Get matched with top asphalt driveway pros in Lily, KY

You should contact your driveway installer before winterizing a newly installed driveway. Winterizing it before the asphalt or concrete has fully cured can damage the driveway. But in many cases, you don't need to winterize a newly installed driveway anyway since it's likely freshly sealed and won't have much damage yet. 

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.

The decision to repair or replace your driveway depends on the extent of the damage. If your driveway has a few small cracks, a simple repair will do the trick. If you see larger cracks and potholes, it may be time to consider resurfacing or replacement. Resurfacing is a great option if more than 25% of the surface is damaged, but if the damage is extensive—deep cracks or significant sinking—it’s best to replace the driveway entirely. A new driveway, with proper care, can last decades while patching or resurfacing might only hold up for a few years before needing more attention.

At a depth of two inches, a ton of asphalt covers around 80 to 100 square feet. However, the thicker the asphalt, the less surface area it will cover. That’s why measuring correctly is essential when estimating asphalt needs and costs to ensure you get enough material to cover your entire driveway, patio, or other asphalt surface.