Use a quality contractor. We would say this wouldn’t we but one of the biggest factors in the life expectancy of a surface is the quality of the work done in the first case.
Stick to the specification recommended by the contractor. When we advise clients on the specification of a job it is based upon tens of years of experience and quite literally thousands of successful jobs. Whilst it may be tempting to cut corners you will usually quite literally end up paying for it in the long run.
Make sure that the wearing course is appropriate to the vehicles and weight that will regularly be using the service. If you specify that a surface will only routinely be used by cars and then large lorries start to use the surface, the chances are that it will struggle to bear this weight without damage.
Consider sealing grit as a finish. Applying a finish of 3mm coated grit will fill voids, preventing ingress into the surface and act as a barrier reducing the risk of scuffing/tacking.
Avoid unnecessary or regular jet washing of your surface as this will cause it to age quicker than it might otherwise.
Minimise scuffing by not turning the wheels of a car when it is not moving.
Try to avoid point loading on a surface by for example scaffolding poles or a ladder. Spread the load of this weight by putting wooden boards between the item and the surface.
Try to avoid spilling oil or petrol onto a surface as this can be harmful.
Treat the surface with a weedkiller every 6 months.
If you are concerned about damage to your surface, contact us for a no obligation inspection to advise on repair or whether replacement would be a better option.