How Long Does an Asphalt Driveway Last? And Tips to Extend Its Life Span
Asphalt driveways should last 15 to 30 years, though this can depend on a few factors
Asphalt is a popular driveway choice, and for good reason: Asphalt brings some serious benefits to the table, especially when compared to its chief rival concrete. It’s easier to install than concrete and is better at draining rainwater. Asphalt driveways, otherwise known as blacktop driveways, will offer a safe haven for your vehicles and could slightly increase the asking price of your home down the line.
Though relatively easy to install, the cost of installing an asphalt driveway is still pretty steep, with a national average of $4,750. After spending that kind of money, you will want to make sure your freshly paved driveway will last for the long haul. Don’t fret. Asphalt driveways last anywhere from 15 to 30 years.
What Impacts the Life Span of an Asphalt Driveway?
Several factors influence the life span of asphalt, all of which are important to consider before you seek out a qualified asphalt contractor.
Proper Installation
Though easier to install than concrete, laying down an asphalt driveway is still a complex procedure that is not without risk. A competent contractor will have to design the driveway, prepare the foundation to minimize cracking, rake the area to create a level surface, and ensure the finished driveway is correctly graded so water can drain easily. If you or your pro cut corners during the installation process, the driveway could experience frustrating issues years ahead of schedule.
Extreme Weather Conditions
Asphalt is fairly flexible and durable, though it can still crack during cold winter months. These cracks may be microscopic at first, but as the driveway freezes and thaws, year after year, they will expand. Left unattended, these small cracks will become unsightly large ones that require repairs and lower the life span of your asphalt driveway.
If you live in an area prone to frigid temperatures, ask your pro to use hot-mix asphalt, which resists cracks caused by the freeze-thaw cycle well.
On the opposite side of the weather spectrum, extreme heat can slowly soften the asphalt, leading to deformation as heavy vehicles sit on top of it. Additionally, solar UV radiation will soften the driveway over time.
Type of Usage and Thickness
Your average residential asphalt driveway is three inches thick, which is perfect for passenger vehicles and even vans and lightweight trucks. However, heavy trucks, campers, trailers, and other larger-than-average vehicles place undue strain on a three-inch driveway. This will lower the life span of your driveway and could even lead to severe damage. If your home’s driveway occasionally has to bear the load of a heavy truck or camper, ask your pro to put down a thicker layer of asphalt. Four or five inches will do the trick.
Tips to Improve the Longevity of Asphalt Driveways
If you want your asphalt driveway to last 30 years instead of 15, it’s time to get proactive. Here are some steps you can take to improve the life span of your driveway.
Let the Driveway Dry and Cure
Give a freshly poured asphalt driveway 72 hours to dry before putting anything on it. After three days, you can walk and park cars, but do so with caution. An asphalt driveway can take 30 days to a year to fully harden and cure. While useable during this period, the asphalt will still be relatively soft and pliable. In other words, avoid parking large vehicles until the pavement has fully hardened.
You should also be mindful of fluid spills during this time. Keep an eye on your car to make sure gas or coolant is not leaking because they could damage the freshly poured asphalt.
Seal It Up
Asphalt is naturally porous, so you will have to apply a coat of sealant six to 12 months after the initial installation. Sealing too soon can cause permanent damage to the pavement, so contact a sealant professional to make sure the asphalt is hard enough to take the seal. A high-quality sealant will protect your driveway from moisture, gasoline, grease, oil, road salts, anti-freeze, and many more potentially dangerous substances.
You can apply sealant on your own, but make sure the temperature is above 55 degrees Fahrenheit before laying down a coat. You should also check the weather for a forecast of clear skies for three days after applying the sealant. Precipitation and frigid temperatures could endanger the seal coat. Repeat this process every two to three years.
If you’ve never sealed your driveway before, you can also hire a pro. Asphalt driveway sealing costs on average $600 and can avoid any expensive mistakes.
Maintenance, Maintenance, Maintenance
We cannot stress this enough. You must properly maintain your asphalt driveway to ensure you squeeze the most time out of it. Make a habit out of cleaning the driveway and inspecting it for cracks and other irregularities. If you spot a crack, hire a pro to patch it up.
You may also want to trim trees and remove roots that are running toward your driveway, as these roots can crawl underneath the foundation and wreak havoc.
Finally, spray the asphalt with cold water on hot days to minimize heat-induced cracks.
Signs an Asphalt Driveway Needs to Be Repaired or Replaced
A new asphalt driveway costs $5,000 on average but could reach over $9,000 depending on the size and needs. Because of the high price point, it’s important to understand the signs for when your driveway is in need of repairs. Asphalt driveway repairs cost around $1,500, depending on the repair need. Ignoring a repair could lead to a much more expensive replacement down the road.
Here are some common driveway repair signs to look out for:
Cracks exceeding 1/4 inch
Potholes
Fading or discoloration
Pooling water
Loose gravel
Uneven surface
Oil stains
Alternatives to an Asphalt Driveway
Looking for other options? Asphalt is certainly not the only driveway material available, so weigh the pros and cons of these alternatives and decide which is best for your home.
Concrete: Concrete driveways run $8 to $18 per square foot and are durable and cost-effective, but not the best option if you live in a colder climate as they are prone to cracking.
Brick: Brick offers a timeless, classic look and can last up to 50 years or more. That said, it’s expensive— ranging from $10 to $50 per square foot.
Gravel: Gravel is known as the most affordable driveway material, costing $1 to $3 per square foot. However, it requires regular maintenance, as it can erode over time.
Tar and Chip: Tar and chip driveways are made from a layer of asphalt that has been covered by crushed stone, which is then compacted. Costing $5 to $10 per square foot, this material is budget-friendly but has a short life span—just 7 to 10 years.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro to Repair Your Driveway
It’s possible to DIY your asphalt driveway repair, so long as the repair is minor, such as fixing a driveway crack that is less than a quarter of an inch thick, small potholes, or light crumbling around the driveway’s edges. Anything more complicated will likely require hot patches or resurfacing, which will necessitate the use of complicated machinery and be too complicated for most DIYers.
The cost for a bag of asphalt in order to repair a small crack yourself will cost between $20 and $40. You will need to have some basic tools on hand, such as a drywall knife and caulking fun. Plan to clean out the cracks or holes you will be filling in with a rented shop vac or your own shovel.
Christine Larusso contributed to this piece.