How long does an asphalt driveway last? Typically 15-20 years, but with proper maintenance, an asphalt driveway lifespan can be even longer.
It’s a question homeowners often ask when considering driveway materials. The driveway is one of the first things people see when they visit or drive by a home. A well-maintained asphalt driveway not only adds to curb appeal but also enhances the overall look of your property.
But how long can you expect asphalt driveway paving to last? What are the key factors that influence asphalt driveway lifespan compared to other materials? And what steps can you take to extend its durability and maximize your investment?
In this article, we’ll explore driveway longevity and the benefits of asphalt, detailing what to expect when installing one, how to maintain it properly and when to replace your asphalt driveway.
How Long Does an Asphalt Driveway Last Compared to Other Materials?
When compared to other driveway materials, asphalt is a perfect example of value for money. But how long does an asphalt driveway last in comparison to concrete or gravel? The asphalt driveway lifespan depends on factors like climate, maintenance, and installation quality, areas where asphalt often excels. According to the Ontario Asphalt Pavement Council, asphalt remains one of Canada’s most widely used paving materials due to its ability to withstand freeze-thaw cycles and its 100% recyclability.
Asphalt’s multiple layers of crushed stone, gravel, sand, and a material called bitumen mean asphalt has a huge temperature tolerance. Solid at low temperatures and with a melting point around 50oC, asphalt is a perfect material to use in Southern Ontario, where the difference between winter and summer temperatures can be upwards of forty degrees.
Asphalt is also flexible. It won’t require the installation of expansion joints to accommodate freezing and thawing as the seasons change and is, therefore, less likely to crack. It can also tolerate heavy loads and be used more frequently than other materials.
Since asphalt is mixed at temperatures of 148oC (300oF) it is very adept at absorbing heat. This means that asphalt will remain flexible under the sun’s piercing heat and is less likely to become brittle or dry. With a long summer, asphalt is a great choice for the Hamilton/Ancaster area.
Factors That Impact How Long an Asphalt Driveway Lasts
How long does an asphalt driveway last? While asphalt is known for durability, its lifespan depends on several critical factors. Understanding these elements helps homeowners maximize their investment and avoid premature deterioration.
Quality of Installation
A well-installed asphalt driveway will naturally last longer. Proper grading, compacting, and layering prevent weak spots that could lead to cracks and potholes. If you want a driveway that lasts, hiring professionals who understand Ontario’s climate and soil conditions makes all the difference.
Climate & Weather Conditions
One of the biggest factors in how long an asphalt driveway lasts is climate. In regions like Ancaster and Hamilton, freeze-thaw cycles can be tough on pavement, accelerating wear if drainage isn’t properly managed.
Usage & Vehicle Load
A residential driveway used by standard cars will last longer than one frequently exposed to heavy trucks or equipment. Overloading weakens the asphalt’s structure, leading to premature cracks.
Drainage & Water Exposure
Standing water is asphalt’s worst enemy. Without proper drainage, water seeps into the layers, weakening the base and causing cracks and potholes to form over time.
Regular Maintenance & Sealcoating
Consistent upkeep, such as sealing every two to three years, filling cracks early, and following asphalt paving maintenance tips, plays a crucial role in determining how long an asphalt driveway lasts.
What Should You Expect When Having an Asphalt Driveway Installed
Now that we’ve answered ‘How long does an asphalt driveway last?’ and explored its durability, let’s break down what happens during installation so you know exactly what to expect when hiring a professional paving team.
Preparation Sub-base, Binder, Surfacing
First, the installation site will be prepared. This involves removing whatever ground cover is currently where your driveway will be and smoothing the underlying dirt.
The correct slope must also be created to ensure water runs away from your house and toward the nearest drainage point. Plants and roots will be removed or trimmed back. This will also need to be created if you do not have a sloped curb where your driveway meets your street.
Sub-base
The sub-base is the material that will distribute the weight of vehicles on the driveway and add flexibility to prevent cracking of the asphalt during freeze-thaw cycles. It also directs any water that may run underneath your driveway into the nearest drainage area and
Binder
The binder layer is next. The binder ensures the top layer of the asphalt adheres to the driveway space and helps give the driveway its strength. Usually, the binder layer is made with bitumen and is quite sticky.
Surfacing
Finally, a surface layer of asphalt, made with sand and small aggregate, is added. This gives your driveway its familiar smooth black look and helps protect the previous layers from water damage and weathering. After a final roll, your driveway is done! It will be left to cure before a final sealant is added.
Asphalt Driveway Lifespan: How to Extend It
Routine care, including timely repairs and sealing, plays a key role in extending an asphalt driveway lifespan.
Repair Cracks Early to Prevent Bigger Problems
If any cracks should appear, be sure to repair them with asphalt repair hacks so they don’t become larger issues. Regular upkeep directly impacts how long an asphalt driveway lasts, preventing costly repairs down the line.
Signs Asphalt Needs Replacing
Similarly, standing water should alert you to an underlying issue. Divots, potholes, or areas showing heaving are signs that asphalt needs replacing or serious help. Treating issues as they arise rather than leaving them to compound will significantly extend your asphalt driveway’s lifespan.
Apply Sealant Regularly
Regular application of driveway asphalt sealer is also a key component in extending the life of your asphalt driveway. Sealer should be applied every two to three years.
Keeping this up will increase longevity and contribute to a good-looking surface that will last years beyond an unsealed or irregularly maintained driveway.
Keep Your Driveway Clean
Besides regular inspection and prompt repair, you can extend the life of your driveway by sweeping debris off regularly to keep it clean. Avoid using or spilling chemicals on the asphalt surface. If you install landscape plants along the edge, be sure to avoid plants with deep or widespread root systems that can cause heave or cracking in your driveway.
Wait Before Driving on Your New Asphalt Driveway
An important step in an asphalt driveway lifespan happens immediately after installation. While it is safe to walk on a newly paved surface within 24 hours, you should wait at least seven days before driving over it and two weeks before parking on it overnight. Depending on weather conditions, it may take up to a month for asphalt to fully cure. Resisting the urge to use it too soon prevents unseen damage that could shorten its lifespan.
When to Replace Asphalt Driveways
There comes a point when slapping on another patch just won’t cut it and your driveway’s trying to tell you it’s had enough.
If it’s riddled with deep cracks, potholes that swallow small tools, or spots where the asphalt’s crumbling like an old cookie, that’s when to replace an asphalt driveway.
Once the base starts giving out, no amount of cold patch is gonna fix that. A full replacement might feel like a big job, but it’s the only way to get that clean, level surface back, and save yourself from dealing with the same problems year after year.
Need to know the driveway cost in Hamilton, or somewhere in the GTA?
Driveway Longevity for Years to Come
So, how long does an asphalt driveway last? It can last 15-20 years—or even longer with the right maintenance. That’s enough time to see your kids off to college or watch a sapling in your yard grow into real shade.
King Asphalt is a full-service asphalt paving company based in Ancaster that serves the Hamilton region. Our team specializes in high-quality asphalt installations that withstand Ontario’s freeze-thaw cycles, heavy vehicle traffic, and seasonal weather shifts. With expert craftsmanship and top-grade materials, we help homeowners get long-lasting driveways that hold up for years.
With expert asphalt driveway installation, high-quality asphalt, and asphalt sealing, we help homeowners’ driveways last. We build a solid foundation, proper drainage, and long-term resistance to cracks, potholes, and wear.
Whether you need a new asphalt driveway or maintenance to extend its lifespan, King Asphalt can let you know when to replace asphalt driveways. Call us today at (905) 912-0357. We’d love to help you protect your investment for years to come.
