How Long Does Asphalt Pavement Last?

asphalt how long does it last

When measuring asphalt’s overall life expectancy, we must take into consideration a number of factors that can affect the quality of pavement. When the proper materials, installation, and environmental factors are taken into account, high-quality asphalt should last between 15 and 20 years. 

Factors That Affect the Life Expectancy of Asphalt Paving

Factors that can determine the life expectancy of the pavement include the environment, traffic, pavement design, temperature and maintenance of the asphalt.

  1. Environment: Understanding the condition of the underlying soil, rainfall, and weather conditions in the area are essential for an asphalt paving contractor to know. If water is not properly removed from the asphalt surface, it can harm the materials’ composition.
  2. Traffic: The pavement may deteriorate much more quickly due to vehicular traffic on top of it. The more traffic, the shorter the life expectancy is for the pavement.
  3. Design of Pavement: The quality and lifespan of asphalt are dependent on a variety of factors, including the type of material used to construct it and the techniques employed. For example, porous asphalt is commonly used on parking lots for its consistent drainage. On certain soils, the lifetime of porous material may be shortened, and it is not designed for busy locations.
  4. Temperature: Extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, harm asphalt by causing fractures and allowing water to pool below the surface, resulting in air gaps. Moreover, it can then lead to the destruction of asphalt’s composition, allowing potholes to form.
  5. Maintenance: If you want your pavement to last for years, it is critical that it be properly maintained. Due to its high resiliency and flexibility, routine maintenance is often ignored. However, the surface must be monitored and kept up to prevent tiny fractures from compromising an entire surface area. You can always call Asphalt Sealing for routine maintenance, crack sealing, and repairs for your asphalt. 

How Can I Extend The Lifespan Of My Asphalt Pavement?

There are several factors to consider when investing in asphalt paving for a property. You’ll want to understand these to avoid unnecessary maintenance in the future such as crack filling. It’s critical to conduct routine inspections and maintenance to check for damage that can compromise the structure of your asphalt. 

Installation: In order for the pavement to be properly installed, adequate preparation and attention must be paid to the soil beneath it, as well as proper edging and monitoring of current weather patterns. The asphalt’s thickness also has an impact on its longevity.

Materials: The type of asphalt used in the mixture can also influence the pavement life expectancy, so make sure you’re using vendors that are aware of the best asphalt to use for specific situations. High-quality materials will ensure the asphalt binds properly in nice, clean layers. Over-mixing and a lack of proper components can result in substandard asphalt that does not last long.

Contact Asphalt Sealing for any questions you might have!

If you want more help with your asphalt or pavement, feel free to give us a call at (647) 812-7845

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