What do you own that you’re NOT taking care of?

It could be your car, your home, your business property—or something as basic as the pavement outside your office or driveway.

Why does it matter? Because assets don’t maintain themselves.

If you’re not actively taking care of your assets, they’re quietly transforming from something valuable into something costly—a liability.

In the business world, there’s a term called “living off depreciation.”

What that means is, you take something valuable - like a car, a piece of equipment, or even a sidewalk - and you “milk” it for all it’s worth.

You drive the car until the wheels fall off. You use the sidewalk until it’s cracked and crumbling. You squeeze every last bit of value out of the asset—but you never put anything back into it.

Eventually, the asset is no longer useful. It just becomes junk.

But here’s the kicker: Junk doesn’t just sit there harmlessly. Junk costs you money.

Whether it’s a broken-down car taking up space in the driveway or pavement so cracked it’s a tripping hazard—neglected assets become liabilities.

Pavement is one of the most overlooked assets people have.

Whether it’s the driveway at your home or the parking lot at your business, pavement is one of those things we take for granted—until it starts falling apart.

Cracks appear, potholes form, and before you know it, what was once smooth and reliable is now a source of frustration, an eyesore, and sometimes a legal risk.

Plus, think about what pavement represents. For a business, it’s the first impression customers get when they arrive. A clean, smooth parking lot tells your customers, “We care about quality.”

For a home, it’s part of the curb appeal that boosts property value. A neat driveway says, “This property is worth it.” And for any property owner, it’s a reflection of care, organization, and pride.

On the flip side, broken, neglected pavement sends the opposite message. It can make even a great business or home look unreliable or unappealing.

So just like any asset, pavement needs attention…

But pavement is expensive—not just to install, but to replace.

 
If you ignore regular maintenance, like sealing cracks or fixing drainage issues, small problems become big ones.

For example, imagine a parking lot that hasn’t been sealed in years.

Rainwater seeps into the cracks, freezes in the winter, and expands, making the cracks bigger. Over time, the foundation beneath the pavement weakens.

What could have been fixed with a simple sealant now requires a complete overhaul. The cost difference? Tens of thousands of dollars.

Here's the good news: This isn't just a problem—it's an opportunity.

 
When you treat pavement like the asset it is, you can actually save money in the long run and even increase the value of your property.

The key is understanding the life cycle of your pavement.

Most types of pavement—whether it’s asphalt, concrete, or decorative pavers—have predictable life spans. Asphalt might last 15-20 years. Concrete, a bit longer. But no matter the material, maintenance is non-negotiable if you want to maximize its value.

Sealcoating, crack repairs, and even proper cleaning can extend the life of your pavement by years.

And when you align your maintenance schedule with the asset’s life cycle, you’re not just maintaining—you’re investing.

The Takeaway

Pavement, like any other asset, is what you make of it.

Treat it like a valuable part of your property, and it will reward you with longevity and value. Neglect it, and it will quietly transform into a liability.

So, take a closer look at the assets in your life.

Whether it’s the driveway at home, the parking lot at your business, or even that old car in the garage, ask yourself:

Are you investing in it? Or are you letting it slide toward “junk” (liability) status?

If you need some direction with the life cycle of your pavement and how to maximize it as an asset, give us a call or send us an email. We’d love to help you out.