6 Tips to Extend the Lifespan of Your Asphalt Driveway

Did you know the lifespan of a well-designed and constructed asphalt driveway is about 20-30 years? The key to its longevity, though, is routine and proper maintenance. Regular care of your asphalt pavement will extend its lifespan and improve curb appeal for your residential, commercial, or industrial property.

The following tips explain how to properly care for your asphalt to get its full potential.

1. Clean Regularly

The first step in maintaining your asphalt driveway is regular cleaning. Sweeping your driveway with a stiff brush and washing it will keep it looking clean – and prevent dirt and grit from damaging the asphalt. A clean pavement also makes it easier to spot cracks or drainage issues before the damage gets worse.

2. Fill Cracks Immediately

One of the best ways to prolong asphalt life is crack sealing. Small cracks may not seem like a big deal, but left unsealed, they allow destructive elements to penetrate the asphalt base. Water (and chemicals) can enter these cracks at gallons per minute and cause severe damages that require costly repairs. To prevent this from happening, fill small cracks immediately.

3. Fix Drainage Problems

Standing water caused by damaged or poorly installed asphalt will weaken the surface and cause cracks and potholes. Call an asphalt contractor to fix any drainage issues if you notice standing water on your driveway.

4. Apply Fresh Sealcoat

Routinely sealcoating your asphalt driveway seals the surface and protects it from harmful elements like moisture, UV rays, chemical spills, and the air (which causes oxidation. In addition to protecting and extending the life of your asphalt, sealcoating also improves its curb appeal.

5. Repair Damages

To avoid the complete deterioration of your driveway, you may need a professional asphalt contractor to repair substantial damages like potholes, rutting, and raveling. Waiting days, weeks, or months will only make these issues worse and more expensive to repair.

Read More: How to Fix a Crumbling Asphalt Driveway

6. Replace Asphalt

If the top surface has extensive damage, patching and repair may no longer be a viable option. Your asphalt contractor may recommend an asphalt overlay.

Years of exposure to the elements wear through seal coating and the asphalt itself. So even the best-maintained asphalt pavement will need to be replaced at some point.

Final Thoughts

An asphalt driveway is an investment that will serve you for a long time. Quickly addressing minor issues will prevent extensive damage and costly repairs. And by following these tips, you can further extend its lifespan.

At Premium Asphalt Paving & Sealcoating, we know how important this investment is to you – and we know how to help you protect it. As the leading asphalt company in Bryan/College Station and the surrounding Brazos Valley, we can help you extend the lifespan of your asphalt driveway and pavement. Contact us today for a FREE estimate!

6 Tips to Extend the Lifespan of Your Asphalt Driveway