HOW LONG DOES ASPHALT PAVING LAST?
Homeowners might not think too much about their asphalt. Well, that is until they see visible signs of damage, and they realize that they’ll need to get it paved again in order to make their asphalt smoother and their property look like it once did. But once asphalt starts to show signs of damage, you might wonder, what is the lifespan of asphalt and why might mine degrade faster than other homeowners’ asphalt? If this is something you’ve noticed, here’s what you need to know about how long asphalt paving lasts and what might contribute to asphalt becoming ruined faster than it should.
The Lifespan
So, how long should asphalt last after your driveway and other areas around your home have been paved? The answer will vary depending on the many factors that we’ll cover below, but asphalt will generally last 20 to 30 years before the surface needs to be repaved again. Keep in mind that you might see other estimates out there, but those much shorter estimates are typically applied to roadways that experience much greater stress and traffic. Now that you have a better idea of how long residential asphalt lasts, here’s what you need to know to turn that 20 years into 30 years.
Factors That Could Impact the Quality of Your Asphalt
There are a host of factors that will contribute to the lifespan of your pavement, some of which you’re able to control and some which are out of your control. Here are the factors that will impact your asphalt the most.
- Weather: Intense heat can cause asphalt to become brittle and start drying and cracking, damage that is only worsened when you drive over the surface of your asphalt each day. However, cold weather can damage it too. Intense cold, snow, and rain can cause moisture to build up underneath and in between the asphalt, contributing to new cracks or expanding existing ones. If you live in an area with intense weather, it’s crucial to figure out what you can do to minimize damage.
- Maintenance: Asphalt driveways that are properly maintained are going to fare much better than asphalt driveways that are largely ignored by their owners. For example, a properly maintained asphalt driveway is properly sealed and regularly repaired or filled and is going to trend more toward the 30-year lifespan estimate. An asphalt driveway that goes unattended and isn’t protected when it starts showing signs of wear and tear is one that’s going to degrade much faster.
- Asphalt Paving Quality: Not every company is going to use the best materials or take great care to give you the best results possible, rushing through the process or using solutions of sub-par quality. For high-quality and long-lasting asphalt paving in Blue Bell, PA, and surrounding areas, rely on Local Paving & Concrete.
- Exposure to Chemicals, Salt, or Vegetation: Moisture isn’t the only threat to asphalt. Some of the other threats include salt, chemicals, and vegetation. We do have more control over this, so keep a close eye on these things and do your best to keep them off of your driveway.
- Large Vehicles: This isn’t a major concern, but larger vehicles can cause asphalt damage, especially when asphalt is wet and sinks in. This is mostly a concern for residences that have large service trucks or delivery vehicles constantly coming in and out of their driveway.
Get Your Driveway Repaved With Local Paving & Concrete
A long-lasting asphalt paving job starts with choosing the right company. If you’re looking for quality paving in Glenside, PA and other nearby towns, rely on Local Paving & Concrete to give you the quality asphalt paving services you deserve. Contact us today to learn more!
FEBRUARY 2, 2024