Asphalt driveways can last as long as any hard surface if installed and maintained properly. However, usually the weakest point of the driveway is the edge. Edges are prone to several defects. The most common defect is cracking. Cracks generally form parallel with the edge of the driveway. This phenomenon happens usually when expansive soil is present under the driveway. The soil expands and contracts causing cracks that eventually transmit through the asphalt surface. Installing a decorative edge made from cobblestone or brick pavers will interrupt the point of expansion where the asphalt meets the yard. The edge will keep the asphalt from shifting; thus eliminating the cracking in the pavement.

But eventually you may still see some sprouts pop up through the asphalt because a runner was able to escape the effects of the herbicide by traveling underground. Decorative edging installed on asphalt driveways by a qualified paving contractor will eliminate the potential of migrating grass invading the asphalt. When cobblestone or paver bricks are installed properly, it will create a solid barrier between the yard and edge of the driveway. Substrates used to hold the edge is non porous, therefore it leaves no voided areas for vegetation to grow. If invasive grass is left unattended on an exposed asphalt edge it will eventually ravel the edge. Cobblestone or brick paver edging will prevent damage from grass.

Decorative cobblestone and paver edges also keep vehicles from driving off the edge of the driveway. Driving off and on an edge of an asphalt driveway will eventually cause the edge to ravel, or break off. Not only is this an expensive repair, but it also leaves the home owner's yard not looking its best. Repetition will rut the yard and cause a bare spot, which eventually turn to mud. Decorative edges installed properly will reinforce the edge of the pavement, and also create a curb. The curbing effect will keep vehicles on the driveway and out of the yard.

Another important feature of decorative edging is its ability to control drainage. Not all, but some home owners desire a protective barrier against erosion or unwanted rain water. This is generally achieved by installing a machine curb or roll curb on the edge of the driveway. Machine curbs and roll curbs are formed from asphalt material. A decorative edge constructed of cobblestone or paver bricks can achieve the same results and look better doing it. A homeowner that has unwanted drainage or silt erosion from a neighboring property can be stopped by installing a decorative edge or curb.

Cleaning the concrete or asphalt driveway should be done on a regular basis. Keeping the driveway surface sealed is also another necessary step. When not filled immediately and properly, cracks and depressions can worsen, making your driveway appear worse than it already is. To seal cracks and restore the clean look of your driveway, you need to choose fast-drying, superior performance blacktop filler.