Congratulations, homeowner! Are you a Palo Alto commercial property owner in need of Blacktop Driveway Services? Or perhaps you’re a Menlo Park resident looking for blacktop repair? Whatever your needs, understanding the life cycle of your asphalt paving is key to keeping it in top condition. You’ve got a beautiful new asphalt driveway or parking lot. But did you know that just like your pet goldfish, asphalt has a life cycle? Don’t worry, we’re not saying you have to change its water every week. But you do need to give it some TLC to make sure it lasts as long as possible.
An Overview of the Life Cycle of Asphalt Paving
Like all things, your asphalt paving has a life cycle that begins the moment it’s first laid down. How long it lasts depends on a number of factors, including the level of maintenance it undergoes during its lifetime. With the right preventative care measures, the service life of asphalt paving can last 25 years or more.
Let’s take a closer look at the life cycle you can anticipate for your parking lot. During years 0-5, your asphalt paving is new, sturdy, and durable, whether you’re located in Palo Alto or Menlo Park. There may be a few small cracks developing or perhaps some surface discoloration from sun damage or vehicle use, but largely, the asphalt is still in excellent condition.
Blacktop Driveway Services Lifespan
As your blacktop enters years 5-7, it’s time to begin preventative maintenance routines. Maintenance such as sealcoating and cracksealing, provided by reputable companies such as Palo Alto Commercial Blacktop Paving, is best performed at this age. By performing low impact maintenance, you can significantly extend the life of your lot.
Between years 7-15, minor repairs are usually warranted, depending on use and exposure. Patch repairs, which are less intensive and are designed to prolong asphalt life, can be utilized. Standard maintenance should still be regularly performed. This is a great time to consider blacktop repair in Menlo Park or surrounding areas.
At years 15-25, your parking lot will begin to need more extensive, major repairs. Larger cracks may have formed that need to be sealed, or if the asphalt has been very frequently used, resurfacing may be necessary. This is when it’s important to have a trusted provider of blacktop paving and repair services on your side.
Finally, between years 25-35, asphalt of this age is often brittle from heavy use and elemental exposure and may be significantly damaged. At this point, extensive repairs or a complete reconstruction are likely required. Structural maintenance, provided by experts such as Palo Alto Commercial Blacktop Paving, is key to extending the life of your blacktop.
Improving the Service Life of blacktop driveways:
Remember, there are things that you can do as a lot owner to help maximize the lifespan of your asphalt. Keep an eye on any cracks which form, as these can let in moisture which then expands, weakening the structure of your asphalt and causing further cracks. Make sure your parking lot drains properly. Pooling water reduces the durability of the asphalt, resulting in damage. Keep your parking lot clean and free from debris and spills, like water, oil, or chemicals, as these can all impact the structural integrity of your lot.
At Palo Alto Commercial Blacktop Paving, we specialize in all aspects of blacktop paving and repair, including services in Menlo Park and surrounding areas. Contact us today to see how we can help you take care of your asphalt paving at every stage of its life.