How Long Does Asphalt Paving Last?
The majority of property owners and managers consider durability when selecting surface options. Asphalt paving replacement can be expensive. You may better manage your budget and make decisions regarding repairs by being aware of the anticipated lifespan. This blog will cover some factors that can affect your asphalt driveway lifespan.
Factors That Determine How Long Your Asphalt Paving Will Last
Asphalt pavement typically lasts 10 to 25 years. The actual longevity, however, depends on a wide range of variables. The characteristics listed below must be considered when estimating how long your asphalt pavement will survive.
Traffic Intensity
Do large vehicles regularly pass over it? Or a single vehicle is left overnight parked on the road. The longevity of your asphalt surface decreases with increased traffic and more if you don’t allow it to dry properly.
The surface's lifespan can be increased by scheduling routine maintenance and inspections. However, asphalt is unlikely to last longer than ten years in areas with high traffic.
Quality of Installation
The secret to the durability of asphalt is proper installation. Damage could occur if the asphalt surface is used before it has had enough time to dry. It will ultimately cause cracks, holes, and other problems.
Although installing an asphalt driveway is simpler than installing concrete, it is still risky and complicated. The driveway will need to be designed, the foundation will need to be ready to prevent cracking, the area will need to be leveled with rake work, and the final road will need to be properly graded to provide easy rainwater drainage. Cutting corners during installation could result in the driveway having troublesome problems years before they should.
Maintenance
Even though asphalt paving is durable, it needs frequent upkeep to last longer. Without proper care, a minor crack that is ignored for a few weeks might develop into a pothole.
Asphalt care includes timely inspections, frequent cleanings, and high-quality repairs. Without them, the maximum life expectancy cannot be reached. Your asphalt pavement needs more frequent maintenance the more abuse it receives.
Materials
The materials and installation techniques employed during construction may also affect how long your asphalt pavement lasts. Here are some examples:
- Warm-mixed asphalt: This asphalt is made at temperatures between 50 and 100 degrees lower than hot-mix asphalt. It is more prone to water damage and difficult to install. Both elements could shorten the lifetime.
- Porous asphalt: Typically applied on parking lots to enhance drainage Heat is also trapped. The lifespan of such asphalt can be shortened if it is installed on the incorrect soil type. Furthermore, it is not robust enough for high-traffic locations.
- Perpetual pavement: It is durable due to its several layers and is great for heavy traffic. Compared to other types, this pavement often has a longer lifespan. But the installation can be pricey.
How Can You Increase the Lifespan of Your Asphalt Pavement?
It's time to take action if you want your asphalt driveway to last longer than 15 years. Let us share some tips that can lengthen the longevity of your driveway:
- Prevent Water Damage
Limiting water penetration through or beneath the pavement is the best action. Water is prone to freezing and thawing, which causes pavement damage before it should. Additionally, try to get proper drainage away from the driveway. In the paving procedure, the paving contractor can assist you with this.
2. Make Sure you Get Quality Installation
A building's foundation is comparable to how asphalt is installed. The entire project may suffer if something goes wrong. Invest in a top-notch installation to ensure the asphalt pavement lasts as long as feasible.
3. Regular Sealcoating and Filling the Cracks
Asphalt pavement cracks should be sealed as forcefully and frequently as necessary. Periodic sealcoating will help prevent the surface from oxidizing from the elements. However, avoid oversealing, as this will reduce the pavement's lifespan.
Sealcoat only after the preceding sealcoat has been sufficiently worn off by traffic to reveal a sizable amount of the bare pavement beneath the sealcoat.
4. Book Regular Inspections and Maintenance
No matter how small, asphalt cracks are likely to develop into major problems. It is feasible to avoid significant damage and expensive repairs by detecting them in time. Sealing the cracks will allow you to continue using the asphalt pavement for many years. Remember that, as mentioned before, regular maintenance and upkeep are necessary to maintain your asphalt pavement in top condition.
5. Keep it Clean
Lack of proper cleaning is one of the main causes of asphalt degradation. Fractures caused by large debris facilitate water accumulation. Clean asphalt performs better, lasts longer, and looks better.
6. Consider Replacing the Asphalt
It could be time to consider replacing the asphalt if you've done the things mentioned above, but your pavement still appears worn out. If the asphalt stops mechanically working, which means it does not drain correctly, is bumpy, or settles too much, it may be time to replace it.
Affordable Asphalt Paving Services in Connecticut
The estimated lifespan of asphalt pavement is influenced by various elements, such as the caliber of installation, the environment, the type of materials used, appropriate maintenance, and more. Your asphalt pavement can endure up to 25 years and even longer with proper maintenance and use.
With our residential and commercial services, Asphalt Paving by GW can help install brand-new driveways or parking lots and fix damaged asphalt. Our clients receive excellent service from us because we are properly licensed and insured. Our residential and commercial asphalt paving specialists can handle any paving needs. Get in touch with us today!