Your asphalt driveway is more than just a place to park. It adds curb appeal, increases property value, and quietly takes a beating from Canadian weather, heavy vehicles, and salt. And yet, too many homeowners are surprised when their driveway starts breaking down just a few years in. The reality is, driveway longevity depends entirely on how you care for it.
At Action Paving, we’ve repaired and sealed thousands of driveways across Ontario. We’ve seen the difference between driveways that last 5 years and driveways that last 20. The long-lasting ones? They’re not lucky, they’re properly maintained, sealed, and repaired with care.
Here are five tips that will actually extend the life of your asphalt driveway, backed by real experience in the field.
1. Seal Your Driveway Every 2 to 3 Years With the Right Product
Why Sealing Is Essential for Driveway Longevity
Asphalt is porous. That means water, UV rays, salt, and even oil can seep into the surface and break it down from the inside. Sealing it forms a protective barrier that keeps out those harmful elements.
But here’s the thing most people miss: not all sealants are equal. We only use oil-based sealants at Action Paving because they bond directly with your existing asphalt. Unlike water-based sealers that sit on top and peel after a season, oil-based products soak in, replenish essential oils, and stay flexible with the asphalt over time.
Common Mistakes We See
- Sealing without cleaning the surface first
- Using low-grade water-based sealers that dry and crack
- Resealing too soon or too often, which causes buildup and peeling
Best Practice
- Reseal every 2 to 3 years, depending on wear
- Always power wash driveway surfaces before sealing a driveway
- Let sealant cure fully (24–48 hours) with no vehicles or foot traffic
Not sure what’s involved? Learn more about how to seal an asphalt driveway the right way, from surface prep to applying a long-lasting, oil-based finish.
2. Fill Cracks Before They Widen
How Cracks Turn Into Bigger Problems
Tiny cracks don’t stay tiny. Moisture seeps in, freezes, and expands, and suddenly you’ve got a patchy, uneven surface. Left untreated, cracks also allow weeds and grass to grow, which pushes the asphalt further apart.
Even worse, once water reaches the sub-base, it can wash away the gravel foundation, leading to soft spots and potholes. Fixing a crack early could cost a few dollars. Fixing cracks and hairlines? That’s a full repair for an asphalt job.
What We Recommend
- Inspect your driveway every spring and fall
- Use a proper crack filler or hot pour rubber for lasting results
3. Use Salt Alternatives to Protect Asphalt in Winter
Salt Damage and Its Impact on Driveway Longevity
Salt may keep your walkway safe in winter, but it’s one of the harshest materials you can put on asphalt. It dries out the binder, strips oils from the surface, and leaves your driveway brittle and more prone to cracking. We’ve seen freshly sealed driveways degrade in a single winter due to heavy salt use.
What to Use Instead
- Sand for traction without chemical breakdown
- Calcium magnesium acetate (CMA) or beet brine blends as gentler alternatives
- Clear snow quickly to reduce the need for excessive salt in the first place
After the Winter
In early spring, wash down your driveway to remove leftover salt. Follow that up with a crack inspection and touch-up seal where needed.
4. Don’t Ignore Stains, Holes, or Drainage Problems
Small Problems Become Big Ones
That oil stain from last week? It’s more than just a cosmetic issue. Oil softens asphalt and leads to deterioration. Potholes and ruts are even worse, they collect water, destroy the base layer, and cause even deeper damage over time.
Drainage issues are another silent killer. If water is pooling anywhere on your driveway after a rainstorm, it’s not draining properly, and that water is wearing away at your asphalt from the inside out.
What You Can Do
- Degrease oil stains immediately with a commercial asphalt cleaner
- Watch for water pooling or slow drainage after rain and consult a pro
- Patch small dips or cracks as soon as possible
- Consider adding a slight slope or regrading the edge if water collects in one area
5. Power Washing and Prep Work Are Key to Driveway Longevity
Why Skipping Surface Prep Undermines Sealing
We’ve had so many frustrated homeowners call Action Paving after their last contractor did a rush job. The sealer peeled in strips, or the cracks reappeared in a month. Nine times out of ten, the issue was poor prep.
Sealing on a dirty or oil-stained surface doesn’t work. It might look fine for a week, but it won’t last through the season.
What Proper Prep Looks Like
- Power wash driveway surfaces to remove dust, debris, and grease
- Fill cracks first, don’t rely on the sealer to do the patching
- Let the surface dry completely before sealing
- Apply by brushing around edges and detailed sections, not just spray-and-go
This is where real quality shows. At Action Paving, we take the time to prep your driveway the right way because we know shortcuts today lead to cracks tomorrow.
Quick Reference: How to Maximize Driveway Longevity
Area of Care |
What You Should Do |
What You Should Avoid |
| Sealing | Use oil-based sealers every 2–3 years | Water-based sealers that dry and peel |
| Crack Maintenance | Fill cracks before each winter and after thaw | Letting weeds or water get in |
| Salt Use | Switch to sand or gentle alternatives | Over-salting and never rinsing |
| Surface Stains | Degrease and clean quickly | Leaving oil or paint to soak in |
| Prep Work | Always power wash and repair first | Sealing over dirt or existing cracks |
Extend the Longevity of Your Driveway With Smarter Care
A properly maintained driveway doesn’t just look better, it performs better, lasts longer, and saves you serious money over time. Most early driveway failures we see aren’t because of the asphalt itself. They’re the result of rushed sealing jobs, ignored cracks, overuse of salt, or just plain neglect.
If you’re in the GTA, Hamilton, Burlington, or surrounding areas and want real peace of mind, Action Paving is ready to help. We bring years of experience, proper prep, and top-grade oil-based sealing to every job. Whether your driveway is new, aging, or overdue for maintenance, we’ll give it the care it needs to stand the test of time.