removing oil from driveway to prevent damage

Importance Of Removing Oil From Driveway Or Parking Lot

An oil stain on your parking lot or oil on driveway is not only an eyesore, but it’s also extremely damaging to your pavement. There are different ways to handle oil on asphalt depending on the stage of deterioration. One easy DIY solution is to create an oil stain remover using some household items. Scrub it with detergent and flush thoroughly with water. This needs to be done as soon as the oil stain is noticed. As removing oil from driveway or a parking lot quickly is extremely important in decreasing damages. However, depending on the level of damage that has already occurred, there may be a need for more extensive repairs/solutions.

removing oil from driveway to prevent damageOil Stain | Stage One – Stained But No Penetration To Surface

  1. If the stain is new, try the detergent scrub method for removing oil from the parking lot surface. Do this before further damages occur and/or before sealcoating.
  2. If the stain is older, you can try to burn the oil off. This method is dangerous and if you try to, do so with caution. By heating up the asphalt with a propane torch just enough to soften the oil, you may be able to scrape the oil off the surface.
  3. Sealcoating is the best way to help protect and eliminate future surface penetration of these harmful substances, but sealer will not bond effectively to an oil stained surface. For this reason, cleaning and removing oil from driveway or parking lot surface first, before sealcoating, is key.

removing oil from driveway to prevent damageOil Surface Damage | Stage Two – Minimal Damage Exposing Surface

  1. At this stage, the oil stain has started to create some minimal damage to the top layer of your asphalt surface, which means your asphalt has reached stage two of asphalt deterioration.
  2. You may see raveling (a loss of aggregate), pavement exposure and the possible formation of a small depression.
  3. This stage will require some more extensive repairs/patching involving resurfacing the area with hot mix asphalt. The thickness of this resurface will depend on the depth of the damage.

removing oil from driveway to prevent damageOil Stage Deterioration | Stage Three – Severely Damaged

  1. At this stage, the oil on asphalt has created extensive damage and deterioration.
  2. Stage three repairs, will require saw cut removal of effected area and full depth paving/replacement of said area.

Once the level of deterioration is known you begin fixing the damage. After steps are made for removing oil from driveway or parking lot surface, and repairs have been completed on any damages associated with this oil spot, sealcoating is highly recommended. Asphalt sealer provides a protective coating for your asphalt to protect against damaging elements like UV rays, oil spills, water penetration, winter salts, etc.

Having a comprehensive maintenance plan for your driveway, and/or parking lot, is extremely important in protecting your asphalt investment so it is safe for drivers and pedestrians, and so it lasts its full expected lifespan.

Attempting to remove the oil from driveway or parking lot surface is an option. However, contact your paving professional if the cleanup does not work and/or if you suspect damage. EastCoat Paving Services is here to help with all asphalt paving, repair, and maintenance needs. Contact us for your free consultation!

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