Asphalt Driveway is a durable, easy to repair and can add a significant amount of value to your home. However, when a crack or damage becomes extensive, it’s time for a milling and asphalt overlay or a new driveway.
Asphalt is a mix of cement and coarse mineral aggregate materials, such as sand or crushed stone. Its dark color hides fluid spills, and it’s easier to clean than concrete surfaces.
Asphalt is an economical and durable option for a residential driveway. It has a classic, clean look that complements many styles of homes. However, the cost of an asphalt driveway varies depending on the scope and size of the project. Some contractors may charge a flat fee, while others will have an hourly rate. You should find a contractor you trust, and ask for references before hiring them. It is also important to get a contract that clearly lays out the work and fees to be done.
A new asphalt driveway costs between $7 and $13 per square foot, including installation. The price is higher than a concrete one, but it’s a good investment because it has a longer lifespan. Additionally, it’s easy to maintain and can be repaired with relative ease.
The most significant factor in the cost of an asphalt driveway is the type of base material. The underlying layer must be stable and free of organic materials. A poor base will create sags and cracks in the asphalt, which can lead to early deterioration. To prevent this, use a coarse aggregate such as crushed stone or “conbit” (recycled asphalt and concrete) to provide a firm, settle-resistant matrix.
In addition to the underlying structure, the surface of the asphalt must be constructed to withstand heavy traffic. For this reason, it’s best to hire a professional paving company. The crew can install the driveway faster and at a higher quality than you could on your own. Plus, they have the tools and equipment to get the job done right.
The lifespan of an asphalt driveway depends on how it is used and maintained. To extend its life, you should keep cars and trucks off the driveway to minimize damage. You should also trim trees around the driveway to avoid tree roots crawling underneath the asphalt. You should also regularly seal the driveway to protect it from moisture and sun exposure. A well-maintained asphalt driveway can last 30-40 years. This is much more than the average lifespan of a concrete driveway, which is 20-30 years.
Durability
The lifespan of an asphalt driveway is generally much longer than concrete, depending on the quality of the installation, climate conditions, and usage. This is partially due to the fact that asphalt is more flexible than concrete and can better withstand freezing and thawing cycles. It also typically requires less maintenance than other types of pavement.
It is important to maintain your asphalt driveway to ensure it lasts as long as possible. Regularly blowing or sweeping the surface prevents the build-up of organic materials that can cause cracks and other problems. Additionally, sealing the driveway every few years can help keep it looking new and attractive.
When properly maintained, an asphalt driveway can easily last 30 years or more. However, it is not as durable as a paver driveway, which can withstand up to 40 years with minimal maintenance.
Like any type of pavement, an asphalt driveway can experience damage over time. This is often caused by weather conditions or heavy traffic. If the damage is not repaired immediately, it can lead to large cracks or even potholes. In order to avoid these issues, it is important to work with a reputable contractor and take steps to protect your driveway from damage in the future.
Asphalt is very porous, so it tends to soak up moisture. This can be a problem if you live in an area with frequent rainfall or snow. During rainstorms, water can flash flood the driveway and pick up oils, bits of tire rubber, and other debris. Over time, this can dry out the binders that hold the asphalt together and cause it to crumble.
A good asphalt contractor will use a steel-wheeled roller and a vibrating plate compactor to ensure the material is compacted well. The contractor should also use a tamper or lute to get into the corners and crevices to further compact the edges of the driveway.
Once your asphalt driveway has been paved, it is crucial not to drive on it for the first 72 hours. Vehicles can cause significant damage to the freshly poured asphalt and disrupt the smooth finish. You should also avoid parking any vehicles on your asphalt driveway for up to 14 days after the paving process. Doing so will add extra weight to the fresh asphalt and may leave deep depressions in the driveway that can eventually become cracks.
Maintenance
A well-maintained asphalt surface adds value to a home or business. It also improves curb appeal and enhances safety. It is also less expensive to repair minor damage than to have an entire driveway or parking lot repaved. In addition, a well-maintained driveway or parking lot looks more appealing to potential buyers and is a great way to show that the property owner cares about the condition of their home or business.
Maintenance requirements for asphalt driveways include sweeping, hosing down, and power washing the surface to remove debris. This will prevent dirt, leaves, and other materials from clogging the asphalt and causing premature wear. It is recommended that this be done every month or two to ensure the longevity of the pavement.
It is also important to keep the area free of weeds, which can be abrasive to asphalt. It is best to remove weeds as soon as they appear, because they can cause cracking and separation of the surface layer from the subgrade. Crack filling is another maintenance task that should be performed regularly. This helps to prevent minor cracks from turning into larger crevices that could cause water infiltration and lead to further deterioration of the surface.
Other maintenance tasks for asphalt driveways include checking for drainage problems and removing standing water. It is important to keep the surface dry to prevent damage to the asphalt and the underlying soil. In some cases, a drainage system may need to be installed to help with this problem.
Keeping your asphalt driveway in good condition will not only save money, but it will also increase the overall value of your home or commercial property. It will also make it easier for you to sell your property in the future. A well-maintained asphalt surface is a welcome sight for potential buyers and can give them the confidence that they will enjoy their new home or business for years to come.
In some cases, it may be necessary to hire a professional for maintenance or repair jobs on your asphalt driveway. A paving contractor can provide the expertise needed to get the job done correctly and efficiently. In addition, a professional can usually offer a warranty on their work that will protect your investment.
Appearance
Asphalt driveways are an economical choice for homeowners and business owners who want a durable, attractive paving material. They are easy to maintain and can last for up to 20 years or more if properly cared for. Regular sweeping, removing ice and snow, and applying sealcoat to the surface can prevent cracks and help extend the lifespan of your asphalt driveway.
While many people think of black asphalt as being a plain, boring driveway option, it offers some great options for aesthetics that can add beauty and charm to any home. In addition to the standard, dark black surface, asphalt pavement is available in a wide variety of colors and textures that can add a unique look to your driveway. Its dark color also helps hide oil stains and other spills, which can be problematic for concrete driveways.
The first layer of your asphalt driveway is the binder course. It is a thick, weight-bearing layer that is installed on top of the prepared runner-crush base. This layer is a crucial part of the entire asphalt construction because it provides the strength and durability for the other layers to follow.
The second layer is the wearing course or surface course. This layer is a thinner and smoother version of the binder course and is commonly referred to as the “topping.” Its smaller aggregate pieces make it a nicer surface to drive on and better at shedding water.
A geo-textile fabric is then placed over the wearing course to keep the underlying layer from mixing with the top layer and creating ruts in the driveway. This is a very important step in the overall construction of an asphalt driveway because it helps keep your asphalt looking nice and strong for a long time.
Once the wearing course has been installed, you will begin laying the asphalt concrete. This is a thicker and more dense version of the wearing course that creates a stronger and longer-lasting paving material for your driveway. Once this is laid, you will compact the material and grade it to ensure that it is level.