Long Island property owners choose asphalt pavements for several excellent reasons, including cost, speed of construction, and aesthetic appeal. When maintained correctly, asphalt paving can have a surprisingly long life. However, the life expectancy of an asphalt pavement will depend on the quality of the installation, the pavement’s use, and the care that it receives.
How Does the Quality of the Installation Affect the Life Expectancy of Asphalt Paving?
When installing new asphalt paving Long Island contractors must take a number of steps to ensure high-quality results. The ground beneath the pavement must be well-compacted; if proper compaction cannot be achieved, the paving company may need to amend the soil or construct an aggregate base. If an asphalt pavement does not have a stable, strong base, it will soon develop serious cracks, surface depressions, alligatored patches, and potholes, all of which can shorten its life expectancy or lead to costly repairs. A strong foundation is also a requirement for an asphalt overlay, so foundation repairs may be necessary prior to installing the overlay. You may also need asphalt repair services to fix cracks or other pavement breaks to prevent the damage from bleeding through the overlay. Whether constructing a new pavement or installing an asphalt overlay, the paving company must also place and compact each course before the asphalt cools excessively. If your residential or commercial paving contractor cannot successfully complete these steps, your pavement will not have the longevity that it should. Therefore, it is imperative that you select an experienced, reputable asphalt contractor to handle your paving project.
How Does Use Affect the Longevity of Asphalt Paving?
In general, the more stress that an asphalt pavement must endure, the shorter its life will be. For example, a residential driveway normally has a longer life than a busy parking lot, while a parking lot that only allows passenger vehicles will have a longer life than one that is devoted to heavy equipment or tractor-trailers. However, it is important to remember that timely asphalt repair to protect the integrity of the foundation can often allow the pavement to be successfully rejuvenated with an asphalt overlay.
What Care Should an Asphalt Pavement Receive?
Depending on the type of pavement and its use, the following list of services can help ensure a longer life for an asphalt pavement.
1. Sealcoating should be applied approximately every two years.
2. Cracks should be repaired at least every six months.
3. Potholes should be repaired as soon as they form.
4. The pavement should be kept clean. Remove puddles of automotive fluids, dead leaves, and trash regularly.
What Are the Estimated Life Expectancies for Common Asphalt Pavements?
If installed and maintained correctly, an asphalt paving company will normally estimate that the life of a Long Island pavement will fall within the following ranges.
1. Parking lots for passenger vehicles typically last an average of 20 to 25 years.
2. Parking lots for heavyweight vehicles normally last between 12 and 16 years.
3. Residential driveways usually last between 20 and 25 years.
4. Interstate highways normally have a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years.
5. Residential streets typically last about 15 years if they support both trucks and passenger vehicles, but their life could exceed 20 years if the traffic is predominantly passenger vehicles.
If you have additional questions regarding asphalt paving & maintenance, contact Royal Pavement Solutions. We serve customers throughout the Long Island area with an extensive range of services, including asphalt repair and paving, asphalt milling and overlaying, asphalt repair, parking lot striping, asphalt sealcoating, and asphalt crack sealing. We also offer site work, concrete services, sweeping and portering, and building maintenance. We have an exemplary reputation and impeccable references. To request a free quote, fill out the online form, email Kenny@RoyalPavementSolutions.com, or call 844-777-7924.
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