Asphalt driveways and parking lots are durable, long-lasting, and relatively easy to maintain as long as you keep to a schedule. So how long should your asphalt go between sealing operations? There is some wiggle room, but on average, driveways and parking lots need to be done every two to three years, depending on visible damage.

Can You Wait More Than 3 Years?

Sometimes, property owners decide to wait an extra year or two between resealing operations because there isn’t a lot of visible attrition. Even if you can’t see the damage to the seal, though, it’s still weathering from season to season. That means when it does wear enough to show the damage, you are more likely to see a lot of repair spots at once. Sealing on schedule helps prevent those repairs, minimizing the extra work needed to extend the life of your driveway so you don’t need to worry about the cost of a complete rebuild.

What About Damage From Extreme Weather?

Sometimes, extreme weather events damage parking surfaces the same way they do structures. Often, this is because of debris or abrasion from high winds hurling dirt and sand against the surface. Sometimes, it’s because of a more severe event like a mature tree falling in a way that causes cracks and broken areas that become prone to invasive plant life. Calling in local asphalt paving Pennsylvania contractors to repair the surface right away is the key to preventing that additional damage over time, even if parking lot maintenance isn’t on your schedule this year.

What About Heavy Traffic Surfaces?

Home driveways that hold a lot of weight tend to wear down sooner, as do parking lots that are busier than average or that cater to vehicles that are literally heavier. In those cases, it may be worth having an annual inspection or at least performing a self-inspection after each spring thaw. Look for stress cracks that have formed from the temperature change and repeated changes to weight distribution over the surface. An asphalt professional can help you decide if they’re big enough to need attention right away, so contact one if you find anything.