An asphalt driveway can last anywhere from 10-20 years, depending on your weather conditions, wear and tear, and how well the driveway is maintained. When asphalt begins to fade because of the direct sunlight, sealcoating services can protect your driveway and get it looking new again. Pay attention to small cracks, oil stains and divots, as these can cause further damage to your asphalt if they are not managed properly. Take the time to inspect your driveway every month or so to look for damage and deal with small cracks or crevices before they begin to grow weeds or water can get in and below the surface.

How Sealcoating Prolongs Your Asphalt Driveway Life

Sealcoating protects your asphalt driveway from rain, damage from snow, chemical spills, and oil. It makes your driveway look new while also giving your driveway a fresh coat of protection. Sealcoating should be done about every three years. Too much of a good thing can lead to hairline cracks in your driveway that take away from the look of your property. Done correctly, sealcoating and crack filling prolong the life of your driveway and protect it from the elements.

Pay Attention to Widening Cracks

Crack filling is an important aspect of good driveway maintenance. If you live in an area with temperature extremes, water can get below the surface of your asphalt driveway through a crack and turn to ice. The ice then pushes up on your asphalt, potentially causing more damage. If you have cracks in your asphalt that are growing grass and weeds, clean out the cracks to see how wide they are. Cracks about an inch wide can be filled, while larger cracks may be more difficult to manage. 

Keep Your Driveway Clean

While you don't have to clean your driveway daily, look for oil spills, dirt, and potential chemicals that are left on your driveway after a long winter of treatments. These spills can compromise the paving. Clean your driveway using a push broom, and rinse off your asphalt driveway with water. When you have spills that you aren't able to get out on your own, get a professional to take care of the spill for you so that it doesn't ruin the integrity of your asphalt over time.

Keep your driveway longer by taking good care of it. Watch for damage, and get your driveway sealcoated every three years for better protection.