February 5, 2025
Many people wonder about the lifespan of asphalt. Over two decades of experience in asphalt paving have allowed us to estimate the average longevity of an asphalt surface.
The lifespan of an asphalt surface depends on several factors: the quality of the asphalt used, the level of traffic, the repairs and maintenance performed, and the installation methods. On average, an asphalt surface like a residential driveway can last up to 25–30 years, or even longer with annual maintenance (such as repairing potholes and cracks) and resurfacing after a few years.
Resurfacing (or repaving) is a high-quality service offered by paving companies that is far more effective than sealing. It's important to differentiate between the two: sealing nourishes the asphalt to maintain flexibility and prevents disintegration, while also enhancing its appearance by restoring its black color. In contrast, resurfacing involves applying a new layer of asphalt over the existing surface, extending its lifespan by approximately 10 years. Resurfacing is a cost-effective solution to protect against wear and weather damage.
When deep cracks and constant repairs are no longer sufficient, resurfacing may still be an option if the underlying asphalt base is adequate. However, cracks must not be too large. A professional assessment is essential to determine whether resurfacing is the right solution.
Replacing Asphalt After 20–25 Years
If your asphalt hasn’t been resurfaced within 20 years and is crumbling, it likely needs to be completely replaced. Asphalt that is disintegrating cannot be repaired; like any material, it has a maximum lifespan.
If more than 30% of the surface is broken or contains large cracks, it’s time to hire a specialized company to remove the old asphalt and lay down a new, durable layer. A solid base of crushed stones is crucial for long-lasting asphalt. For a residential driveway, clay soil should be replaced with 18–24 inches of crushed stones (0-2½ inches) and topped with 2.5 inches of asphalt. Additionally, a geotextile membrane should be placed beneath the stone base to separate organic materials from the crushed stone.
Asphalt for Commercial Parking Lots and Roads
The lifespan of asphalt for commercial parking lots and roads is shorter than that of a residential driveway. Constant traffic weakens the material, causing it to crack, break, and crumble prematurely. Regular inspections are essential to identify whether repairs or resurfacing are needed. For heavy-duty commercial asphalt construction, a 3-inch base layer of coarse aggregates is required, followed by a finer aggregate layer for the topcoat. This provides better waterproofing and adhesion.
The RZR ASPHALTE team specializes in asphalt repairs (potholes or cracks) and resurfacing. We can also repair, resurface, or replace parts of commercial parking lots or roads by removing and replacing the asphalt entirely.