Asphalt is an oil-based material. It is made up of approximately 80 percent carbon and 20 percent sand and gravel. Asphalt appears dark because of its carbon content. Snow melts quicker on asphalt than on concrete because asphalt is darker and absorbs more solar radiation. When hot asphalt is stamped and given time to cool, a relatively durable surface is created.
Due to its elastic properties, asphalt surfaces are more likely to deform or bend than they are to crack and crumble. However, asphalt surfaces get brittle with age. Aged asphalt that has not been properly seal coated can easily crack and crumble even without regular foot or vehicle traffic. Water and ice can cause an asphalt surface to crack and crumble over time. Asphalt can also be damaged by the growing root systems of nearby trees and vegetation. Unduly stress is often a cause of asphalt surface fatigue and cracking. Putting too much weight on or transporting too much weigh over an asphalt surface for extended periods can easily fatigue or crack an asphalt surface.
Seal coatings help asphalt surfaces retain their elasticity. The main reason why asphalt surfaces crack is because they lose their elastic properties without regular seal coating. The only way an asphalt surface is going to last for over 30 years is if the surface receives a new application of seal coating every three or so years. Seal coating also prevents ultraviolet light damage, ice and water damage. The average 5-gallon bucket of asphalt driveway sealant can cover around 400 sq. ft. of asphalt surface.
Proper installation is critical in curbing fatigue and cracking in asphalt surfaces. The ground below an asphalt surface should be excavated to a minimum depth of around 8 inches before any asphalt is stamped. This is done to provide room for a deep gravel foundation. Root systems that may creep toward an asphalt surface in the future should be removed before the asphalt surface is installed. Asphalt should be stamped down on top of a sturdy gravel foundation. An asphalt surface needs to fully cure before an initial seal coating is applied to its surface.