Q: When should I replace my asphalt driveway?

• <div><p>Even with regular maintenance, most driveways don&rsquo;t last much longer than 30 years. Alligator cracking is a clear warning sign that your driveway&rsquo;s foundation is failing, and cracks that are deep and wide can let water in, causing more damage. Standing water is another red flag. If your driveway doesn&rsquo;t drain properly, it&rsquo;s going to degrade slowly. Finally, if you&rsquo;re seeing dips or uneven patches, that&rsquo;s a sign the base layer or soil is shifting. If these issues pop up, it&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/driveway-repair-should-you-patch-resurface-or-replace.htm#:~:text=Replacing%20the%20driveway%20is%20necessary,20%20years%20with%20proper%20maintenance.">time to replace your driveway</a>.</p></div>

Question 1

What’s the difference between a roadway and a street?

Accepted Answer

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Think of the street as a way to capture all the elements on either side of the road, including the road—a street encompasses the homes or other buildings, the trees, and the road of a given area as defined by the beginning and end of the street on a map. A roadway, however, is the component of the street where cars travel.

Question 2

What type of maintenance does an asphalt parking lot require compared to the other types?

Accepted Answer

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To maintain their strength, asphalt driveways and parking lots need to be sealcoated once every two to five years. You may also need to reapply paint striping every few years as it fades to ensure drivers can safely navigate the parking lot.

Question 3

What type of driveway is best for adding value to a home?

Accepted Answer

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Concrete driveways add the most value to your home because they last longer and have a better aesthetic appeal. However, depending on your climate, asphalt may be preferable as it handles freezing temperatures and high heat better than concrete.

Question 4

When should I replace my asphalt driveway?

Accepted Answer

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Even with regular maintenance, most driveways don’t last much longer than 30 years. Alligator cracking is a clear warning sign that your driveway’s foundation is failing, and cracks that are deep and wide can let water in, causing more damage. Standing water is another red flag. If your driveway doesn’t drain properly, it’s going to degrade slowly. Finally, if you’re seeing dips or uneven patches, that’s a sign the base layer or soil is shifting. If these issues pop up, it’s time to replace your driveway.

Question 5

What is the lifespan of asphalt pavement?

Accepted Answer

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You can expect your asphalt pavement to last anywhere from 20 to 30 years, or 25 years on average. The life expectancy of your asphalt driveway depends on the climate, the amount of traffic, and how well you maintain it. While you can’t necessarily control some of these factors, you can control the amount of maintenance effort you put into your driveway.

To prevent your asphalt from deteriorating prematurely, you should follow a good maintenance routine involving regular cleaning, reparation work, and resealing.