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When you’re looking at a smooth and solid stretch of asphalt, you’d be forgiven for thinking that you can expect that asphalt to last forever. As with any material, though, asphalt is susceptible to wear and tear that can lead to it cracking and even completely breaking apart over time, and even the best-kept lots typically don’t last longer than 30 years at most after they’re initially laid down.
However, it’s worth emphasizing that that’s a maximum expected life span, not an average, and depending on the conditions your asphalt is put under and what kind of maintenance you perform—or don’t perform—on it, you may be lucky to get 10 years out of it. There are a lot of different factors that can affect the life expectancy of asphalt paving, but no matter where your lot is located or what you use it for, Integrity Paving & Coatings can help you keep it in top condition for as long as possible.
One thing a lot of people don’t realize about asphalt is that putting a new layer of asphalt paving overtop of an existing layer actually has a significant impact on the paving’s overall life expectancy. All other things being equal, an overlay of new asphalt over an older asphalt surface will deteriorate a good deal more quickly than brand-new pavement put down where there was no pavement at all before. This is because there will be more opportunities in the former situation for water and other contaminants to get between the layers and affect the structural integrity of the entire lot.
Another factor greatly impacting how long asphalt pavement will last once it’s laid is what kinds of vehicles drive on top of it. Of course, roads that see more traffic of all types on an average day will wear down quicker than roads that have no traffic on them at all, but asphalt that has semi-trucks and other heavy commercial vehicles rolling over it will have a shorter life expectancy than asphalt only used by commuter cars.
Whether it comes from rain, fog, humidity, or anything else, moisture buildup underneath—and sometimes on top of—the surface of asphalt paving can significantly weaken it, shortening its overall lifespan. Particularly in Central Texas, another issue to look out for is dry heat, which can cause pavement to become brittle and crack apart more easily over time.
No matter where it’s located or what it’s used for, the most important thing you can do to increase the life expectancy of asphalt paving is to make sure it gets regular maintenance. In addition to seal coating it every few years, you should also check often for cracks, divots, and potholes and make sure they’re addressed as quickly as possible—a small problem can rapidly turn into a big one if you let it go unattended.
Integrity Paving & Coatings can provide top-quality asphalt repair and maintenance service efficiently and with total transparency and honesty throughout the process. Call today to learn how our team can assist you.
Schedule your free, on-site consultation and estimate today! Call Integrity Paving & Coatings at (512) 853-9009 or get your quote online.
