What is the Life Expectancy of Asphalt Paving?
Asphalt paving is a very common material used for driveways, roads, and parking lots due to the associated durability, cost economics, and beauty that it adds. It is, however, paramount that asphalt-paving life expectancy be well understood in every home and business establishment. We will examine in this blog the factors affecting asphalt-paving life, the average asphalt driveway life expectancy, and how one can extend its longevity. Asphalt driveways are popular for a reason but like anything else, they don’t last forever.
Factors Affecting the Life of an Asphalt Driveway
The life expectancy for asphalt paving depends on a variety of factors. These are as follows.
• Quality of Installation: Proper installation is essential to the life of the asphalt paving. Poor installation is considered to be the most common reason behind the early cracks and potholes.
• Climatic and Weather Conditions: Weather conditions like excessive rainfall, and high temperatures tend to deteriorate the asphalt with time.
• Traffic Load: The intensity and class of traffic the asphalt surface withstands has a very strong bearing on its durability. Heavy vehicles and constant use can accelerate wear and tear.
• Maintenance: Proper maintenance, such as sealing cracks and repairing minor damages, can extend the lifetime of asphalt paving tremendously.
• Materials Used: Cheap materials may save you money upfront, but you may save more in the long term when you use high-quality materials.
Average Life Expectancy of an Asphalt Driveway
So, how long can you expect your asphalt driveway to last? Somewhere between 15 and 25 years on average. With proper maintenance, you could even hit 30 years! Here is what to expect roughly:
5-10 years: If you hardly pay much attention to your driveway, face rough weather, or it’s under heavy traffic for example it could be a truck stop.
10-15 years: It’s average maintenance, with average traffic.
15-25 years: Light traffic, decent conditions, and keeping up on maintenance will really get the life out of your driveway.
25+ Years: You take regular care, low traffic, and ideal weather can make your driveway last a lifetime, well, almost.
How to Give Your Asphalt Driveway a Longer Life
• Regular Checks: Check regularly for cracks, potholes, and drainage issues. Small problems can easily become big ones if they go without being addressed.
• Sealcoating: A seal coat every 2-3 years helps protect your driveway from sun, water, and even oil spills.
• Repair the asphalt immediately: You wouldn’t want those cracks and potholes to grow into craters. So, repairing them right away will help avoid further damage and maintain that neat look of your driveway.
• Proper Drainage: Make sure to have proper drainage in your driveway, so that the water does not get stored or accumulated. Standing water can aggravate the asphalt and finally result in cracks and potholes.
• Avoid Heavy Loads: Do not burden the driveway with heavy truck or equipment loads. Heavy traffic tends to increase the wear of the asphalt surface at a faster pace.
• Keep your driveway clear of debris, leaves, and chemicals like oil or gasoline that can be damaging.
Signs That Your Asphalt Driveway Needs Repair
Even with the best care, your driveway won’t stay in top shape forever. Here are some things to look out for:
• Cracks: Small cracks might become big fissures if not addressed promptly. Sealing them at the first opportunity will save you from further damage.
• Potholes:: If your driveway resembles many or even a few potholes, then it’s time to call in a repair crew.
• Color Fading: Asphalt becomes brittle due to sun damage. But if your driveway looks dull, it may also indicate the need for seal coating or resurfacing.
• Pooling Water: When water puddles on the surface, it reflects poor drainage which is just an accident waiting to happen.
• Rough Surface: A rough and bumpy path could indicate that your driveway needs resurfacing or maybe even replacement.
Conclusion
Knowing the life expectancy of asphalt paving and putting in some proactive efforts to maintain it can increase the life and performance of your driveway tremendously. This is where periodic inspections, timely repairs, and proper upkeep enter—the basics if you want to get the most from your asphalt driveway.
If you have a driveway that needs a look at, contact Hipposeal. We can provide top-quality asphalt repair and maintenance service efficiently and with total transparency and honesty throughout the process. We can assess your situation and suggest the right action to take, keeping your driveway rolling right along into the years to come.
We are a local company providing quality work, at an affordable price. Our primary coverage area is 100 mile radius of Dalton PA, 18414. Give us a call at 570-499-8963 and know how we can assist you.
