Why You Might Want An Asphalt Driveway And The Asphalt Paving Services Your Driveway May Need
Posted on: 29 July 2022
If you're thinking about getting a new driveway, you're probably comparing asphalt and concrete. An asphalt driveway could be the right choice after you compare the pros and cons of each. Here's how asphalt and concrete compare and a look at the asphalt paving services your driveway could need over its lifetime.
Why You Might Prefer An Asphalt Driveway
An asphalt driveway is usually more affordable than a concrete driveway. That could be an important factor in your decision on which type of material to buy. Asphalt is usually easier to repair than concrete, and by keeping up with repairs, you can help the asphalt last a long time. Asphalt fades, but you can deal with fading by having a sealcoat put on to keep the driveway dark and attractive.
Asphalt Paving Services Your Driveway Could Need
Starting a few months after the installation of your driveway, you'll probably want to have a sealcoat put on to protect the asphalt. The sealcoat will wear down over time, so you may need to have it applied every few years. This coating shields the asphalt from UV rays that dry out the binders. It also makes a waterproof barrier on the surface of the asphalt that keeps rain out.
Another important asphalt paving service you'll need is crack repairs. It's important to fill cracks when they're little or they'll just get worse. Cracks also let rain in, and that can cause damage to the base.
If you're diligent about keeping up with the cracks in your asphalt, you can prevent severe damage that is costly to repair. If you're handy and like to do home improvement projects, you might fill asphalt cracks yourself and save money on repairs.
An advantage of asphalt is that it can be resurfaced when needed. This involves pouring new hot asphalt over the old driveway to make it look new again.
Resurfacing might be done when your driveway is old and it's difficult to keep up with crack repairs that develop due to the asphalt binder drying out. Plus, you may want to cover the repaired areas and restore the uniform color and appearance of the surface of your driveway.
Resurfacing can only be done if the base is in good shape. The new asphalt layer makes it look like you got a new driveway, but the cost is much less than tearing out the old asphalt and starting over with a new base.
An asphalt paving contractor can answer any questions you have about getting your new driveway when you get an estimate for the cost. By understanding the good and bad points of asphalt, you'll feel confident when you make your decision to have an asphalt driveway installed.
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