What Is The Durability Of An Asphalt Driveway in Virginia?

In the realm of residential paving, there are several material options available. They vary in price and aesthetics, but durability is one of the most important factors homeowners consider when budgeting for a new residential driveway. For that reason, asphalt is the go-to. An asphalt driveway in Virginia is a great investment that can serve your home well for decades. But just how tough are they?

How Long Can an Asphalt Driveway in Virginia Last?

The average lifespan of an asphalt driveway is about two decades. However, proper care and top-notch installation can help asphalt residential driveways last 30 years or more! It's common for asphalt paving to hold up well for three decades, making it a worthy investment for homeowners.

What Factors Impact the Longevity of a Virginia Asphalt Driveway?

Of course, even with the best residential paving, there are no guarantees. Many factors will affect the durability and reliability of your residential driveway over its lifespan.

• Quality of Installation:  Installing residential asphalt is a complex job. Asphalt driveway companies must excavate the site, prepare a subbase and ensure underlying materials are compacted enough to create a strong foundation. Low-quality work can cause residential asphalt to fail far sooner than it should.
• Thickness:  Most residential asphalt driveways are two to three inches. That's usually enough for light traffic. Thinner surfaces may not hold up for three decades. Meanwhile, thicker ones may provide more years of use.
• Traffic Load:  Asphalt driveway companies construct surfaces based on intended use. Residential paving isn't engineered to accommodate heavy-duty vehicles or excessive traffic. Therefore, surfaces subject to more wear often suffer from more damage.
• Weather Exposure:  Rought weather can cause premature deterioration without proper protection. Excessive sun exposure, water penetration, freeze/thaw cycles and more can cause damage over time.

How Can Maintenance Help an Asphalt Driveway in Virginia Last Longer?

Another factor that will affect how long your asphalt driveway lasts is maintenance. Asphalt paving requires ongoing maintenance to stay in good shape. Without it, surfaces are more susceptible to wear, weather, and other damaging factors. To keep your Virginia asphalt driveway in good shape, clean off dirt regularly, fill cracks annually and seal the surface every three to five years. Sealcoating is one of the most important maintenance tasks for residential paving, protecting it from constant UV exposure, water, leaking vehicle fluids, oxidation, etc. Good maintenance throughout the life of your driveway will prevent severe damage and prolong its lifespan.

Why Is Asphalt the Best Residential Paving Material?

There are many reasons why getting an asphalt driveway is a great choice. Not only does the material have a long lifespan, but it's also more cost-effective than other options. It's also easier to maintain with help from expert asphalt driveway companies. Asphalt is also eco-friendly—it's the single-most recycled material in the world! Its recyclability reduces your carbon footprint, installation costs and construction time. When you're ready to invest in the best residential paving money can buy, turn to E. Wells Paving. We're among the most trusted contractors in the area, proudly serving homeowners in Buffalo Junction, Danville, South Boston and beyond. We have what it takes to complete your project on schedule and within budget, all while delivering a Virginia asphalt driveway you'll be proud to show off. You can trust our team to handle all your paving needs. We also do asphalt sealcoating, repairs and more. Call E. Wells Paving at (434)637-8013 , email us at  ewellspaving98@gmail.com  or use our online contact form to get in touch and receive your free job quote.