How Long Does Asphalt Pavement Last?

There are many reasons that asphalt paving is the top choice for paving surfaces in America. It is affordable, durable, and relatively easy to maintain. It is also quieter than concrete and will last 15 to 25 years without additional maintenance. However, many factors affect the lifespan of asphalt and can bring about early failure. You can take steps to mitigate premature wear and tear, and with proper asphalt maintenance, you can extend the life of your asphalt another five to 25 years.

Many different factors affect how long your asphalt will last. Some of the most common asphalt destructors are:

Of course, you cannot avoid or eliminate any of these, so understanding how they affect your asphalt and learning the best way to mitigate their effects is the smartest way forward.

Asphalt wears down more quickly due to heavy traffic and weight. For instance, parking lots wear down more rapidly than private driveways, and residential roads last longer than highways. If your asphalt sees heavy vehicles like trucks and trailers, it will wear down faster than asphalt used only by cars and lighter vehicles.

Make sure that your asphalt is installed correctly and has the capacity to bear the loads and traffic that you expect. Once installed, watch your asphalt surface for fading, cracks, and signs of wear. Enlist a trusted paving company to repair any minor damages early and provide proper pavement maintenance to prolong the life of your asphalt. Morgan Pavement provides complimentary maintenance plans with every install job.

Weather can take a massive toll on asphalt paving and can decrease the lifespan of asphalt. Extreme, dry heat in places like New Mexico, Nevada, and Arizona can make asphalt brittle and cause cracks that, in turn, weaken the asphalt.

In states like Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana, asphalt goes through numerous freeze-thaw cycles, which cause damage and shorten the lifespan of your asphalt. Asphalt maintenance in the Midwest needs to be proactive to mitigate water damage and increase the longevity of your asphalt. Experienced asphalt paving services companies recommend:

To extend the life of your asphalt and decrease the chances of significant, costly damages. It is also essential that your asphalt drains well so that no standing water is left to create concerns.

Asphalt repair is a part of responsible asphalt maintenance in the Midwest. After all, it is built to be used! Some cracking in asphalt is expected and can be repaired if caught quickly. Block cracking typically occurs when asphalt shrinks due to temperature changes. Watch out for other types of cracking, such as longitudinal cracking, reflective cracks or alligator cracks, and pavement fatigue, which may indicate problems in lower layers and the structure of your road or driveway.

If your initial asphalt paving job is done correctly by a trusted paving company, asphalt maintenance is minimal and manageable. Sealcoat your asphalt 90 days after installation and reapply sealcoat regularly every 3 to 5 years. After extreme temperatures and seasonal changes, inspect your asphalt for cracks or holes and patch and seal them as quickly as possible. Doing so ensures a longer lifespan. It stops cracks and holes from getting larger and affecting lower layers as well as the integrity of your asphalt base. Resurfacing is also a more affordable alternative to replacement and can prolong the life of your asphalt.

Morgan Pavement is the largest asphalt maintenance company in Utah and has provided trusted asphalt paving services in the Midwest for over 20 years. We give honest recommendations and quality asphalt paving products and services in Utah, Arizona, Idaho, New Mexico, Montana, Nevada, and Wyoming. Contact us today to learn more about our asphalt services or request a bid, and take advantage of our complimentary maintenance plans and property assessments.