Customers typically have a lot of questions for their asphalt contractor. Naturally, customers want to know how much the new pavement will cost and how long it will take for the contractor to complete the work. They also want to know how long their asphalt pavement will last and how to maximize the pavement’s life. Although cost and project duration are different for every customer, the life expectancy of asphalt pavement is easier to estimate.
Asphalt Paving – Life Expectancy – How Long Should It Last?
The lifespan of asphalt paving depends on a variety of factors. These include whether it is new construction or an asphalt overlay, the number of vehicles using the pavement on an average day and the weight of the vehicles accessing the pavement. Assuming that the pavement is properly installed, receives timely repairs, is properly maintained and is not subjected to excess loads, the following estimates should give you some idea of how long your asphalt pavement should last.
• Home driveways: If the driveway is new construction, you can expect your asphalt paving to last 20 to 25 years; many driveways are still going strong after 30 years or more. If the driveway is an overlay that was installed over existing pavement, the life is more likely to be between 10 and 15 years although many homeowners have obtained a much longer life from their overlay.
• Parking lots: Parking lots typically have an average life of 15 to 25 years, depending on whether they offer access only to passenger vehicles or accommodate heavily laden truck traffic.
• Residential streets: Asphalt streets that receive only normal traffic can last 20 years or more before they need resurfacing. Resurfacing can often double or triple the life of the street before it is necessary to repave it.
• Interstates and busy highways: Interstates, busy state highways and similar roads must bear truck traffic as well as passenger vehicles. Often, these roads need to have their top layers milled and resurfaced every 10 to 15 years. This can greatly extend the life of the asphalt pavement; there are sections of busy interstates that have lasted more than 50 years with just periodic resurfacing of the top layer of asphalt and timely repairs.
In general, asphalt pavements have an average life of approximately 25 years if properly maintained. Without proper care, however, most asphalt pavements lose 10 percent of their structural integrity within 10 years, and after 20 years, the pavement will have lost 45 percent of its integrity and initial durability.
Obtaining the Longest Life for Your Asphalt Pavement
If you want your asphalt paving to last as long as possible, start by choosing a reputable contractor. The quality of the installation has a direct bearing on how long your pavement will last. Once your pavement is installed, its health is largely up to you.
• Inspect your pavement regularly so that you can spot cracks or other issues quickly.
• Have cracks and potholes repaired immediately by a reputable asphalt contractor.
• Have your pavement sealed within 180 days of installation and re-applied as recommended by your contractor.
• Have drains and catch basins cleaned and inspected annually to ensure proper drainage.
• Do not allow access to vehicles that are heavier than the pavement was meant to support.
If you need help to obtain a longer life and need a qualified paving contractor, contact Alpha Paving Industries. We are a full-service Austin paving company with impeccable references, a reputation for quality work and award-winning customer service. Our services include asphalt paving and overlays, street maintenance, road construction, asphalt repairs, sealcoating, asphalt milling and parking lot striping. We also install, repair and maintain concrete pavement. We have a diverse client base that includes municipalities, shopping centers, airports, subdivisions, restaurants, religious institutions, educational facilities, retailers, health care providers, office parks, apartment complexes, hotels and industrial facilities. If you have more questions about Asphalt Paving – Life Expectancy or would like a free quote you can request yours by completing the online form or calling (512) 677-9001.
