How to Lay Affordable Asphalt Paving

Asphalt pavement material is an economical, strong, and flexible material with unmatched resistance to freezing/thawing cycles and road salt use in winter conditions, with minimal upkeep requirements to keep it looking its best. Find the best Asphalt Paving Lexington.

One ton of asphalt costs $40-80 and covers 30 to 80 square feet. A 50-lb bag of cold mix costs $8 to $20.

Costs

Asphalt paving projects can be great solutions for both home, business, and community development projects. Asphalt is cheaper than concrete while being more resilient than gravel; costs vary based on material choice, amount of work needed to be completed, etc. A professional contractor can assist in budget planning as well as selecting materials suitable to your needs.

Porous asphalt is an excellent solution for areas that experience frequent rainfall. This type of pavement helps protect the environment by absorbing excess rainwater rather than sending it directly into storm drains, saving both money and resources by limiting runoff into storm drains. While it may cost slightly more per square foot, some taxpayers can write this expense off as tax deductions!

An asphalt paving project’s most important factor is its choice of material. While gravel may be less costly, it can easily get tracked out of place during rainy periods and result in flooding or erosion that requires expensive repairs. Pavers and cobblestone are more elegant alternatives, while concrete may last longer with less cracking.

A quality asphalt paving contractor knows how to find the best deals for materials and install them quickly and efficiently, saving both materials and labor costs. They may even recommend smaller surface areas for your driveway or parking lot to reduce hot mix use – reducing both materials and labor expenses in doing so.

Materials

Asphalt pavements are popularly chosen for driveways and roads due to their budget-conscious benefits and simple installation process, including minimal construction equipment requirements and lessened greenhouse gas emission levels than alternative materials. Asphalt is easy to build using less specialized equipment than other options and makes transport costs lower while producing less greenhouse gases than competing paving materials.

The cost of asphalt installation varies based on its size and location; for instance, paving a small backyard patio requires only a thin coat that costs approximately $4 per square foot to apply, while installing an asphalt driveway could run between $10-20 per square foot to install. Furthermore, total expenses vary depending on whether or not this area has already been paved before.

Prior to laying asphalt, a gravel foundation must first be in place for stability and strength, increasing costs by one or two dollars per square foot. Once in place, asphalt can then be colored to create unique designs. Classic blacktop asphalt provides cost-effective coverage while simultaneously helping with snow/ice melting quickly; some homeowners also opt to use reclaimed asphalt, which saves money and reduces landfill waste.

Installation

When it comes to laying asphalt, several steps must be considered. First and foremost is excavating and compacting of soil – this helps with drainage while providing a solid base for asphalt installation. Next is a sub-base installation using either drilling or geo-gridding methods. Both methods provide intense and long-lasting support, but geo-gridding is less labor-intensive and, thus, more affordable.

Once the sub-base has been laid, it’s time to add the binder layer – an asphaltic combination of large aggregates and oil that gives asphalt its strength. When applying this mixture, ensure it dries completely before beginning asphalt installation.

Now, it is time to add the asphalt surface course. This will be what people see and can reach two inches thick. It comprises small rocks, oil, and sand mixed to form a uniform black surface that has to be compacted using a large roller before it sets permanently.

Finally, the paving crew will paint lines around parking spaces and the edges of an area to make it safer for drivers and pedestrians while adding visual interest.

Maintenance

Although paving costs vary based on location and material selection, homeowners can cut maintenance costs through careful planning. A well-kept driveway adds curb appeal and increases property values while making parking vehicles easier in snowy or wet weather.

The type of asphalt used will have a significant impact on the final cost of paving projects. Cold mix is generally less expensive yet should only be used for repairs rather than complete resurfacing projects; hot mix asphalt provides superior durability for most applications; specialty pavements like stamped or colored versions may add visual interest but will increase overall paving costs significantly.

Asphalt pavements are long-lived when adequately maintained. To extend its longevity and ensure its continued usage, homeowners should budget for regular resealing and patching in harsh climates, with asphalt contractors offering maintenance services that reduce costly repairs such as surface rutting or erosion repair services.

Asphalt is eco-friendly and recyclable, helping homeowners reduce disposal costs. Homeowners may also consider porous asphalt pavement that allows water to drain through rather than pool on the surface – this can help prevent the expansion of ice that damages asphalt pavements in rainy climates. Furthermore, installing a drainage system could protect their asphalt from potential damages caused by standing water.

Read also: Buying a New Home