The lifespan of your asphalt driveway is influenced by a lot of factors.
Going by averages, you can expect yours to last for about 20 years—however, the lifespan can be longer or shorter depending on things like what kind of environment you’re in, how well you maintain it, and how tolerant you are of visual disrepair.
Keep reading for more details!
Factors That Affect Asphalt’s Longevity
- Periodic maintenance: To keep erosion at bay, cracks and holes should be repaired promptly and the surface should be sealcoated every few years. If not, the asphalt will wear out prematurely.
- Quality of installation: Your asphalt is only as durable as its original installation. If the foundation and sublayers weren’t properly laid, or drainage wasn’t accounted for, you’ll run into problems sooner than later.
- Surrounding vegetation: You could do everything right in terms of maintenance, yet if there are tree roots growing under your asphalt, there’s little you can do to prevent serious structural damage.
- Harsh climate: Extreme weather—from ice and snow to blazing sun and heat—can have a damaging effect on your asphalt. Water erosion and oxidation are no friends to blacktop!
- Your aesthetic standards: Over time, your asphalt driveway will naturally begin to crack and fade. For many homeowners, how long their driveway lasts depends on how many unsightly cracks they can tolerate before they decide to repave.
We hope this helps you understand what to expect from your asphalt! If you need help with asphalt repairs, maintenance, sealing, or anything else to extend the longevity of your driveway, don’t hesitate to call United Asphalt Paving.