Asphalt paving provides businesses and homeowners with a reliable surface. Whether it’s a parking lot or driveway, there’s a certain sturdiness and integrity that makes asphalt superior to other materials. While the average asphalt pavement has a life span of approximately 25 years, there are several factors that can affect that. Here’s what you should know about how to maintain the material and prolong its life expectancy.

How to Prolong Your Asphalt Paving’s Life Span

What Is the Best Way to Clean It?

Continuous exposure to everything from rain to sunshine causes changes in the asphalt. Over time, those elements can cause damage to the bonds that give the material strength and durability. You can do your part to protect it by gently removing any residue and rinsing the surface with water. For particularly stubborn oil and dirt stains, you might need to soak it with a mild detergent before rinsing.

How Does Weather Play a Role?

Wet weather is a constant concern in Minnesota, especially during the winter. Reduced temperatures, brisk air, and moisture all lead the asphalt to contract, which eventually causes it to crack. Working with an asphalt paving company that has experience working in your area’s unique weather conditions can help prolong the material’s life because they use mixtures that perform well in freezing conditions and don’t experience damage when exposed to salt.

Why Is Seal Coating Important?

Years of exposure to inclement weather conditions take their toll in many ways. Cracks are especially common, and they provide an opening for water to enter and erode the surface. In cold conditions, those cracks become larger with time. When it’s hot outside, elevated temperatures cause the material to oxidize and become brittle. Seal coating the surface once every few years will prevent openings from widening, lock out moisture, and slow the oxidation process.

When Is Replacement Necessary?

Sometimes, paving professionals might recommend a complete replacement of the surface instead of basic asphalt repairs. This occurs if the material is too damaged to perform as it should and can’t be restored. If you’re moving and want to improve your residential paving, it might also be a good idea to replace the surface to boost your property’s value and offer prospective buyers a long-lasting amenity.

For reliable asphalt paving services in Shakopee, MN, homeowners and businesses turn to Jellisons Best Blacktop. They perform residential and commercial paving projects, asphalt repairs, and complete driveway replacements. Whether you want to refresh your surface or are interested in something new, you can trust them to handle the job. Visit their website or call (952) 890-4664 today to learn more about their services.