How Mulch and Oil Can Damage Your Asphalt

Asphalt pavement is a terrific paving choice for driveways, parking lots, roads and more. With good installation and regular, routine maintenance, your asphalt can last for a long time. But, there are a few things that can destroy asphalt and greatly shorten lifespan.

It’s easy to avoid these problems, and prevent costly replacement or expensive repairs.

What is Asphalt Exactly?

Durable and cost effective, asphalt is made from a binder such as Bitumen, filler, and a mix of aggregates, which are made up for processed minerals including crushed rocks, gravel, sand, slags, or and other materials that are both sustainable and recycled.

Oil and Mulch Stains Can Harm Asphalt

As durable as asphalt is, oil stains can degrade asphalt by eating through the surface. It’s not uncommon for parked vehicles to leak oil, and that oil will then cause deterioration of asphalt, penetrating the surface. Once the oil penetrates the surface, it can cause asphalt to soften and crumble.

Mulch can also stain asphalt, and when the stains soak in, it can cause the asphalt to soften and crumble as well. Mulch stains are easier to avoid than oil stains; it’s always best not to apply mulch if it’s raining or will rain soon to prevent mulch dye from spilling onto the asphalt.

And, if oil or mulch stains do appear, there is a solution to these staining problems and the degradation they can cause in asphalt.

Inspect, Clean, Repair Asphalt

It’s important to clean any stains on asphalt as soon as you see them. Mulch and oil are just the most common degrading stains. Regular inspection and cleaning can help you avoid expensive damages to asphalt.

Here’s how to remove mulch stains:

Rinse the asphalt with water.
Do not power wash, as the pressure could drive the stain more deeply into the surface
Apply soap or vinegar to the surface of the asphalt, scrubbing with a brush and using circular motion
Rinse with water

And, if the stain persists:

Mix two gallons of warm water with two cups of bleach
Use a brush to again scrub at the solution in a circular motion
Let this sit for 30 minutes.
Rinse off the bleach solution

To remove oil stains:

First, if there’s any oil on the surface, blot it with clay cat litter. Sprinkle it on to soak up any excess, then sweep it away.
Next, to remove the stain, a Tri-Sodium Phosphate mix is best. Mix it into a paste
Use a brush to scrub it on the stain
Let it set for thirty minutes
Rinse with water

You can also use a commercial degreaser instead of TSP.