Asphalt paving is one of the most versatile and ubiquitous types of construction materials ever. From New Jersey, the tri-state area, and beyond, you can find asphalt highways, major streets, residential roads, parking lots, driveways — even sidewalks in some places.
But why, exactly, has asphalt become such a popular choice? There are plenty of elements at play when it comes to choosing asphalt over a different type of paving surface (such as concrete), but in the end, it comes down to how easy and inexpensive it is to maintain for years at a time. That’s right: asphalt, when given just a little bit of TLC, can last a lifetime.
The Secret to Asphalt Paving’s Longevity
There’s not just one specific aspect of asphalt that puts it ahead of the game, so what’s behind this construction material’s ability to go the distance? The secret is reliability. When it comes to pavement choices, no other material goes down so quickly, is ready to drive on so soon, is so easy to repair, and is such a snap to maintain.
Asphalt pavement can last for many years with only a minimum of maintenance to counteract the effects of natural wear and tear over time. In fact, depending on the type of traffic — and how much of it — your asphalt pavement gets, your residential driveway or commercial property parking lot will look and feel its best for years to come.
Meanwhile, even if your asphalt pavement ever needs to be repaired or even replaced, you can rest assured that asphalt is the environmentally responsible choice. This construction material is completely recyclable. In fact, using recycled asphalt in new pavement provides even more durability, making it a renewable product that can provide decades of service.
Making Your Asphalt Last Even Longer
It’s true that asphalt paving is naturally durable. Since it’s easy to patch any small spots that do get damaged or wear down, the amount of time and money you’ll need to spend on maintenance is minuscule compared to other paving materials. Its natural black color also means that it remains warmer in the winter, minimizing the accumulation of snow and ice and making it safer for vehicles and pedestrians alike.
There are even ways to make your asphalt paving last even longer than it would naturally. Applying a sealcoat to a new parking lot or driveway extends the longevity of your asphalt pavement even further, providing an invisible, protective layer that safeguards your asphalt from the worst effects of the environment. As an added bonus, a sealcoat will help preserve that glossy black expanse, reducing or even eliminating fading.
Sealcoats are highly durable, needing to be reapplied only every three to five years. A regular sealcoating schedule can extend the life of an asphalt parking lot or driveway for decades, acting as a safeguard against rain and sun. Cracks and potholes? With a good sealcoat, they’ll be someone else’s problem — not yours.
The Best of the Best
There’s nothing mysterious about how asphalt is the ideal choice for road pavement. Thanks to its resiliency and versatility, its reusability, its ease of installation, and its ability to withstand years of use with the proper maintenance, asphalt paving is clearly the best choice for you. Whether you’ve got a driveway that needs patching or a parking lot that needs paving, you can rely on asphalt to get the job done.