Asphalt is the most common driveway material on Long Island, and for good reason. It is cost-effective, handles vehicle loads well, and provides a clean, finished appearance. But asphalt is not a set-it-and-forget-it surface. Without regular maintenance, Long Island weather, UV exposure, and daily use will break it down far sooner than necessary. The good news is that asphalt maintenance is straightforward and relatively inexpensive when you stay ahead of it. These are the maintenance steps that separate driveways lasting 15 years from those that last 25 to 30.
Sealcoating: Your Driveway's Best Defense
Sealcoating is the single most important maintenance task for an asphalt driveway. It applies a protective layer over the asphalt surface that shields it from UV rays, water penetration, oil drips, and chemical spills. Without sealcoating, the asphalt binder oxidizes and dries out, causing the surface to become brittle and gray. On Long Island, where summer sun and winter salt both accelerate deterioration, sealcoating should be done every two to three years. The first sealcoat should be applied 6 to 12 months after initial installation to allow the asphalt to fully cure.
Sealcoating Costs and Timing
Professional sealcoating on Long Island typically costs $0.15 to $0.30 per square foot, or roughly $300 to $600 for a standard two-car driveway. The best time to sealcoat is late spring through early fall when temperatures are above 50 degrees and no rain is expected for 24 to 48 hours. Avoid sealcoating in direct hot sun, as the material can dry too quickly and produce an uneven finish. Two thin coats are always better than one thick coat.
Crack Repair: Address Small Problems Before They Grow
Cracks are inevitable in asphalt, especially after several freeze-thaw cycles. Water enters cracks, freezes, expands, and widens the crack with each cycle. A hairline crack in October can become a significant fissure by March if left untreated. Fill cracks as soon as they appear using hot-pour or cold-pour crack filler. Cracks wider than half an inch may need to be cleaned out and filled with a flexible asphalt patching compound. Addressing cracks before sealcoating ensures the best seal and prevents water from reaching the base layer beneath the asphalt.
Drainage: Keep Water Moving Off the Surface
Standing water is asphalt's worst enemy. If water pools on your driveway after rain, it is seeping into the asphalt and weakening the base underneath. Proper driveway grading directs water to the edges and away from the surface. On Long Island, where clay-heavy soils often create drainage challenges, it is not uncommon for driveways to develop low spots over time. If you notice pooling, have the area evaluated. Sometimes a simple patch or overlay corrects the issue. In other cases, a drainage channel or catch basin at the driveway edge may be needed.
Edge Maintenance and Support
Driveway edges are the most vulnerable area because they lack support on one side. Heavy vehicles driving on or near the edge cause crumbling and breakdown. Over time, grass and soil can encroach on the edge, trapping moisture against the asphalt. Keep edges clean and well-defined by trimming back grass and maintaining a clear border. If edge crumbling has already started, a professional can build up the edge with fresh asphalt or install a paver or Belgian block border that provides structural support and a finished look.
Seasonal Maintenance Checklist
- Spring: Inspect for cracks, potholes, and heaving caused by winter freeze-thaw cycles. Schedule crack filling and sealcoating.
- Summer: Clean oil stains promptly with a degreaser to prevent them from penetrating the surface. Avoid parking in the same spot daily in extreme heat.
- Fall: Clear leaves and debris that trap moisture on the surface. Complete any crack repairs before winter.
- Winter: Use calcium chloride or magnesium chloride deicers instead of rock salt, which is harsher on asphalt. Avoid metal snow plow blades that scrape and gouge the surface.
Common Mistakes That Shorten Driveway Life
- Skipping sealcoating for more than four years, allowing UV and water damage to accumulate
- Using rock salt as a deicer, which accelerates surface breakdown more than alternatives
- Ignoring small cracks that grow into large ones over a single winter
- Allowing heavy vehicles like delivery trucks or dumpsters to sit on the driveway during hot weather, causing depressions
- Power washing with excessive pressure that strips the surface binder
When Maintenance Is No Longer Enough
There comes a point when patching and sealcoating cannot restore a deteriorated driveway. If your asphalt has widespread alligator cracking, deep potholes, significant base failure, or large sunken areas, a full replacement is more cost-effective than ongoing repairs. On Long Island, a complete asphalt driveway replacement typically costs $4 to $8 per square foot depending on the size and base condition. An asphalt overlay, which adds a new 1.5 to 2-inch layer over the existing surface, is a mid-range option that costs roughly 40% to 60% of a full replacement.
Keep Your Driveway in Top Shape
Regular maintenance is the most cost-effective way to protect your asphalt driveway investment. A consistent schedule of sealcoating, crack repair, and seasonal care can double the functional lifespan of your driveway. Brothers Paving & Masonry provides asphalt maintenance, repair, and replacement services throughout Levittown, Hicksville, Farmingdale, Bethpage, and all of Long Island. Contact us for a free driveway evaluation and maintenance recommendation.