The lifespan of your asphalt pavement can vary based on climate, traffic, and maintenance. However, proper care and use can last 25 years or more.

Keeping your pavement in good condition will increase lifespan and reduce repair costs. Here are some tips to keep your pavement in tip-top shape.

Sealcoating

With the aid of paving services Goshen IN, seal coating is a reasonable preventative maintenance measure that applies a protective coating over your asphalt driveway or parking lot. It helps the pavement’s lifespan and keeps it looking new and attractive for longer, thereby reducing the need for expensive repairs in the future.

Like other paving materials, asphalt combines rock and aggregate held together by a binder. Over time, this binder can be degraded by rain and UV rays, gas and vehicle fluids, and excess moisture.

When this happens, it can cause oxidation, which breaks down the asphalt’s binding properties. Cracks can then form, water can seep underneath and weaken the base, and potholes are more likely to occur.

Sealcoating slows down this deterioration by filling small cracks and preventing oxidation. It also helps to protect your pavement from oil and gas spills. It can be particularly beneficial in areas where there is heavy traffic. Additionally, it can boost your property’s curb appeal and add value to the space.

Overlaying

A concrete overlay offers exceptional durability for relatively minimal maintenance, extending the lifespan of your current pavement. It is crucial to remember that the lifespan of an overlay will vary depending on various elements, such as local weather patterns, the volume of high traffic, and the caliber of the subgrade beneath it.

According to pavement design principles, adding a 1-in overlay on an existing 4-in pavement designed for 20 years can double its fatigue life. Thus, it is essential to check the condition of the existing pavement before covering it.

Thin lift asphalt overlays also correct surface deficiencies and restore pavement skid resistance. They can be a cost-effective and efficient solution to restoring pavement surfaces that have begun to polish and help seal existing pavement from external moisture.

Crack Sealing

Cracks in your asphalt pavement allow water to penetrate the base and deteriorate the surface. It can lead to potholes and other road problems, which can damage the safety of your traffic flow.

By avoiding these issues, routine upkeep can increase the lifespan of your paving. One of the most common maintenance practices is crack sealing.

Various factors can damage the pavement, such as hot summers and harsh winters, annual cycles of freezing and thawing, excessive loads, poor construction techniques, and more.

Proper maintenance can keep your paving looking its best, saving you money on future repairs and improving the safety of your drivers and pedestrians. The key is researching, choosing suitable materials, and following proper procedures.

Routing cracks before sealing can add 40% to the life of your seal job, increasing material adherence and improving performance. Routing creates a reservoir that allows the sealant to adhere better to the side walls of the crack.

Repairing Potholes

Preventive maintenance is the most cost-effective way to reduce the occurrence of potholes, and other asphalt pavement distresses. It also can minimize damage to vehicles and other property, reducing liability risks.

Typical short-term repairs for potholes include cold-patch, skin patching, and asphalt patching with hot mix. While these repairs can temporarily reduce the severity of a pothole, they typically do not last and require future permanent fixes.

For long-term repairs, dig-out patching requires removing all pothole materials at least six feet around the hole, re-grading the base and wearing course, and replacing it with new HMA (hot mix asphalt). After this process, the surface is compacted. It is a highly durable and long-lasting option that requires the expertise of a professional asphalt contractor.