How Long Does A Paved Driveway Last?
A well-paved and smooth driveway makes your home look complete and even adds a few more dollars to the overall resale value. Choosing the right quality material that could last for years without cracking, comes within your budget and is easy to maintain are some factors that make your driveway investment a success.
Bricks, concrete, gravel, asphalt, stamped concrete and even natural crushed shells can be used to make your driveway a beautiful addition to your house. Among all these choices, asphalt paved driveways are a top priority among homeowners.
Why? Is a paved driveway better than a non-paved one? How long does a paved driveway last?
A paved driveway is better and preferred because not only do they have low maintenance costs, but they also have a lifespan of over 35 years. But to make sure a paved driveway survives all these years, you need to take care of your driveway!
Factors Contributing To The Lifespan Of Paved Driveway
Although the average lifespan of a paved driveway surface is about 30 years, some conditions may reduce the lifespan of your driveway. Some of the prominent factors include the following:
1. Way of Installation
Just like the paint on the exterior walls of your house may crack if not appropriately applied, the surface of your driveway may demand a rebuild if a few factors are not considered during the construction process.
The asphalt-paved driveway requires a proper installation procedure to ensure that the surface remains smooth and lasts longer.
- An asphalt driveway should be installed correctly under the proper climatic condition. A humid or rainy day is not ideal for doing the job.
- You must clean and level the surface before pouring in the pavement material to avoid cracks and holes once the driveway is ready.
- Proper grading is also essential to increase the life of your driveway, as it will help avoid water pooling on your pavement.
- Let the material settle in before using the driveway.
2. The Usage
The vehicles parked on your driveway directly impact the life of your driveway. The more traffic it endures, the shorter it is going to last. While planning to install your driveway, consider the traffic it will have to endure on a daily basis.
For instance, if one or two cars will be using the driveway installed, a 3” thick paved driveway can bear this much pressure without receiving early damages. But if you plan to drive heavy vehicles such as loading trucks and trailers, a thicker driveway with a solid foundation is a safer option.
3. Timely Maintenance
A driveway asphalt paving needs regular maintenance and timely repairs to keep it from deteriorating before time. Closely observing the driveway for tiny cracks and quickly restoring it before it could do further damage to your property is an adequate way to add a few more years to your paved driveway.
Keeping the edge of your driveway in proper shape, spraying cool water on the pavement during hot days, and avoiding spilling oil or gasoline on the driveway surface are some tips to ensure your driveway remains strong for years to come!
4. Climatic Conditions
What is the weather like around your house? Do you live in a cold region? Paved driveways often crack and contract during cold climatic conditions. Water gets inside these cracks and expands once it turns into ice. Ignore these tiny cracks, and you might have to rebuild your entire driveway.
Moreover, asphalt cannot bear the extreme UV rays. Due to the constant exposure to sun rays during hot climates, the asphalt may start losing its structure.
In simple words, a paved driveway is an excellent investment as it offers comfort and beauty and can last you from 30 to even 50 years if taken good care of.
