5 Expected Lifespan Of Asphalt Paving?

Asphalt is the most commonly used pavement material in the United States. Asphalt paving is used on about 94% of American highways and 85% of parking lots and driveways. However, one of the most common questions we get asked about asphalt pavements is how long they last. Asphalt pavement replacement can be expensive — but knowing the expected lifespan can help you budget and make more informed decisions regarding your asphalt repairs and maintenance needs.

So, how long can asphalt pavement be expected to last?

Asphalt pavement normally has a lifespan of 10 to 25 years. However, exactly how long your asphalt pavement is determined by several factors, including:

Traffic

The more traffic on your asphalt surface, the shorter its lifespan. Although you can extend the life of the asphalt paving by scheduling periodic maintenance checks, it is unlikely that the asphalt will last more than ten years with heavy traffic.

Installation Quality

Asphalt’s longevity is highly dependent on proper installation. If the edges are not properly finished or if the asphalt is laid while it is too humid or rainy, for example, the surface may begin to deteriorate within weeks of installation. Furthermore, driving on the pavement before it has had enough time to dry may result in cracks or potholes on the surface.

Maintenance

Although asphalt is quite durable, it must be maintained regularly if it is to last as long as possible. A small crack can quickly grow into a big pothole without proper maintenance. Asphalt maintenance includes periodic inspections, frequent cleaning, and high-quality repairs when needed. It is impossible to get the most out of your asphalt paving without due attention. The more abuse your asphalt surface receives daily, the more regular upkeep it needs.

Climate

The life of an asphalt surface is also determined by the weather conditions it must withstand. Warm temperatures, low rain, and zero temperature fluctuations are good conditions for asphalt paving. If you live in a humid climate, the surface may develop cracks. Water will infiltrate and erode the subsurface layers. As a result, an air gap will form beneath the pavement, resulting in the formation of a pothole.

Materials

The type of materials used during installation might also affect the lifespan of your asphalt surface.

• Porous asphalt: Porous asphalt is widely used in parking lots to improve drainage. It also retains heat. However, laying porous asphalt on the wrong soil type may shorten its lifespan. It also does not hold up well in high-traffic areas.
• Perpetual pavement: Perpetual pavement is composed of numerous layers, making it both durable and suitable for heavy traffic areas. Compared to other asphalt paving types, this one typically lasts longer. However, installing perpetual pavement can be pretty expensive.
• Warm-mix asphalt: Warm-mix asphalt is manufactured at lower temperatures — anywhere from 50°F to 100°F lower — than hot-mix asphalt. Warm-mix asphalt is less costly, but it is more difficult to lay and more susceptible to water damage. Both of these factors can shorten the life of your asphalt paving.

Where do you plan to lay asphalt paving?

Finally, the longevity of your asphalt paving is determined by where and how you want to use it.

• Residential driveway: Because the driveway gets minimal traffic activity, you can expect your newly-installed asphalt pavement to last up to 25 years. Repaved driveways have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years.
• Parking lots: The pavement in your parking lot can last between 15 and 25 years, depending on the type of vehicles that drive on it every day. Of course, heavy vehicle traffic will shorten its lifespan. If not properly maintained, your pavement may also deteriorate in as little as five years.
• Residential streets: Asphalt pavement on low-traffic residential streets can last up to 20 years before needing to be resurfaced.
• Highways: Highways may need to be resurfaced every 10 to 15 years due to the constant wear and tear caused by heavy traffic.

Final Notes

Several factors influence the expected lifespan of your asphalt paving, including traffic activity, installation quality, maintenance, climate, material type, and where it is installed. However, your asphalt pavement can last up to 25 years if properly cared for and used.

Address

Commonwealth Paving, 136 Outerloop, Louisville, Kentucky 40214
Phone: 502-459-7283, Fax: 502-456-2678

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