub brush or long-handled push broom, a hose and liquid dish soap. Squirt the dish soap directly onto the diesel stain, then add a little water to help spread the soap. Push the soap and water over the oil stain. This creates an emulsion that lifts the oil out of the asphalt. Rinse the soap away with water from a hose. If you see grease streaks in the water, repeat the cleaning process. Using warm water will help remove stubborn stains.

Seal coating an asphalt driveway offers a layer of protection against grease and diesel oil stains. Driveways should be sealed every two or three years; new asphalt driveways should be sealed three to 12 months after installation. Seal coating helps prolong the life of asphalt and acts as a barrier against oil spills, weather damage and cracking. Always clean any oil stains from your asphalt driveway before you seal it. You can seal it yourself or hire a paver operator to do the job.