Get matched with top asphalt driveway pros in Reno, OH

With proper maintenance, asphalt milling driveways can last 30 years or more. Over time, you’ll need to regularly sealcoat your driveway. You should also have your driveway inspected every few years and make any repairs as soon as they are necessary; this will prolong the lifespan of your driveway.

While paving a driveway is possible to do as a DIY project, we don’t recommend it. Hiring a driveway professional to pave it will ensure that your driveway looks neat and clean and lasts for years to come, and it will also prevent a weak driveway and, potentially, damage to your foundation. Paving a driveway requires heavy machinery, and while you can rent the equipment needed, operating it close to your garage slab or around your home’s foundation can crack it and lead to structural issues. 

Asphalt driveways last anywhere from 15 to 30 years, but if you don’t stay on top of repairs, you may find yourself spending extra to replace your driveway before its typical lifespan. Stay on top of repairing cracks and potholes by routinely inspecting your driveway once or twice a year. It’s a good idea to pressure wash your asphalt driveway at least once a year to keep it clean. Apply a sealer every one to five years, based on your climate.

While blacktop is a type of asphalt, the terms should not be used interchangeably, as not all asphalt qualifies as blacktop. The primary differences are in their composition, production process, and ideal applications. Blacktop contains more stone than other types of asphalt and is heated to a higher temperature during production—300°F or more—while hot-mix asphalt is heated to between 275°F and 300°F. The ratio of bitumen (a tar-like crude oil) is a key differentiator, though sources vary: some state blacktop has less bitumen, making it less durable, while others claim it has a higher ratio. Due to these differences, asphalt is generally more durable and better for high-traffic areas like highways and streets, while blacktop is more suitable for playgrounds and residential driveways. For a driveway project, it is best to consult a professional to determine the most appropriate material.