Asphalt driveway material is similar to what you see road crews laying on roads. Also called hot mix or hot mix asphalt, this type of driveway is an aggregate of stone and sand, along with a slurry of asphalt, a tar-like material made from petroleum. The asphalt is heated to over 300 F to liquefy it.
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What are the pros and cons of an asphalt driveway?
- Gravel
- Hot liquid asphalt
- Loose stone Tar or liquid asphalt is poured over a gravel base, which is what the “tar” part is. ...
- More durable compared to gravel: Tar and chip driveways do not need layering or sealing and can last for 12 years even without them.
How much does it cost to build an asphalt driveway?
The price can rise or fall depending on many factors including location, quality of material, depth of material required, and the size of your drive. Asphalt driveway installation pricing across the country can be anywhere from $1,500 to $10,000, but most spend $4,000 to $8,000.
What type of asphalt is best for your driveway?
Types of Asphalt
- Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) Of all the different types of asphalt out there, hot mix asphalt is currently the most common form used for roads and pavements.
- Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA) Warm mix asphalt is made similarly to hot-mix asphalt, except at lower temperatures. ...
- Cold Mix Asphalt. ...
- Porous Asphalt. ...
- Quiet Pavement. ...
- Perpetual Pavement. ...
How much does it cost to repair an asphalt driveway?
Repairing your asphalt driveway tends to cost between $800 and $2,500, depending on the same factors mentioned above. The national cost average for this project is about $1,500. Several special considerations apply, especially compared to concrete driveways.
Who installs asphalt driveways?
Asphalt driveways are usually installed by contractors who specialize in the job because it involves very specialized equipment and techniques. Do your homework before hiring a contractor, as there many fly-by-nighters out there ready to take your money in exchange for a lousy job.
What does asphalt look like?
By contrast, concrete can be stamped to look like stone or brick, tinted or stained with a range of colors, and even embellished with decorative inlays (all at a cost, of course).
What is blacktop used for?
The main components of the blacktop that is used on asphalt driveways are rock, sand, and asphalt cement, a tar-like petroleum product. A new driveway starts with a 4- to 8-inch layer of compacted granular fill for a solid, well-draining base. This gets topped with 2 to 3 inches of fresh, hot asphalt, which quickly gets compacted by ...
How long does asphalt last?
Longevity: Asphalt is estimated to last about 15 to 20 years, compared to 30 to 40 years for concrete. Maintenance: Asphalt should be resealed periodically to extend its life and help prevent cracks. Concrete never needs sealing.
How much does it cost to install asphalt?
Cost: Installing a new asphalt driveway costs about $3 to $4 per square foot. New concrete costs about $5 to $7 per square foot, for a plain gray slab. Concrete with color, special finishes, or other decorative ...
How much does concrete cost?
Concrete with color, special finishes, or other decorative embellishments costs $8 to $18 per square foot. Winter-hardiness: Asphalt tends to fare better in harsh winter conditions and is less likely to be damaged by salt and ice melt than concrete.
Is asphalt driveway maintenance free?
A properly installed asphalt driveway will perform much like concrete (which is a step up in durability) but at a much lower cost. One of the tradeoffs with asphalt is that you should seal it every few years for proper maintenance, while concrete is essentially maintenance-free. On the flip side, because asphalt is a petroleum product, ...
How long does it take to drive asphalt?
Asphalt can generally be driven on at least 24 hours after installation.
How long does asphalt last?
A properly installed asphalt driveway with regularly scheduled maintenance can last up to 20 or even 30 years. That variation in age can be determined by the stability of the sub-grade, the quality of the installation, the type and frequency of maintenance, the drainage plan and the climate of the region you’re located in.
How often should I seal asphalt driveways?
New asphalt driveways should NOT be sealed until they are at a minimum of 6 months old. They should then be sealed every 3 to 5 years thereafter to slow down the deterioration process. However, only a quality commercial grade asphalt sealer is recommended and applied either by yourself or a reputable seal coating contractor. When cracks develop, they should be sealed frequently. Ultimately cracks should be sealed every fall when the asphalt is cool and it has contracted. The cracks are open at their widest this time of year and will be optimally sealed when the heat from summer comes back around and the asphalt has warmed and expanded. Sealing the cracks will help to prevent further damage and pavement failures like alligatoring and potholes.
Why is black asphalt good for snow?
Consequently, the black color is also very appealing for snow melt in the wintertime. The black asphalt heats up from the warmth of the sun and melts off the snow and ice much faster. Unfortunately, asphalt driveways come in only one color.
How long does it take to install a new driveway?
A new asphalt driveway can be installed in a relatively short amount of time. Typically it only takes 1 day to install after the sub-grade preparation is complete. Sub-grade prep can take anywhere from less than a day to a couple of weeks depending on the soil conditions in your area.
How long does it take for asphalt to cure?
But a new asphalt can take years to fully cure, therefore minor scarring of the surface may occur from sharp turns, power steering divots, tractor tires, snow blade and a variety of things for the first couple of years, particularly on hot sunny days.
Is gravel driveway good?
If the short term, up front cost is a deciding factor, Gravel Driveways and Asphalt driveways are excellent, low cost options, depending on the size of your driveway and the thickness requirements. The long term trade off, however, is gravel driveways and asphalt driveways require more ongoing maintenance.
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How long does an asphalt driveway last?
Most asphalt driveways last up to 20 years. If your driveway is past its prime and showing its age, it’s time for a replacement. To completely resolve asphalt driveway issues, a replacement is the way to go.
How much does asphalt cost per ton?
It costs between $100 to $200 per ton. Cold mix asphalt costs $10 to $50 per bag, but it can be used only for temporary repairs. Cold mix shouldn’t be used for a whole driveway because it doesn’t last more than one or two seasons. Advertisement.
How much does recycled asphalt cost?
Recycled asphalt costs between $10 to $20 per ton, compared to $100 to $200 per ton for brand-new asphalt. Using recycled asphalt can save you $675 to $1,350 on driveway materials if it’s available in your area. Sometimes an installer can mill the old material onsite, cutting down on transporting supplies to your home.
How much does it cost to seal asphalt?
Asphalt sealing typically costs $3 to $7 per square foot. This top coat costs less because it’s a thin layer on top of an existing surface. Asphalt sealant costs about $500 and should be done at least 6 months after the top coat. It provides a layer of protection to avoid cracking and environmental damage. An asphalt driveway requires regular maintenance, and sealing is recommended every 3 to 5 years. Any cracks or fissures should be patched up and remedied immediately.
How many square feet does a ton of concrete cover?
One ton can cover about 40 to 80 square feet, and the total amount needed depends on the thickness of the layers. A driveway 2 inches thick can run 80 square feet per ton, and a 4-inch-thick driveway can run 40 square feet per ton. An average driveway will need 7.5 to 15 tons.
How much does a heated driveway cost?
A heated driveway usually costs $12 to $25 per square foot, depending on whether it’s new or a replacement. For the average home, the cost will be between $7,200 to $15,000.
How much does it cost to excavate a driveway?
Excavating land can cost between $1,500 to $5,100, depending on the number of cubic feet that needs to be moved. Grading, or leveling the area to make your driveway smooth and well-drained, costs between $5 and $10 per square foot for professional graders, but steep driveways may cost more.
What is the main component of a long lasting driveway?
The main component of a long-lasting driveway is the underlying granular base. It must have the right thickness and composition. Base materials vary by region and can be crushed stone or “conbit” (recycled concrete and asphalt—it’s crushed and reused).
What equipment is needed to compact asphalt?
When compacting subbases, contractors will use heavy rollers (or even the tires of the earth-moving equipment) for large areas and plate compactors for smaller areas. But when rolling out asphalt, heavy compacting equipment is needed. Select a contractor who has 1- to 3-ton rollers for compacting the asphalt itself.
How thick should asphalt be?
In most parts of the country, the asphalt laid over a properly prepared aggregate base should be 2 to 3 in. thick. If you opt for a 3-in. thick surface, you can use the coarse asphalt mix for a 2-in. thick bottom layer for strength, and a 1-in. thick layer of the finer mix on the surface for a better appearance.
What is the best mix for driveways?
The most common mix for residential driveways has finer (1/2 in. or smaller) aggregate and thus forms a smoother surface. Coarser (3/4 in. or smaller) aggregate mixes are stronger but have a rougher finish. Parking lots and roads are usually a coarser mix.
Can ice form under asphalt?
Coarse materials also drain water from under the driveway so ice won’t form and crack the asphalt surface. Once your old driveway has been torn out, you and the contractor should closely examine the existing base (the fill under the asphalt surface) and possibly remove or add material.
Can asphalt be compacted?
The asphalt is compacted with heavy rollers soon after it’s spread. If the asphalt cools too much before rolling, it can’t be compacted well. The first step is finding a reputable contractor to do the job. The residential asphalt industry has more than its share of fly-by-nights.
How long does asphalt last?
An asphalt driveway lasts 15 to 30 years and requires sealcoating every 3 to 5 years. Boosts curb appeal and resale value. A new asphalt driveway needs an asphalt layer 3" to 5" thick to last. Resurfacing only the top layer or asphalt overlay costs $1 to $3 per square foot.
How much does it cost to repave an asphalt driveway?
The average cost to repave an asphalt driveway is $4 to $10 per square foot with a new gravel base or $3 to $7 per square foot with an existing base. Repaving a 2-car (20’x20’) asphalt driveway costs $1,600 to $4,000 on average. Repaving includes removing and hauling away the existing asphalt.
How thick should a driveway be?
A new residential driveway needs 3 to 5 inches of asphalt over 4 to 8 inches of rock-base foundation to withstand temperature changes and last 20+ years. Some companies recommend a 2" thickness to save $0.50 to $1 per square foot, but won't provide a warranty due to deterioration risks.
How much does stamped asphalt cost?
Colored or stamped asphalt costs $5 to $15 per square foot for a new driveway or replacement, or $3 to $8 per square foot for resurfacing the top layer. A 20x20 stamped asphalt driveway costs $2,400 to $6,000. Decorative patterns are sealcoated, which colors and protects the surface.
How much does it cost to lay asphalt over concrete?
Laying new asphalt over a concrete driveway costs $1 to $3 per square foot. Contractors fill cracks with concrete-repair caulk before paving. Resurfacing concrete with asphalt is cheaper than replacing concrete. However, special preparation is required to stabilize the concrete and prevent cracks.
How much does it cost to pave a road?
Cost to pave an asphalt road. The average cost to pave a private one-lane asphalt road is $35 to $85 per linear foot. Paving a two-lane (24'-wide) asphalt road costs $70 to $170 per linear foot or $370,000 to $900,000 per mile. Blacktop road construction costs more than driveways because roads need 5" to 11" thick asphalt.
How much does it cost to install asphalt curbs?
Asphalt curbing costs $3 to $6 per linear foot to install. Adding asphalt curbing to a 400-square-foot driveway costs $120 to $240. Repairing or replacing asphalt curbs costs $8 to $15 per linear foot on average. Total costs depend on curb thickness, styles, and labor.
How long does it take for an asphalt driveway to cure?
You can normally use an asphalt driveway within a couple of days of installation. With concrete, you’ll wait at least a week before it fully cures enough for you to drive on it—something to keep it in mind if street parking is a challenge in your neighborhood!
What is the difference between concrete and asphalt?
Concrete offers more visual options. In their most basic forms, asphalt is dark gray to black—hence its common name of “blacktop”—and concrete is pale gray. Unlike asphalt, though, concrete takes well to staining or tinting to just about any color you fancy. You can also stamp patterns into concrete or brush it for a textured finish.
Why is my driveway sticky?
Climate is a major consideration when choosing between asphalt and concrete. If you live in an area with very hot summers, you might find an asphalt driveway becomes gooey or sticky when the temperature soars. The cycle of softening in high heat, then re-hardening once things cool down, can cause asphalt to crack or sag.
How long does a concrete driveway last?
In general, if installed properly in a suitable climate and maintained regularly, your concrete drive way should last 30 to 40 years, while an asphalt driveway is generally good for 20 to 30 years. Neglect to install without an even, stable substrate of gravel —or be careless about proper maintenance—and either type of driveway can fail within a few years.
Can you put a new top coat on asphalt?
It’s also relatively easy to apply a new topcoat of asphalt if the surface is heavily marred or showing its age. Concrete is tougher to repair, and patched spots are usually fairly obvious unless you plan on resurfacing the whole driveway. Photo: istockphoto.com.
Is it a must to seal a concrete driveway?
While it’s not a must-do for concrete driveways, sealing concrete helps cut down on fading—an important protective measure for a tinted driveway. Advertisement. When it comes to engine oil, gas drips, rust, and the rugged use driveways typically endure, the dark surface and matte finish of asphalt hides most stains and wear very well.
Is there a winner in the battle between asphalt and concrete?
There is no definite “winner” in the battle between asphalt and concrete; the decision comes down to which is best for your climate, your budget, and your tolerance for maintenance needs.