Are you a homeowner looking to keep your asphalt driveway paving in good shape for as long as possible? Maybe you just installed a new blacktop, and you want to be sure that you are doing everything you can to take care of your investment. In general, a well-maintained residential asphalt paving driveway will last you anywhere between 20 to 30 years. By having a proactive approach to asphalt paving maintenance, you could avoid replacing your driveway for decades.
What to Know About Driveway Lifespans
From the Ground Up
Your asphalt paving contractor will do a lot of work preparing your property for full-depth asphalt installation. Asphalt’s longevity is heavily influenced by the work that goes into it at the soil level. The contractor should build your asphalt pavement based on the correct grade and slope to ensure it can withstand even extreme New England weather. Soil and its movement can bring a host of issues over time if not handled properly. Your new driveway must have a solid base before any of the paving is applied. That is the only way to keep it functional decade after decade.
What to Look Out For
Even if a previous owner installed your driveway, you could still take some steps to make sure you are getting a long life out of your pavement. Many asphalt services should be done regularly to protect your driveway. Even if you haven’t been doing regular services, you can start now.
One of the most common maintenance services to do is crack filling. Cracks are typical and are easy to rectify if addressed early. Asphalt potholes are another issue that you will find on your driveway, especially in early spring. Cracks and holes start small but will grow over time. They can even affect the subbase if not fixed.
You could also see deterioration on the blacktop or standing water throughout the year. While these are not enough to cause you issues and shorten the lifespan of your asphalt by themselves, together, they can cause untimely failure of the subbase and should be taken care of as soon as possible.
Create a Maintenance Plan
The longer you wait to repair minor issues, the more money you’ll end up spending on larger repairs. If you are hoping to extend the life of your driveway, small and frequent repairs will be necessary.
To keep your driveway in excellent condition, regularly clean it by removing debris and pressure washing excess grime and chemicals. These are all recommended as a part of a comprehensive maintenance plan. Your asphalt paving contractor will work with you to create a maintenance plan that works with your budget and schedule.
Ready for Asphalt Help?
Regardless of the current condition of your driveway, there are many things that you can do right now to keep it in good shape. Cassidy Paving is here to help you get the most out of your residential driveway. Give us a call today at 866-978-9788 to discuss maintenance options and receive a free estimate on any asphalt paving service.
