Asphalt is one of the most popular choices when it comes to paving a new driveway, in large part because it's cheaper than its main competitor - concrete - and still has great longevity, appearance and functionality. Whether it's an entirely new driveway or a driveway replacement, you've likely put a decent investment into your home project and are wondering how long it should last. After all, a nice asphalt driveway can improve the aesthetic of your property and neighborhood and in turn even increase the value of your home. So, how long does an asphalt driveway last?
Longevity of a New Asphalt Driveway
On average, a residential driveway paved with asphalt should last at least 15 years, though sometimes can last as much as 30 years. This depends on a few factors: if the initial paving job was done properly by an experienced asphalt contractor, it experiences the normal amount of use that a residential drive would, is maintained properly and not exposed to overly extreme weather, you may be able to expect a lifespan on the higher end of that spectrum. On the flip side, if you regularly drive heavy vehicles/machinery on your driveway or neglect to maintain it over the years after weather causes minor deterioration, you may end up needing more serious repair or replacement sooner than later.
One of the best things you can do for the lifespan of your driveway is to stay on top of regular maintenance - let's look at some of the best practices for asphalt repair and maintenance.
Proper Asphalt Maintenance for a Driveway
You can read our full asphalt maintenance plan and best practices for a bigger-picture rundown, but here we'll quickly highlight some of the most important basic maintenance tips that will help keep your driveway healthy and beautiful for years to come.
1. Fill & Seal Cracks
Cracks are one of the most common issues with asphalt and are often only a minor concern when they first appear. But when left untreated for too long, water continues to seep in through the existing cracks and far worse problems can appear. As a result, we recommend performing crack sealing regularly - fix cracks as you notice them appearing, or at the least annually.
2. Sealcoat Every 2-5 Years
Healthy asphalt relies on the oils in the pavement to keep it from deteriorating too quickly. This is because those oils are crucial to the asphalt retaining much-needed moisture which prevents the pavement from becoming dried out and cracking. Sealcoating serves the purpose of maintaining necessary oil levels in the asphalt. We typically recommend applying a seal coat every 2-5 years - have a local asphalt contractor like us take a look at your driveway to recommend whether you're due for a sealcoat.
Choose the Right Asphalt Contractor
No matter how diligent you are at maintaining your driveway, if the asphalt was not installed properly to begin with the lifespan will likely suffer. That's why it's important to choose the right local asphalt company for the job. We pride ourselves on a top level of asphalt expertise and customer service, so if you're looking for the right contractor for your driveway don't hesitate to reach out to High Quality Asphalt & Concrete today for a free quote.