Is asphalt costly?

Asphalt, a popular second choice, has a life cycle of up to 15 to 30 years and does best in colder climates. Asphalt costs $7 – $13 per square foot.

Is it cheaper to use asphalt or concrete?

The cost of an asphalt driveway is typically cheaper than concrete, costing $2.00 to $4.00 per square foot. Asphalt prices tend to fluctuate with fluctuations in crude oil prices.

How much is a ton of asphalt?

The cost of asphalt is around $100 to $200 per ton. A ton covers between 30 and 80 square feet, depending on the depth of the driveway.

Does asphalt add value?

Most homeowners who want to improve their property's value include paving the driveway on their checklist. And that's not surprising. A paved asphalt driveway can be done quickly to increase curb appeal and, in turn, increases the house's market value.

What is the difference between asphalt and blacktop?

Blacktop is heated to approximately 150 degrees celsius, whereas asphalt is only heated to 120 degrees celsius. Asphalt is has a higher bitumen content and for that reason is less porous and more resilient to wear and tear from high traffic and thus is the preferred choice for major highways.

the cost of paving a driveway with asphalt

What is cheaper than asphalt?

Gravel. This is one of the cheapest alternatives to asphalt driveways by far, costing very little to have installed. The average gravel driveway consists of hard, angular gravel laid throughout the driveway.

What type of asphalt is best for driveways?

Hot mix asphalt is considered best for driveways, because construction and design features are suitable to giving it a finished appearance that complements the home.

What is the average lifespan of asphalt?

Asphalt roads are likely to last approximately 18 years. Actual outcomes, however, depend on more than performance characteristics of concrete vs. asphalt. When estimating road life, we need to consider additional factors.

What is the least expensive driveway material?

Gravel is the least costly material to pave a driveway. The price ranges from $1 to $3 per square foot. The average total cost is usually around $1,200, though this number may not account for the fact that gravel is usually used to pave much larger driveways as a cost-reduction solution.

What is the negative impact of asphalt?

They Generate Harmful Atmospheric Emissions. Petroleum-based asphalt is a high-VOC (volatile organic compound) substance. As the product is converted to asphalt, significant quantities of harmful gases are released into the atmosphere.

How much is 2 yards of asphalt?

Asphalt costs $80 to $100 per cubic yard, and one ton equals 1.25 to 2 cubic yards, depending on the overall density of the material. Most prices are determined by the ton, and some are calculated based on cubic yards.

How much is 1500 square feet of asphalt?

The Most Common package costs approximately $3910 for 1500 square feet, $6980 for 3000 square feet, and $18400 for 10,000 square feet. Prices vary from job to job.

How much will 1 ton of asphalt cover?

One ton of asphalt covers:

2” or 50.8 mm thick = 24 SqM. 4” or 101.6 mm thick = 12 SqM.

How often do you need to seal an asphalt driveway?

After the initial seal, asphalt should be resealed once every three to five years. If you live in a climate with freezing winters and hot summers, consider resealing your driveway once every two to three years.

What kind of driveway lasts the longest?

Concrete: Solid & Durable

Concrete driveways are considered the 'old reliable' choice for most homes. It'll last longer than any other of the driveway materials, on average, and unlike asphalt, it'll only need minimal maintenance over the years.

Why choose asphalt over concrete?

Asphalt provides a nicer, smoother, often quieter ride when relatively new. Concrete can be noisier because it is tined or broomed during construction to make it rough enough to provide good tire grip.

How thick should a driveway be asphalt?

Residential driveways typically use 2 to 3 inches of asphalt with 3 being suitable for occasional large trucks or heavy equipment. Underneath the asphalt you should have 6 to 8 inches of granular base aggregate.

What is an alternative to asphalt?

Concrete roads are definitely a viable alternative, and while they're highly durable and comparatively more environmentally friendly, they're also significantly more expensive.

What is the best no maintenance driveway?

Concrete, cobblestone, asphalt, brick, and interlocking pavers are the most durable driveway installation options available today. Apart from their lengthy lifespans, these materials also hold up well in any climate, require minimal maintenance, offer a smooth drive, and elevate your home's first impression.

What is the best time of year to lay asphalt?

The best time of year to pave asphalt is during the spring and summer months because the best temperature for hot paving is generally 70 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. It's possible to lay asphalt at temperatures as low as 50 degrees, but doing so isn't likely to bring about the best results possible.

Is asphalt hard to maintain?

An asphalt driveway requires regular maintenance, and sealing is recommended every three to five years. To get the most life and best appearance from an asphalt driveway, clean the driveway at least twice a year. Use a stiff broom and strong hose spray to remove all dirt and debris.

How long should asphalt last before cracking?

Even in normal conditions, substantial deterioration can begin to take place after 3 to 5 years. It is normal after this amount of time for asphalt to begin to turn gray, become brittle and start cracking. Water begins entering the cracks, freezes and thaws during the yearly cycle and causes larger cracks and potholes.

What are the 3 types of asphalt?

There are three main types of asphalt: Hot Asphalt, MC Cold Mix, and UPM. There are also different varieties of these asphalts for summer and winter use. Below is a brief overview of each type of asphalt.

Are driveways asphalt or blacktop?

Asphalt generally refers to major highways and streets, whereas, blacktop is commonly used to refer to driveways and residential roads. As a matter of fact, blacktop is a type of asphalt.

What is the best driveway thickness?

As for thickness, non-reinforced pavement four inches thick is standard for passenger car driveways. For heavier vehicles, a thickness of five inches is recommended. To eliminate standing water, the driveway should be sloped towards the street a minimum of one percent, or 1/8 inch per foot, for proper drainage.