The expected life span of an asphalt driveway is about 20 years before you need to replace it. To achieve that life span, you need to correctly care for your asphalt paving. Here are the main ways you can keep the driveway flexible and minimize cracks to make it last as long as possible.

How to Protect Your Driveway Paving

1. Sealcoating

Asphalt is made with a petroleum product called bitumen, which gives asphalt its black color and flexibility. As bitumen is exposed to the sun, it slowly breaks down, becoming paler and more brittle. As this happens, the asphalt becomes more vulnerable to cracking and develops many tiny microfractures. 

At the same time, it becomes more water absorbent, leading to accelerated cracking. Sealcoating your driveway about once every three years rejuvenates the bitumen, seals the tiny cracks, blocks out water, and restores your driveway’s flexibility, so it won’t break down so quickly.

2. Immediate Crack Repair

When one part of your driveway cracks, it lets water in and creates a structural weak point that can cause nearby areas to buckle. Cracks in asphalt spread over time and accelerate faster the bigger they get. 

Patching them as soon as they appear minimizes the number of repairs you’ll need and reduces stress on the rest of the paving so it’ll last longer.

3. Drainage Maintenance

Asphalt is water resistant but not completely waterproof. If water is allowed to sit on the surface of the pavement in a puddle, it will slowly seep inside. This leads to cracks and eroded support under the driveway, which can cause severe damage and potholes. 

To prevent this, make sure the water has somewhere to go. Clear away debris that blocks drains and traps water on the asphalt. Sometimes, you may need repairs to fix the angle of the pavement and create a slope. This will encourage water to run downhill and off the edges of the driveway.

For asphalt installation and maintenance in Flathead County, choose Glacier Paving in Kalispell, MT. The company has offered prompt, efficient work for nearly 30 years, and they provide a warranty on all their work. Their wide range of options, including hot- and cold-mix asphalt, ensures they have the tools to handle any repair. To get a free estimate, call (406) 257-8181 or reach out online.