Investing in commercial asphalt paving is more than a one-time expense—it’s a decision that will have long-term impacts on your business. For companies in Charleston, SC, where high traffic and unique climate conditions affect pavement, knowing how to extend the lifespan of your asphalt is essential.
Howell & Simmons Construction & Paving, Inc., a trusted commercial asphalt paving company with over 30 years of experience, and is your partner for durable, expertly installed asphalt solutions that last. Learn what impacts asphalt durability and how proactive maintenance can protect your investment.
Expected Lifespan of Commercial Asphalt
On average, commercial asphalt pavement lasts between 15 and 25 years, up to 30 years, when handled by a professional company. The lifespan depends on climate, traffic load, material quality, and maintenance.
Commercial parking lots, roadways, and driveways often endure heavier use than residential pavement. They are constructed with thicker layers of materials to withstand extra use and prevent premature failure.
To get the best return on your investment, it’s important to understand what influences the lifespan of an asphalt surface and implement preventive maintenance to prolong it and limit wear and tear.
What Affects Asphalt Longevity?
Several elements impact how long your commercial asphalt will last. Here are some of the most important ones:
- Traffic load. Delivery vehicles and constant pedestrian and passenger vehicle traffic place stress on commercial asphalt. Some areas must also withstand extra-heavy loads, such as semi-trucks at loading docks. The heavier the loads and the denser the traffic, the more frequently the asphalt needs to be maintained.
- Climate and weather. Charleston’s humid summers and relatively cold winters put asphalt through challenging thermal cycles. During hot summers, asphalt can soften and deform more easily. In the winter, freezing temperatures cause asphalt to contract, while warmer weather leads to expansion, creating cracks and weak points.
Heavy rainfall, typical in Charleston, also exposes asphalt to high moisture levels that can erode the base, sub-base, and surface layers if not managed with proper drainage.
- Installation quality. The foundation of your asphalt pavement is critical. Experienced commercial paving contractors like Howell & Simmons Construction & Paving, Inc. have the skills and resources to build a stable, evenly graded base with proper compacting. Our team also uses quality materials to create durable, long-lasting asphalt mixes capable of withstanding Charleston’s climate and daily heavy traffic.
- Drainage system. Water is one of the main threats to asphalt longevity. Proper drainage design is essential to keep water from pooling on the surface or seeping into the underlying structure.
When water seeps through the asphalt’s surface, it weakens the pavement and accelerates wear, such as cracks, potholes, and structural damage. Our asphalt specialists use simple measures to protect your project, such as proper grading, adequate sloping, and installing drains and edge barriers.
- Maintenance practices. Asphalt needs regular maintenance to remain in good shape. Regular inspections by an experienced commercial construction company can reveal whether your pavement needs sealcoating, crack filling, or patching, which can repair minor damage and extend the pavement’s lifespan.
Common Types of Damage and Signs of Wear
Even the best asphalt surfaces can develop wear, tear, and damage over time. Here are the most common signs of pavement damage:
- Linear cracks. These cracks are often found along joints. They are caused by repeated thermal expansion and contraction cycles and are a more routine form of wear and tear. However, if left unaddressed and not sealed in time, they can develop into potholes or cause structural damage.
- Edge cracks. Asphalt surfaces typically develop edge cracks when the pavement is poorly supported at the edges due to insufficient material at the shoulders, base erosion, or water infiltration. Although they look similar to linear cracks, they are a more severe concern and require sealing, shoulder strengthening, and drainage improvements.
- Alligator cracks. This type of crack is named after its alligator scale-like pattern and is also known as a fatigue crack. Asphalt surfaces develop alligator cracks when the base or the sub-base has deteriorated or can no longer adequately support the asphalt. It is a sign of severe damage that requires immediate attention, as the foundation is at risk of failing.
- Potholes. These bowl-shaped depressions typically start as small cracks in the asphalt surface through which water can seep. Over time, the water weakens the base and sub-base under the asphalt, deteriorating it and forming pools. In the winter, that water freezes, and after the winter and the ice thaws again, the asphalt above it loses support.
When dense foot traffic or vehicles travel over the affected area, it collapses, creating holes or depressions that further weaken the asphalt. Addressing them quickly is necessary to prevent further cracks or more potholes from forming.
- Rutting. Asphalt rutting refers to permanent deformations caused by heavy loads compressing the pavement. It usually occurs when the asphalt surface is subjected to loads it was never designed to support, such as semi-trucks driving on insufficiently thick asphalt. Depending on the severity, rutting asphalt may require milling, resurfacing, or even a full rebuild to prevent structural failure.
Importance of Regular Maintenance
If your pavement needs maintenance or minor repairs, Howell & Simmons Construction & Paving, Inc. is the asphalt construction partner you can count on. Our asphalt maintenance techniques include:
- Sealcoating. Sealcoating adds a protective layer to asphalt, shielding it from UV rays, oil spills, and water penetration. Applied every 2-3 years, sealcoating can extend pavement’s life by several years while maintaining its appearance and resilience.
- Crack filling. Small cracks can quickly grow if unchecked as water infiltrates and erodes the base and sub-base. Filling cracks as they appear is essential to preserving the integrity of your asphalt and preventing minor issues from escalating into costly repairs.
- Pothole repair. Potholes create a bumpy and potentially hazardous surface. Quick, professional repairs keep the surface safe and stable. Quality repair techniques, such as infrared patching, bond the repair seamlessly to the surrounding asphalt, making it a long-lasting fix.
Partner With an Asphalt Expert To Maintain Your Asphalt Surface
Howell & Simmons Construction & Paving, Inc. has over three decades of experience in commercial asphalt paving in Charleston, SC. We proudly serve the city and all surrounding areas and are ready to help you with your commercial paving and asphalt maintenance project.
Contact us today for a free estimate and learn more about our asphalt paving services.