Asphalt is meant to last, but it’s not destined to last forever. As time goes on your once-pristine parking lot will reveal cracks, holes, and other issues that require your attention. With proper maintenance and pavement repair, you can keep your parking lot in good shape for a long time to come. At some point, however, your parking lot’s asphalt will need to be replaced entirely. The average asphalt parking lot can endure for 25 years or longer when properly cared for. Let’s explore the typical lifecycle of new asphalt parking lot paving so you know what to expect over the next several years.
The Typical Lifecycle of New Asphalt Parking Lot Paving
The First Five Years
Unless your parking lot faces a major incident, its first five years or so should be relatively uneventful, especially if it’s properly sealcoated. During this initial half-decade, your parking lot’s asphalt is at its strongest, well-protected against moisture, sunlight, impact, and other threats. You can expect some fading and slight deformation as the asphalt approaches the five-year mark, but typically not enough to warrant major concern.
Between Five and Seven Years
The five- to seven-year range is where asphalt starts to weaken a bit and reveal small cracks. Not to worry – asphalt maintenance services can quickly fill these fractures and provide fresh sealcoating to make your lot look and feel good as new.
From Seven to Fifteen Years
If you took care of any and all necessary maintenance between the 5-7-year mark, you might enjoy another long stretch of minimal pavement problems. Indeed, 7-10 years might go by until your asphalt really shows its age once more. That said, it’s crucial to not let your guard down at this stage. Even if your asphalt looks to be in perfect shape, it’s still getting on in its life. Make an effort to inspect your parking lot more frequently to get ahead of any signs of damage. Teaming up with a reliable commercial paving company is useful at this stage, as they can keep tabs on your asphalt for you and provide the necessary services to preserve it.
The Decade After That (15-25 Years)
By this point, even the best-maintained asphalt parking lots will inevitably show their age. Significant cracks, spalling, and visible deformation are all likely to occur between 15-25 years. As these damages accumulate and worsen, parking lot paving and/or resurfacing might be necessary once more.
Twenty Five Years and Beyond
After 25 years, most asphalt surfaces are considered to be at the end of their lifespans. After so much wear and tear and various repairs over the years, your parking lot will struggle to withstand additional pressures, let alone sustain heavy traffic. You may continue repairing your lot, but you’ll find that repairs offer diminishing returns. After 25 years, it’s often best to start from scratch, reconstructing your lot from the ground up.
Preserve the Life of Your Parking Lot
The timeframes listed here refer to averages – your asphalt might last longer or break down more rapidly depending on your local climate, level of traffic, maintenance plan, and more. Regardless, getting the most out of your parking lot requires ongoing inspection and maintenance from an experienced commercial paving contractor. Cassidy Paving has installed, maintained, repaired, and prolonged the life of countless parking lots, driveways, and roads across New England. Call us today at 866-978-9788 for a free estimate on your next asphalt project!
