One question you may have about any major construction project is how long you can expect it to last. Some pavement jobs can take a lot of time due to their size. Since this can be a big investment, it is natural for you to have some questions. You may want to learn a bit about the process, and naturally, you will want to be assured of value for money. Rapco Asphalt Maintenance is located in the Franklin Park area and provides all asphalt services in the greater Chicago area.
The length of time an asphalt pavement or driveways can last varies depending on a number of factors. These include:
- How heavily it is used. Your residential driveway will obviously take less punishment from vehicles than the parking lot of your local Starbucks, for example.
- The weather conditions it is exposed to. Chicago changes in weather can be brutally punishing to asphalt surfaces.
- How well the installation was done. A professional asphalt installation is required to ensure that it is done properly.
Of course, one of the easiest ways to ensure that your asphalt holds up for a long time is to maintain it. Typically, these structures can last between 12 to 35 years, but taking care of them is what will lengthen their lifespan. This is where a lot of property owners make a mistake. They ignore minor damage, not realizing that it can lead to expensive repairs later on.
You should be proactive by inspecting your asphalt driveway occasionally. If it is a heavy traffic area, your inspections will have to be more frequent, possibly two or three times per year. Generally, an annual inspection is enough for most residential paved areas.
A visual inspection of your pavement or driveway will reveal most cracks so you can take measures to prevent further damage. We can use crack filling to seal the area and maintain the integrity of the structure. Sealcoating is another way to strengthen your paved areas and keep them looking amazing. This can add years to the life of your asphalt and it can save you a lot of money on possible repairs.
Another way to ensure that your asphalt holds up for many years is to make sure that there is proper drainage. This is why you need to have a professional build your pavement. As tough as asphalt is, water can do significant damage over time, especially if there are cracks in it. Water and the freeze-thaw process that our asphalt goes through every year in Chicago create a very damaging environment for all asphalt.
You can never be absolutely sure how long your asphalt surfaces will last, but you can help by taking all the right preventative maintenance steps. It all starts with getting the installation done by a contractor with the right equipment and training; like us here at Rapco Asphalt Maintenance in Chicago. When you get the installation done in the right way and pay attention to maintenance, your investment will be worthwhile and you can keep your overall costs down.
