How Long Does an Asphalt Driveway Last in Maryland?
What published sources say about asphalt driveway lifespan, what shortens it, and the maintenance that extends it.
The Colorado Asphalt Pavement Association says a well-designed asphalt driveway gives trouble-free service for up to 20 years, and Angi puts the range at 15 to 30 years. SealMaster says periodic crack filling and sealcoating will more than double the life of asphalt pavement, and NAPA calls standing water the leading cause of driveway failure.
The range the sources give
The Colorado Asphalt Pavement Association's driveway brief, published by the Asphalt Institute, says a well-designed driveway will give trouble-free service for up to 20 years. Angi's comparison guide says an asphalt driveway lasts 15 to 30 years. Both tie the number to design, construction and maintenance.
Design and construction
The same brief lists three things behind a long-lasting driveway: good design, good materials and good construction. It says the subgrade should be graded smooth with weak spots undercut and replaced, a 6 to 8 inch crushed aggregate base is usually adequate, and the asphalt should be machine placed, delivered at the proper temperature, and rolled and compacted with the proper equipment.
Water
The National Asphalt Pavement Association calls standing water the leading cause of driveway failure and says to make sure the contractor plans for proper slope or drainage.
Maintenance
SealMaster, a pavement maintenance manufacturer, says a systematic program that includes periodic crack filling and sealcoating will more than double the life of asphalt pavement. It says sealcoating is typically recommended every 3 years; the Colorado Asphalt Pavement Association says every two to five years, and not until a new driveway is at least several months old.
Resurface or replace
The Colorado Asphalt Pavement Association says an existing driveway can be overlaid with hot-mix asphalt to improve its condition, strengthen it and extend its service life, once weak spots, holes and large cracks are cut out and patched.
Keep reading
Frequently Asked Questions
The Colorado Asphalt Pavement Association says a well-designed asphalt driveway gives trouble-free service for up to 20 years. Angi says 15 to 30 years.
The National Asphalt Pavement Association calls standing water the leading cause of driveway failure.
SealMaster says typically every 3 years. The Colorado Asphalt Pavement Association says every two to five years.
The Colorado Asphalt Pavement Association says an overlay can improve an existing driveway's condition, strengthen it and extend its service life, after distressed areas are cut out and patched.
Sources
The figures on this page come from these sources, read on 2026-09-25. None of them is South State Paving's own claim.
- Colorado Asphalt Pavement Association (published by the Asphalt Institute), Best Practices for the Use of Asphalt Driveways, technical brief
- Angi, Asphalt vs. Concrete Driveway: Pros and Cons
- SealMaster, How to repair cracks in asphalt pavement
- SealMaster, How often should you sealcoat a parking lot or driveway?
- National Asphalt Pavement Association, Hiring an Asphalt Contractor for Driveways