What Is The Lifecycle of a New Asphalt Paving Parking Lot?
It’s not difficult to see why asphalt is the go-to material for parking lots throughout Chicago and the rest of the country. The material is cost-effective, highly durable, and long-lasting. When installed by a reputable contractor, a new asphalt paving parking lot can provide years of safety, accessibility, and reliability. But just how much life can you expect from your investment? In this blog, you’ll learn the average life span of asphalt paving and discover how an asphalt paving parking lot changes over time.
What’s the Average Life Expectancy of an Asphalt Paving Parking Lot?
Skilled Chicago paving contractors go above and beyond to ensure that your parking lot lasts. That includes engineering the surface to meet your intended use, building a stable foundation for years of structural integrity, and ensuring that drainage issues don’t cause problems prematurely. With top-notch construction and ongoing care from experienced Chicago asphalt paving companies, you can expect your new parking lot to provide approximately 25 years of reliable service. In many cases, asphalt paving can last over three decades.
Several factors influence longevity, including the amount of traffic your pavement receives, its exposure to the elements, and the quality of care it receives. However, around 25 years is the norm.
How Does Parking Lot Paving Change as It Ages?
An asphalt parking lot deteriorates as it ages. It’s important to know what to expect. In addition to knowing what issues to look for, understanding the lifecycle of asphalt paving can help you better prepare for ongoing maintenance and critical services, such as parking lot sealcoating.
•The First Five Years: The first handful of years after construction by skilled Chicago paving contractors should be worry-free. Experts should perform parking lot sealcoating after the asphalt has fully cured, which typically takes about a year after installation. Outside of that initial sealcoating, you shouldn’t have to do much beyond normal cleaning.
•Up to 7 Years Old: Light oxidation may occur around the 7-year mark. Continue investing in regular parking lot sealcoating. If cracks develop, hire Chicago asphalt paving companies to seal them and prevent water infiltration.
•Between 7 and 15 Years Old: Most asphalt parking lot surfaces will start to show their age at this point. You may need to start investing in repairs. Continue getting parking lot sealcoating and make a habit of sealing cracks at least once a year. Address all damage promptly and have contractors inspect your asphalt parking lot on a regular basis.
•15 to 25 Years Old: Damage becomes increasingly common after the 15-year point. Problems may be so severe and recurring that Chicago asphalt paving companies recommend services like resurfacing. Resurfacing can dramatically extend your pavement’s life span, but you’ll still need regular sealcoating and inspections to mitigate the risk of further problems.
•After 25 Years: After 25 years, it’s only a matter of time before your asphalt parking lot reaches the point of no return. Maintenance and repairs will have diminishing returns, so it’s important to consider reconstruction.
What Can I Do to Maximize Longevity for My Asphalt Paving Parking Lot?
The best way to protect your parking lot paving in the long term is to work with trusted Chicago paving contractors for ongoing maintenance. Have contractors visit your property at least once annually for an inspection. During those visits, they can look for early signs of trouble, helping you develop a maintenance routine that aligns with the needs of your parking lot paving.
Keep your asphalt parking lot clean, invest in sealcoating services every few years, and address damage promptly. Cracks will develop as your parking lot paving ages. Fill and seal them at least once annually to reduce the risk of water penetration, pothole development, and significant deterioration.
Black Hawk Paving is ready to help you get a stunning asphalt parking lot and help you maintain it for decades to come. We’re not an amateur company. We’re among the most trusted Chicago paving contractors, bringing five decades of proven experience to your project. Our team is well-trained, dedicated to your satisfaction, and fully equipped to handle all repairs and maintenance. At Black Hawk Paving, our services include new paving, repairs, sealcoating, milling and grinding, concrete curbing, traffic signage, striping, and more.
We take great pride in helping clients like you get the most out of their asphalt paving investment. Let us do the same for you. Call Black Hawk Paving today at 708-578-7434, email info@blackhawkpaving.com, or use our online form to reach the team and get your free project quote.
