Why asphalt fails early

Asphalt rarely fails because of the surface. Most failures begin underneath.

Poor base preparation, inadequate drainage, and improper compaction are the leading causes of early deterioration. When the foundation beneath the pavement lacks structural support or holds moisture, the surface will eventually crack, settle, or break apart.

Long-term asphalt performance depends on building a strong, properly compacted base and ensuring water moves away from the pavement.

Why Concrete Cracks (Even When Done Correctly)

Concrete naturally expands and contracts with temperature changes. Because of this movement, small hairline cracks are normal and do not mean the concrete was installed incorrectly.

What matters most is proper reinforcement, correctly placed control joints, and a stable base. When those elements are in place, minor cracking is a natural part of how concrete performs over time.

Sealcoating: What It Really Does

Sealcoating protects asphalt from UV rays, water intrusion, oils, and weather exposure. It helps preserve appearance and slows surface oxidation.

However, sealcoating does not repair structural damage. It cannot fix deep cracks, base failure, or areas where the pavement has already deteriorated.

Think of it as preventative protection. When applied at appropriate intervals, sealcoating can extend the life of asphalt pavement.

Why Drainage Matters

Water is one of the most damaging forces affecting asphalt and concrete.

Poor drainage can lead to cracking, sinking, potholes, and freeze–thaw damage. When water infiltrates the base layer and freezes, it expands and weakens the structure below the surface.

Proper grading, slope, and runoff planning are critical to long-term pavement performance.

How Long Do Asphalt & Concrete Surfaces Last?

The lifespan of asphalt and concrete depends on traffic volume, soil conditions, climate, drainage, and maintenance.

When properly installed and maintained, asphalt pavement often lasts 15 to 25 years, and concrete pavement can last 25 to 40 years or more

Preventative maintenance, timely repairs, and proper drainage significantly influence overall longevity.

Salt Damage in Winter

Deicing salt can cause scaling, spalling, and surface breakdown in concrete, especially when the concrete is new.

For the first winter after installation, it is best to avoid salt whenever possible. Instead, sand or kitty litter can be used for traction.

This helps protect the surface during the curing period and supports long-term durability.

When to repair vs. replace pavement

Not all pavement issues require full replacement.

Surface cracks, isolated damage, or minor wear can often be repaired. However, widespread structural movement, base failure, or severe drainage problems may require reconstruction.

A proper evaluation helps determine whether repair or replacement is the most cost-effective long-term solution.

What to Expect During Your Project

A professional asphalt or concrete project should feel organized and predictable.

Clients can expect clear communication and scheduling, a clean and orderly jobsite, professional crews, respect for surrounding property, a final walkthrough to review the completed work, and a structured process that helps ensure safety, efficiency, and quality from start to finish.

How to Prepare for a Concrete or Asphalt Project

A small amount of preparation helps projects run smoothly and minimizes disruption.

Before work begins, remove vehicles and personal items from the work area, keep pets and children away from the site, turn off sprinkler systems, identify and mark any known underground concerns if applicable, and the contractor will coordinate the rest of the project logistics.

Why Hiring a Licensed & Insured Contractor Matters

Hiring a licensed and insured contractor protects both the property owner and the workers on site.

It helps ensure: Work meets established industry standards, proper insurance coverage is in place, crews are trained and safety procedures are followed. Verification of licensing and insurance is an important step before beginning any commercial or residential paving project.