Property and homeowners with new asphalt pavement commonly ask, “How long does asphalt last without maintenance?” Asphalt parking lots, driveways, and roads eventually deteriorate due to wear and tear from weather, traffic, and vehicle weight.” Below we’ll explain the average asphalt lifespan, factors that impact maintenance times, and tips to prolong its lifespan.
How long does asphalt last?
The answer to “How long does asphalt last?” is a two-fold answer: it depends if it’s new or existing pavement. On average, new asphalt lasts around six months before sealcoating is recommended after the initial application. Existing asphalt can last three to five years with routine sealcoating.
Climate, traffic size, and volume significantly impact your asphalt’s lifespan. Parking lot owners with consistent and heavy traffic loads like tractor-trailers will degrade faster than smaller lots with low traffic from vehicles. Areas with harsh climate conditions in winter with freeze-thaw cycles may experience faster asphalt degradation too.
For homeowners wondering, “How long does an asphalt driveway last?” the same applies as above. We recommend sealcoating asphalt driveways every three to five years if it’s in good condition and homeowners are willing to commit to regular maintenance. An asphalt driveway lifespan can be prolonged with routine sealcoating and cleaning.
4 Ways to Make Your Asphalt Last Longer
Now that you know the answer to “How long does asphalt last?” homeowners and property owners can preserve their asphalt’s lifespan in many ways. Below we’ll break down four ways to extend the life of your asphalt.
1. Sealcoat New Asphalt 6 Months After Application
Sealcoating driveways and parking lots shouldn’t be done immediately after it’s initially paved because it needs time to cure first. Although most of the curing process is during the first month, new asphalt can take up to six months to harden, as mentioned earlier. New asphalt curing times can also vary depending on traffic and weather conditions.
If you have newer asphalt that is raveling already, this is a sign that the asphalt was too dry when it was first applied. Sealcoating helps seal new raveling asphalt, preserves its lifespan, and only takes 24-48 hours to dry.
2. Sealcoat Existing Asphalt Every 3 to 5 Years
If you don’t sealcoat your driveway or parking lot routinely, your asphalt may only last five to six years before it starts to break down. Regular sealcoating extends the life of your asphalt and helps prevent costly repairs.
Some signs you need to sealcoat your existing asphalt are:
- minor asphalt cracks
- small potholes
- oil surface stains
- faded color
- sunken areas
On average, sealcoating lasts three years, depending on the materials used, how well it was initially paved, weather conditions, and traffic. Sealcoating is especially essential for parking lot maintenance to prevent safety issues for vehicles and pedestrians.
3. Clean Debris, Garbage, and Oil Stains from Asphalt Routinely
Routine asphalt cleaning is one of the easiest ways to make asphalt last longer. This includes regular sweeping of dirt and debris, cleaning oil stains, and seasonal asphalt maintenance like foliage and snow/ice removal.
Here are some asphalt cleaning tips to preserve its lifespan:
- Remove new oil stains immediately, as they’re easier to clean than old stains, and sealcoating won’t properly stick onto asphalt with oil stains that aren’t washed off.
- Clean and inspect asphalt routinely for any damages or stains, especially before winter
- Shovel snow and ice immediately to prevent it from compacting and breaking down the asphalt
Regularly cleaning asphalt is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to make it last longer. It helps prevent minor asphalt damage from needing more extensive pavement repairs and promotes longevity.
4. Hire Asphalt Professionals to Make Your Asphalt Last Longer
The key to making your asphalt last longer is hiring asphalt professionals for routine preventative maintenance. Asphalt professionals offer various asphalt services to make your asphalt last longer, even in poor conditions. If your asphalt is breaking, there are many solutions available that can vary from minor to major repairs. By hiring asphalt professionals, they can inspect your pavement condition and offer the best course of action.
Contact Superior Asphalt to Preserve Your Asphalt’s Lifespan
Now that you know the answer to “How long does asphalt last?”, the next step is to get routine maintenance to preserve your asphalt’s lifespan. Whether you’re a homeowner with an asphalt driveway or a property manager with a parking lot, maintenance and quick repair turnarounds are necessary to prevent expanding pavement damages that are more costly to repair in the long run.
Ask us about creating an asphalt maintenance plan so you can have peace of mind knowing your pavement is always in the best condition possible.
Contact Superior Asphalt for asphalt repairs, sealcoating, crack sealing, and parking lot striping today!
