"Dennssealcoating did an excellent job on my driveway They filled in all the cracks put a nice coat on and very professional . They took their time and did it right .My driveway will last for years Ià ¢à  à  m sure. This company is the best if you donà ¢à  à  t use this company you will definitely regret it."
"My brand new asphalt driveway is amazing, and I’m so happy with how it turned out. Joe and his team did an amazing job! I definitely recommend anyone looking to get their driveway done to give JD Asphalt a call. Awesome service!"
"Jimmy and he crew did an excellent job. They removed some roots underneath the old cracked driveway and build a new foundation for a new layer of asphalt."
"New Crete did a beautiful job resurfacing our driveway. The builder (Capstone) did a terrible job on the concrete when we had our home built. New Crete ground it down, and worked their magic and it now looks like a new driveway. Great company to work with too. Stayed in touch during the winter months when it was too cold to do the work. Jane Edginton, 308 Collins St. Milton"
"Blair Carmean & Sons did a great job installing my new driveway. Mike explained what he was going to do and answered all my questions. Thanks to Mike and his crew."
A driveway's lifespan varies by material. Asphalt driveways typically last 15 to 30 years, while concrete driveways last longer, between 20 and 50 years. The longevity of any driveway is affected by factors like extreme temperatures, heavy traffic, and the quality of maintenance. Regular upkeep, such as filling cracks, resealing the surface, and ensuring proper drainage, can help extend its life. For gravel driveways, regrading to fill in uneven areas every year or two is recommended.
Like all driveway materials, asphalt can crack in the wrong conditions and with age. Many things can cause asphalt to crack, including shifting soil or settling under the foundation. Other common causes are driving oversized vehicles on the asphalt, tree roots, and using rock salt during the snowy season. Proper installation and sealing the driveway every 10 years can help prevent cracks.
New asphalt typically needs 24 to 72 hours to dry before it can handle light foot traffic and careful driving. Although it may appear solid after a few days, the full curing process, where the asphalt reaches its peak strength, takes much longer—generally from 30 days to a year.
During this extended curing time, the surface remains relatively soft and can be damaged by heavy vehicles, sharp objects, or high temperatures. To protect your investment, it's best to avoid parking heavy machinery on the asphalt until it has fully cured.
The exact time required for drying and curing depends on several factors, including the weather, the specific asphalt mix, and its thickness. For the most accurate advice tailored to your situation, consult with your asphalt contractor.
Many asphalt companies have experience with tar and chip paving, but not all. The process is unique enough—and not incredibly common enough—that you may have to look around for a tar and chip specialist. However, speaking with a driveway company is a great place to start, especially if they have experience with multiple materials.
It’s best to weigh the pros and cons of each material and decide on your priorities for your driveway. Gravel won’t be an appropriate choice if your driveway experiences heavy traffic. You’ll find that you need to level and top it off regularly, which could make the material a much more expensive option.
The Frederica, DE homeowners’ guide to asphalt driveway services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Adding a new asphalt driveway to your home can boost its overall appearance and give homeowners a nice ROI down the line. But how long do asphalt driveways last, and what can you do to maximize their lifespans? Read this guide to find out.