5 Reasons to Use Asphalt Paving for Your New Driveway
Home improvement projects usually fill you with immense excitement. Your heart beats fast just at the thought of making your home more beautiful and comfortable.
If you are in that mood and have trained your thoughts towards paving a new driveway, there must be a lot of questions playing in your mind.
One of these questions could be about which perfect product to use in building the driveway of your dreams. You don’t need to worry much, as we generously share our insights with you based on our years of experience and expertise of paving driveways throughout Manchester and beyond.
Asphalt against other materials
There are a number of materials that you are offered as choices for paving driveways. The usual options are typically:
- Asphalt
- Concrete
- Gravel
- Pavers
However, not all driveway materials are created equal. When thinking of about what to use for your parkway, you need not only consider the attractiveness and looks, but also the durability. Remember that your drive will be used almost every day. It must be able to hold up to a lot of foot and vehicle traffic.
As a reputable paving company with almost half a century of practice and proficiency under our belts, we can confidently give recommendations that will spell success for your new driveway dreams.
Below, take a look at the basic reasons why asphalt affords you advantages over concrete and other paving materials:
1. It comes with faster installation and use
One of the advantages of asphalt over concrete is that installation can be done within one or two days. Of course, it depends on how big the area is, but typically, it can be done in half the time than concrete.
It also depends on the season, but paving your driveway also cuts down on long curing times. Compared to concrete which takes at least a week to cure, asphalt driveways can be can be made ready for traffic in as little as two days after it has compacted and cooled.
In addition, if in case your asphalt pavement gets damaged in one way or another, removal or repair can be easily done.
You are also less likely to shell out more for asphalt repairs or replacements compared to concrete.
2. It is sturdier and lasts longer
- Asphalt is a flexible material, thus giving more leeway to withstand its environment and is less prone to cracking or flaking.
- Especially in the wintertime, asphalt’s ability to expand and contract can work to your advantage, as it does not easily weaken from salt use.
- Because of its dark color, it is easier to absorb the heat of the sun, and that makes it quicker for snow and ice to melt on the driveway.
Over the years, paving with asphalt has been studied and developed, which led to Perpetual Pavements. This kind of construction uses thick base courses that are layered on with a few stronger load bearing and wearing intermediate courses.
These are exceptionally sturdy and resilient and require little or no reconstruction.
3. It is safe and smooth
Choosing asphalt for your new driveway gives you a smooth stretch of road to drive on. If you drive a truck, its tires are less likely to bounce on the smooth pavement, which will significantly help extend the life of your asphalt drive.
Studies have shown that using asphalt in constructing roads and driveways improve its longevity by about 10%.
This smooth condition not only gives off a more attractive look for your driveway but also effectively reduces noise pollution.
At the same time, it also offers improved road safety as tires have better road traction on asphalt. This excellent skid protection and outstanding gripping power are probably why 31 out of the 33 NASCAR race tracks are paved with asphalt.
4. It is green and sustainable
Asphalt has minimal impact on the environment once it is constructed.
Based on studies, asphalt pavements have been shown not to leach. It is 100% renewable, according to the findings in the survey report conducted by the National Asphalt Pavement Association, with asphalt being the most recycled and reused material in America at the rate of more than 99%.
Because asphalt pavements are also relatively quick to construct or rehabilitate, they consume less energy to produce and build compared to pavements made from other materials.
5. It is cost-efficient
Perhaps one clear advantage of using asphalt for your driveway is that you get more value for your money.
Compared to concrete, which cannot be restored with minimal costs at the end of its design life, asphalt offers more returns on investment as the structure lasts indefinitely with proper design and construction.
According to the economic facts shared by the Asphalt Pavement Alliance, 94% out of the 2.27 million miles of paved road in the United States, including 65% of the interstate system, are made of asphalt. Additionally, studies conducted in the states of Iowa, Kansas, and Ohio also showed savings ranging from 25 to 70 percent in life-cycle costs.
This is where asphalt’s durability, recyclability, ease of installation, and material consistency all boil down to: savings. Because it takes a shorter time to install, you save time, energy, and resources. Plus, you don’t need to erect expensive noise walls while having it constructed.
You also get savings on initial and maintenance costs because of its durability. Fuel savings and car maintenance costs can be had because of the smooth ride over your asphalt driveway.
Smooth sailing ahead
Over time, choosing an asphalt driveway proves to be a smarter choice for your driveway.
With all the above-mentioned advantages, it would be wise to go for asphalt as the material for your home’s driveway paving.
Its elegant, minimalist look (that can go with almost any house design), the effortlessness of its upkeep, the clean and green conscience it gives you by using an environment-friendly material, and the significant savings it affords you — these all add up to an overall intelligent decision.
Read this blog for any asphalt driveway questions and let us assist you in your own paving endeavors – contact us for a free quote.