An asphalt driveway can be one of the quickest ways to increase curb appeal while simultaneously serving as a safer surface for vehicles. Find the best Asphalt Paving Stockton.
Binder Course. The binder course serves as the weight-bearing layer and requires larger aggregates than top courses.
Cost
Asphalt driveways are an increasingly popular choice among homeowners as they offer safe and durable surfaces for vehicles and pedestrians alike while being both cost-effective and maintenance-free compared to concrete ones. There are, however, a few critical considerations before selecting an asphalt driveway; homeowners should consult a professional to make sure their installation goes as smoothly as possible and will last into the future.
The cost of an asphalt driveway will depend on factors like its location and size, climate conditions, and traffic load; colder climates tend to produce stronger asphalt pavement, while warmer regions can require additional maintenance costs. Another critical element that impacts cost is how heavily used your driveway is; increased use will necessitate increased upkeep costs.
Homeowners looking to control the cost of asphalt driveway installation should search out recycled materials. Recycled asphalt can often be less expensive and more eco-friendly than new materials, and purchasing in bulk could save money thanks to contractor discounts.
Homeowners should ask potential asphalt paving contractors questions about their experience and process, which will help prevent miscommunication and save both time and money on their project. By asking the appropriate questions, homeowners can ensure they are getting maximum value out of their investment in an asphalt driveway.
Aesthetics
Asphalt driveway paving can help your home stand out from the rest by increasing curb appeal. Not only is asphalt a more cost-effective and eco-friendly choice than concrete, but it is also easier to repair or replace than other paving materials.
Asphalt stands out from gravel or crushed stone by being more visually pleasing to the eye, offering superior skid protection and better road traction than both! No wonder 31 out of 33 NASCAR race tracks use asphalt pavement!
Asphalt color plays an essential part in its aesthetics. Neutral shades offer an understated appearance, while bolder colors can bring visual interest to a driveway. A professional paving contractor can assist you in selecting the appropriate hue.
Asphalt may offer fewer design choices than other paving materials; however, tinting it to complement your home’s exterior or landscape can add a custom touch. This solution can especially come in handy if your driveway is exposed to direct sunlight all day long.
Other paving materials, like brick, pavers, and concrete, can add different aesthetics and advantages. If durability and cost are critical considerations for you, brick may be your ideal option as these long-lasting materials can withstand varying weather conditions without needing repairs; on the other hand, concrete driveways can be more costly to install and require more upkeep than asphalt options.
Durability
Asphalt is an exceptionally durable material, offering a solid surface to support heavy vehicle traffic and resist cracking while withstanding weather fluctuations. As such, it makes an excellent choice for homeowners seeking to add value and curb appeal to their property.
Proper installation and maintenance can increase the durability of driveway paving asphalt. Contractors typically prepare the surface prior to laying the new paving, removing any weeds or debris while filling in any holes or uneven areas, if any, in order to ensure its stability for maximum lifespan and reduced risk of future damage.
Contractors typically use compactors to ensure asphalt surfaces are flat and even, saving both time and money in terms of curing periods.
As another option, many homeowners opt for stamped or colored asphalt driveways to give their homes a distinct, personalized appearance. This can be achieved by mixing colors into the hot mix before application, the result being an attractive, decorative, and long-term asphalt driveway that stands the test of time.
Due to asphalt’s long lifespan and durability, it may come as a shock that it requires routine maintenance. By sealing and repairing cracks as soon as they appear, you can extend their lifespan significantly, possibly even until the life of your home.
Maintenance
Asphalt driveways require regular upkeep in order to remain attractive and functional, including regular inspections to identify any areas in need of attention, such as deteriorating surfaces requiring repair or replacement with new asphalt, seal coating as a form of protection from oil, gasoline spills, and UV radiation, as well as proper cleaning/drying before beginning repairs or maintenance work on them. In particular for areas that have seen fuel spillage.
Keep the pavement free from these elements to prevent the formation of crocodile cracking, which is characterized by interconnecting cracks that resemble crocodile hide and can lead to potholes forming and moisture entering through cracks in the asphalt pavement, causing further damage.
An asphalt overlay may be your best choice to repair cracked or damaged driveways, as this involves removing the existing asphalt layer, regrading the area, and applying a fresh layer of blacktop. An overlay is less expensive and faster than replacing an entire driveway; if the pavement has become severely in disrepair, it is more cost-effective to invest in an all-new blacktop.
Read also: Investing in Rental Properties: Long-Term Cash Flow Strategies
