How to make a driveway last 20 years
A well-built driveway lasts 15 to 20 years or more, and a little upkeep gets you to the high end. Seal it once it has cured, reseal every two to three years, fill cracks while they are small, and keep water draining away.
Longevity is part construction and part upkeep. Get the foundation right, then protect the surface, and you will get decades out of your investment.
“Standing water kills a driveway from underneath, so keep it draining away from the surface.”
North Bay Grading and PavingSonoma County
The upkeep schedule
Seal the first coat once the asphalt has cured, about 90 days to a year after paving. Reseal every two to three years to block sun and water. Fill cracks while they are hairlines, before water reaches the base. Each step is cheap and quick, and together they add years to the surface.
Keep water away
Standing water is what kills a driveway from underneath, so keep it draining away from the surface. Clear leaves and dirt from the edges and any drains. If you see water pooling after a storm, the grade may need a fix, and catching that early is far cheaper than repaving a cracked, sunken driveway.
- Seal after it cures
- Reseal every 2 to 3 years
- Keep water draining away
Build it right and maintain it, and your driveway will outlast almost everything else on your property. Skip the base or the upkeep and you will be repaving in half the time.
