Cost, types, installation and more factors to consider.
An asphalt driveway should be sealed every few years for proper maintenance, while concrete is essentially maintenance-free.
Asphalt is flexible, making it ideal for colder climates.
The Spruce / Christopher Lee Foto
Consider these pros and cons to help decide whether or not an asphaltdrivewayis a good choice for the home.
Cost
Installing a newasphalt drivewaycosts about $5 to $13 per square foot.
This includes the average cost of labor, which ranges from $5 to $7 per hour.
Some contractors will provide budget information based on the weight of the asphalt.
Gradient
The gradient of the driveway refers to theslope or incline.
Homeowners with a steep gradient should expect to pay an additional $5 to $10 per square foot.
One ton of asphalt will generally cover about 30 to 80 square feet, depending on the depth.
Stamped Asphalt
Stamped or colored asphalt typically costs about $12 to $17 per square foot.
The downside is that not all asphalt contractors offer recycled asphalt paving materials.
New Driveway, Replacement, or Overlay?
With overlay asphalt, one consideration is height.
Fixing Cracks
For small cracks, use a rubberized asphalt-emulsion crack filler.
you could apply it with a caulking gun or putty knife.
Applying Sealant
Sealant provides a layer of protectionto avoid cracking and environmental damage.
Asphalt sealing typically costs $1.25 to $1.50 per square foot.
Asphalt sealant is a thin layer of coal tar emulsion brushed on top of an existing surface.
Asphalt tends to fare well in harsh winter conditions and can withstand salt andice melt.
In summer, the black tar-like component of asphalt can soften and even become sticky in sweltering weather.
Wash the driveway about twice a year to clean away any dirt, dust, oils, and grime.
DIY vs. Professional Driveway Installation
Asphalt driveway installation should be done by an asphalt contractor.
Professionals can easily install new asphalt at a rapid pace and to a higher quality.
Depending on the size of the driveway, they might even be able to do it one day.
Instead of trying to tackle this job on your own,hire a professional asphalt installation crew.
This means that spring and summer are the best seasons for installing an asphalt driveway.
Between 50 F and 60 F, you will need to consult with your contractor.
The hot-mix is still workable during this timeframe, but time is limited.
Asphalt vs.
Concrete Driveway
Asphalt and concrete are the two most common surfaces used for residential driveways.
Other options include loose gravel or shell, brick, grass, or pavers.
Most companies will offer a warranty on their work.
Find out what guarantee they provide if something cracks or malfunctions.
Porous asphalt is more expensive than hot mix asphalt but water can drain directly through the asphalt.
Recycled asphalt is an option for reusing old asphalt.
The main benefits of a thicker asphalt driveway are improved stability and longevity.
At the very least, the asphalt depth for a driveway is 2 inches.
Thicker asphalt driveways up to 6 inches are recommended for better performance and a longer lifespan.
A concrete driveway is typically more expensive than an asphalt driveway.
Concrete materials are more expensive, plus the finishing process is more labor intensive, than asphalt materials.
Learn How Much It Costs to Install Asphalt Paving.HomeAdvisor.
How Much Does It Cost to Install an Asphalt Driveway?Angi.
How Much Does It Cost to Seal an Asphalt Driveway?Angi.
