Asphalt driveways can be extremely durable when they are properly maintained and sealed. Keeping a regular schedule of cleaning, removing snow, and not using de-icing salts will help to prevent damage and prolong the lifespan of your asphalt driveway.
Additionally, choosing the right type of asphalt for your driveway is essential. Choosing a professional contractor to install your asphalt will also make it last longer. Visit https://www.pavementsolutionstx.com/ to learn more.
Asphalt is a popular material for driveways, but the cost of installation can be high. The price depends on the location of your home, the size of your driveway, and whether it’s a new or replacement driveway. In addition to the cost of the materials, you’ll need to budget for labor costs. These can run between $5 and $7 per square foot for standard asphalt.
Asphalt usually contains recycled material, which helps keep the cost down compared to other materials. Hot mix asphalt is a common choice for residential driveways and costs between $1 and $3 per square foot. You can also choose porous asphalt, which uses a layer of crushed stone to minimize runoff and improve drainage. Porous asphalt typically costs $8 to $15 per square foot.
An asphalt driveway can be a great investment for your property. It adds curb appeal and increases the value of your home. In addition, it’s easy to repair and maintain. A properly maintained asphalt driveway can last up to 20 years or more. However, you should consider resurfacing your driveway every three to five years to prevent cracking and other problems.
If you’re installing a new asphalt driveway, the first step is to remove the existing one. This can be done with a jackhammer if you’re comfortable working with machinery. If you hire a contractor to do the work, ask about their experience with this type of project. This will help you avoid miscommunication and save money in the long run.
The next step is to prepare the site for laying down the asphalt. This includes removing any rocks or debris. A base layer is then put down, followed by the asphalt itself. The final step is to apply a sealant for protection. You can expect to spend between $2,880 and $4,030 for a two-car asphalt driveway.
It’s best to enlist the services of an experienced asphalt contractor when installing a new driveway. This will ensure that the process is completed correctly and in a timely manner. It’s also important to make sure the contractor has the proper machinery and equipment for the job. Do-it-yourself projects can be dangerous and time consuming, especially when dealing with heated asphalt.
Durability
Asphalt driveways can last as long as 30 years, if you take good care of them. That’s an incredibly long lifespan compared to concrete, which may crack under the stress of cold weather and water damage. Asphalt is a mix of crushed stones and sand that gets mixed and poured at high temperatures. This allows it to withstand the harsh winters of Minnesota and Wisconsin, as well as any precipitation that might come along.
The average asphalt driveway will develop some cracks as it ages, but these are usually minor and can be repaired easily. If you keep up with routine maintenance, such as resealing and patching, your asphalt driveway will last longer.
Regular sweeping and blowing can also help keep organic materials, such as leaves and pine needles, from building up on your asphalt. This can also prevent debris from settling on and damaging the surface, which will extend its lifespan. The color of asphalt is naturally dark, which helps to hide stains and dirt that can mar the appearance of concrete surfaces.
Another factor that impacts the longevity of an asphalt driveway is how much traffic it receives. While a three-inch layer of asphalt can support the weight of most sedans and trucks, heavy vehicles will prematurely deteriorate the surface where their wheels travel. If your driveway will see a lot of heavy vehicles, consider getting it laid at least five inches thick.
If you choose to use recycled asphalt, it can be every bit as durable as a hot mix asphalt driveway and can limit the amount of petroleum products in your local landfills. It is also cheaper to install and can be a great choice for those on a tight budget.
The most significant challenge to an asphalt driveway’s lifespan is the weather. Freeze-thaw cycles can cause serious damage to both concrete and asphalt, and they both lose strength if they are subjected to repeated ice and salt exposure. If you live in an area with extreme weather, it’s worth investing in a quality concrete driveway instead of an asphalt one.
Appearance
Asphalt driveways look sleek and stylish after they are installed. Their dark color and consistent texture help them stand out from their concrete counterparts, making them a more desirable choice for homeowners who want their driveways to add curb appeal to their homes. They are also less prone to staining from oil spills and other chemicals. Asphalt is also more flexible than concrete, which makes it easier to drive on and prevents cracking and settling over time.
When properly cared for, asphalt can last a long time. Its lifespan can be further extended by using innovative drainage solutions, which ensure that water does not pool in the driveway and erode the base materials underneath. However, if your pavement begins to crack and settle over time, it will need to be repaired with an asphalt patch. This repair will only be a temporary solution to the problem, and it is not as effective as a full-scale renovation.
Once the pavement is cracked, weeds and other forms of vegetation can thrive in the resulting holes and potholes. They may even start to grow in the cracks, further compromising the structural integrity of your driveway. This is why it is important to hire a reputable professional who uses high-quality paving materials and implements best practices for asphalt installation.
In addition to preventing weeds and other vegetation from growing, a quality asphalt installation will include a thorough base material preparation process. This involves the removal and modification of existing materials, such as gravel and sand, and compaction to create a strong, solid foundation. A proper base will increase the longevity of your asphalt and ensure that it can withstand freezing and thawing cycles.
As the asphalt ages, it will begin to lose its deep black appearance and become gray, flaky and stony in texture. This is due to the bitumen that holds the aggregates together drying out and eroding. This is known as oxidation, and it is a normal part of the aging process for any type of pavement. If your driveway is gray in color within the first twelve months after paving, there is a serious issue that needs to be addressed right away.
Maintenance
Asphalt is a durable material that will last for years if it’s properly maintained. Regular inspections, cleaning, crack filling and repair work can lengthen the lifespan of your driveway and keep it looking attractive.
The most important maintenance task is keeping the asphalt surface free from debris. This should be done regularly by sweeping or using a power hose spray to remove dirt, tree leaves and other items that can scratch the surface.
Oil and gasoline spills can also cause damage if they’re not attended to immediately. These liquids dissolve the asphalt binders and can leave behind permanent damage if not cleaned up promptly. It is recommended that you use a grease removing detergent that’s safe for asphalt surfaces when cleaning spills.
Other factors that can damage asphalt include water intrusion into the base and freezing-thawing cycles. These problems can lead to the failure of the entire driveway.
To prevent these problems, you should have your asphalt driveway sealed every couple of years. This protects the surface from water penetration and can reduce the number of potholes that may develop. Additionally, it is a good idea to limit the amount of de-icing chemicals that you use. These chemicals can deteriorate the asphalt surface and damage your vehicle’s tires.
Another way to protect your asphalt is by building up the soil near its edges. This allows for proper drainage and grass growth, which will help support the asphalt and minimize cracking.
Taking the time to inspect your asphalt driveway on a monthly basis will help you catch any potential problems before they become major issues. It is also a good idea to inspect it after extreme weather events, such as heavy rain or snowfall. This will help you spot any cracks, potholes or other signs of wear that you might not have noticed otherwise.
If your asphalt driveway is new, you should take care not to drive or walk on it for the first 24 hours after installation. During this time, the surface needs to cure properly. You should also put up barricades or warning tape to keep vehicles and pedestrians off the new asphalt until it dries completely.