Key Takeaways

• Asphalt can last anywhere from 10 to 30 years, influenced by factors like the amount of traffic, how well it’s maintained, and the local weather conditions.
• Installing the asphalt properly, maintaining it regularly, and sealing any cracks can help it last much longer.
• The weather and the amount of traffic are the biggest factors that determine how long asphalt will last.
• Bart’s Asphalt offers top-notch asphalt services in Ann Arbor, Lansing, and Jackson, Michigan.

 

How Long Does Asphalt Last?

Asphalt is a favorite choice for commercial paving because it’s durable and budget-friendly. A common question from property managers is: How long will asphalt last? The answer is usually 10 to 30 years, but that depends on things like the weather, traffic, and upkeep. Knowing this is key for anyone managing parking lots, industrial sites, or roads where damage happens faster.

At Bart’s Asphalt, we specialize in long-lasting asphalt paving for businesses across Michigan, covering cities like Ann Arbor, Lansing, and Jackson. From expert installation to routine upkeep, we make sure your asphalt can handle the wear and tear over time.

 

Key Factors That Affect the Lifespan of Asphalt

Several things can affect how long asphalt lasts, especially for businesses. Knowing these factors helps you take the right steps to maintain it and make it last longer. Here’s what matters most:

Climate Conditions

The local weather can heavily impact how long asphalt lasts. In Michigan, the changing temperatures and tough winters are hard on asphalt. When it freezes and thaws, it cracks, and if you don’t fix those cracks, they get bigger. Rain, snow, and ice speed up the damage by letting water into the cracks, which weakens the pavement.

Traffic Intensity

The type and amount of traffic greatly affect how long asphalt lasts. Busy commercial areas like parking lots or roads with heavy vehicles, such as trucks and machinery, wear down faster. The weight of these vehicles causes cracks and potholes to form more quickly. On the other hand, areas with lighter traffic put less strain on the pavement.

Installation Quality

How asphalt is installed plays a huge role in how long it lasts. Bad installation, like poor compaction or bad drainage, can make it wear out too soon. At Bart’s Asphalt, we follow top industry standards and use high-quality materials to make sure your pavement lasts as long as possible.

Material Quality

The type of asphalt you choose also affects how long it lasts. For example, hot mix asphalt is usually stronger than cold mix. Using recycled materials can also change how well it performs. Picking the right materials for your project can make a big difference in how long the pavement stays in good shape.

Maintenance Frequency

Regular upkeep like sealcoating, filling cracks, and fixing potholes can make your asphalt last longer. Doing maintenance early helps catch small issues before they become big problems, keeping your pavement in good condition for longer.

Bart’s Asphalt offers a full range of services like sealcoating and crack filling to help your asphalt last longer.

 

Lifespan of Different Asphalt Applications

Different types of commercial properties wear out asphalt at different rates. Here’s what you can expect in various settings:

Parking Lots

Asphalt in commercial parking lots usually lasts 15 to 25 years, depending on how much and what kind of traffic it handles. Areas with heavy traffic, like loading zones, will wear out faster than lighter-traffic areas. Regular upkeep, like sealcoating and crack filling, helps keep parking lots in good shape and lasting longer. If you manage a parking lot in Ann Arbor, Lansing, or Jackson, Bart’s Asphalt offers paving and repair services to keep your pavement safe.

Roads and Highways

Commercial roads, especially those with constant traffic, typically last 10 to 20 years. Roads that handle heavy vehicles, like trucks and buses, wear out faster. Michigan’s tough winters and freeze-thaw cycles also damage roads, causing cracks and potholes. Bart’s Asphalt offers repair and resurfacing services to help commercial roads in Michigan last longer and stay smooth.

Industrial Areas

Industrial areas, like places with loading docks or heavy machinery, usually see asphalt last 10 to 15 years. The constant weight from equipment and trucks causes faster damage. Regular upkeep, such as fixing potholes and adding overlays, is key to keeping these high-traffic areas in good shape. For industrial sites in Michigan, Bart’s Asphalt offers customized solutions to meet your needs.

Asphalt Overlays

If you want to extend the life of your pavement without completely repaving, asphalt overlays are a smart choice. They last 10 to 15 years and cost less than a full repave. Adding a new layer of asphalt over the existing surface improves both durability and appearance.

With a proper maintenance plan from Bart’s Asphalt, you can make your asphalt last much longer.

 

Common Phases in Asphalt’s Life Cycle

Knowing the stages of asphalt’s life helps you plan its maintenance:

Phase 1 (0–5 Years): New Installation

New asphalt doesn’t need much maintenance, but regular checks and good drainage are essential to prevent early damage.

Phase 2 (5–7 Years): Preventive Maintenance

Small signs of wear may start to show. Sealcoating and crack filling protect the asphalt from the sun, water, and chemicals, keeping it in good condition.

Phase 3 (7–15 Years): Minor Repairs

Cracks and potholes begin to form. Fixing them quickly and patching the asphalt can stop more damage. Resurfacing can also help it last longer.

Phase 4 (15–25 Years): Major Repairs

Bigger cracks and surface damage might need resurfacing or an overlay. If there are widespread problems, larger repairs may be necessary.

Phase 5 (25+ Years): Full Replacement

At this point, the asphalt may need a full replacement to stay safe and functional.

Bart’s Asphalt offers services for every stage, from installation to resurfacing and replacement.

 

How to Extend the Life of Asphalt

To make your asphalt last longer, you need good installation, regular maintenance, and quick repairs. Taking care of problems early with things like sealcoating and crack filling helps you avoid expensive replacements and keeps your property looking professional and safe for years.

Regular Sealcoating

Sealcoating every 2-3 years protects your asphalt from the sun, water, chemicals, and regular wear. It’s an important step to keep your pavement looking good and staying strong. Bart’s Asphalt offers expert sealcoating services to protect your commercial surfaces.

Timely Crack Sealing and Pothole Repairs

Fixing cracks and potholes as soon as they appear prevents bigger problems. Crack filling keeps water from causing more damage, and fixing potholes early keeps your pavement safe.

Proper Drainage

Good drainage is key to keeping water from pooling on your asphalt, which can cause long-term damage. Bad drainage is a major reason asphalt breaks down early, so installing proper drainage is essential.

Routine Inspections and Maintenance

Regular checks help you catch small issues before they get worse. A basic maintenance plan with debris cleaning, crack filling, and pothole repair can help your asphalt last longer.

 

When to Consider Asphalt Resurfacing or Replacement

Even with good maintenance, asphalt will eventually show signs of wear. Knowing when to resurface or fully replace it can save you money and extend its life. Here’s when you should think about each option:

Signs of Major Asphalt Damage

If you see big cracks, potholes, or serious wear, it’s time for major repairs. Crack filling and patching can handle small issues, but bigger problems might mean resurfacing or replacement.

Resurfacing vs. Replacement

Resurfacing means adding a new layer of asphalt over the existing pavement. It’s a cheaper option if the base is still strong and can add 10-15 years to the asphalt’s life. But if the damage is bad or the base is weak, full replacement may be needed.

Cost Considerations

Resurfacing usually costs less than a full replacement, but it might not be the best option if the asphalt is too old. Bart’s Asphalt offers both resurfacing and replacement, and we can help you decide what’s best for your property.

 

Conclusion: Maximizing Asphalt Longevity

To make your asphalt last as long as possible, you need quality installation, regular maintenance, and quick repairs. By handling problems early with things like sealcoating and crack filling, you can avoid expensive replacements and keep your property looking professional and safe for years.

At Bart’s Asphalt, we take pride in using top-quality materials and techniques for long-lasting results. Whether you need paving, repairs, or resurfacing in Ann Arbor, Lansing, or Jackson, we’re here to offer expert services customized to your needs.

Ready to get started? Visit our asphalt services page or call us at 517-888-3208 for a free on-site quote. Let’s work together to keep your asphalt in great shape for years to come.

 

People Also Ask

How long does asphalt paving last?

Asphalt paving usually lasts between 10 and 30 years, depending on traffic, weather, and how well it’s maintained. Regular maintenance, such as sealcoating and crack filling, helps it last longer.

How can I make my asphalt last longer?

To make your asphalt last longer, invest in regular maintenance like sealcoating every 2-3 years, fixing cracks, and filling potholes. Good drainage is also important to prevent water damage.

Do I need to seal new asphalt?

Yes, it’s highly recommended to seal new asphalt after it’s installed. Sealcoating protects the surface from UV rays, water, and chemicals, making it last longer.

Is asphalt hard to take care of?

No, asphalt is fairly easy to take care of if you maintain it well. Regular checks, crack filling, and sealcoating stop small problems from turning into big repairs.