Benefits Of Asphalt Paving
There are two very good reasons why you should consider laying an asphalt driveway, which are cost and functionality. Of course, there are many other factors to take into account when you are considering resurfacing your driveway however no matter what they are, it is easy to recommend asphalt as one of the top options.
Here is some information about the miracle surfacing solution, known as asphalt.
What is it?
So first off, you may not be completely aware of what asphalt paving actually is – don’t worry, it’s noting to be ashamed off – it’s not the most glamorous topic after all!
The product known as asphalt as we know it is actually an aggregate. This means that it is a mass formed of fragments and particles loosely compacted together. The fragments are stones of various sizes and sand, and the material, which compacts them, is Liquid Asphalt Cement.
Because Liquid Asphalt Cement is a petroleum product, it can be heated to a melting point and easily spread over surfaces.
Where?
On the driveway? Well, yes and no. Yes, of course you should consider an asphalt surface for your driveway, however here I’m actually talking about climate – particularly a cold climate.
Asphalt is particularly suited to a colder climate as exposure to high temperatures for prolonged periods can lead Asphalt to become soft. This in turn can lead to cracking or even surface grooves to appear (usually form the weight of tires being driven on it) – however, it should be noted that repairs to asphalt driveways are generally cheaper to make than to concrete.
Another feather in the cold weather cap of asphalt in the fact that the salt spread on icy roads can damage a concrete driveway, whilst asphalt is immune to such damage.
Cost?
Here is where asphalt can really be more advantageous than a concrete driveway. The installation of an asphalt driveway will on average be as much as 45% less expensive than cement one. That is NOT an insignificant saving!
Longevity?
If you care for it properly an asphalt driveway can last for around 30 years.
However, it should be noted that an asphalt driveway can be higher maintenance than a concrete one – especially, as we noted above, in a hotter climate. Failure to properly maintain an asphalt driveway can swiftly lead to excessive wear and tear, even complete deterioration
How do I care for my asphalt driveway?
It is a must that you seal your driveway, and you do this every four to five years. Because Asphalt is a petroleum based product it is naturally full of various oils. These oils are what make the asphalt elastic and easily spreadable when warm (which is great!) but they are also prone to deteriorating over time via oxidation (this is bad!). Luckily, this process is accompanied by a tell tale sign. When you see your luscious black surface lighten to a grey color instead, this is oxidation. Seal your driveway with an Asphalt sealant before the grey gets too bad and you’ll get years of trouble free, reliable service out of that driveway.
Here is some information about the miracle surfacing solution, known as asphalt.
What is it?
So first off, you may not be completely aware of what asphalt paving actually is – don’t worry, it’s noting to be ashamed off – it’s not the most glamorous topic after all!
The product known as asphalt as we know it is actually an aggregate. This means that it is a mass formed of fragments and particles loosely compacted together. The fragments are stones of various sizes and sand, and the material, which compacts them, is Liquid Asphalt Cement.
Because Liquid Asphalt Cement is a petroleum product, it can be heated to a melting point and easily spread over surfaces.
Where?
On the driveway? Well, yes and no. Yes, of course you should consider an asphalt surface for your driveway, however here I’m actually talking about climate – particularly a cold climate.
Asphalt is particularly suited to a colder climate as exposure to high temperatures for prolonged periods can lead Asphalt to become soft. This in turn can lead to cracking or even surface grooves to appear (usually form the weight of tires being driven on it) – however, it should be noted that repairs to asphalt driveways are generally cheaper to make than to concrete.
Another feather in the cold weather cap of asphalt in the fact that the salt spread on icy roads can damage a concrete driveway, whilst asphalt is immune to such damage.
Cost?
Here is where asphalt can really be more advantageous than a concrete driveway. The installation of an asphalt driveway will on average be as much as 45% less expensive than cement one. That is NOT an insignificant saving!
Longevity?
If you care for it properly an asphalt driveway can last for around 30 years.
However, it should be noted that an asphalt driveway can be higher maintenance than a concrete one – especially, as we noted above, in a hotter climate. Failure to properly maintain an asphalt driveway can swiftly lead to excessive wear and tear, even complete deterioration
How do I care for my asphalt driveway?
It is a must that you seal your driveway, and you do this every four to five years. Because Asphalt is a petroleum based product it is naturally full of various oils. These oils are what make the asphalt elastic and easily spreadable when warm (which is great!) but they are also prone to deteriorating over time via oxidation (this is bad!). Luckily, this process is accompanied by a tell tale sign. When you see your luscious black surface lighten to a grey color instead, this is oxidation. Seal your driveway with an Asphalt sealant before the grey gets too bad and you’ll get years of trouble free, reliable service out of that driveway.