When choosing a paving material for your project, asphalt is one of the best choices. Asphalt is the most popular material used for commercial and residential driveways. The strength, durability, and resilience of asphalt make it the best material for paving surfaces.
Some homeowners and contractors also use concrete for paving projects. Concrete is also a durable material, but as a porous material, it is vulnerable to staining. Asphalt, on the other hand, is a mixture of aggregate, binder cement, and filler. The asphalt cement is heated and mixed with aggregate, later spread and compacted into a finished pavement.
As a sturdy material, asphalt is preferred for applications such as driveways, parking lots, roadways, airstrips, and more. Asphalt is also widely used for government projects because it is a recyclable material. This means that if asphalt pavement is removed, about 80% of asphalt can be recycled. Moreover, once properly laid, asphalt pavement can last for twenty to twenty-five years.
So, if you’re planning to pave a new driveway, asphalt can be a better choice than concrete. But if you’re still not convinced, let’s take a closer look at some benefits of installing asphalt pavement.
Durable
Asphalt is a highly durable material that can last for decades if properly laid and maintained. This material doesn’t suffer flaking and can withstand harsh weather conditions. Asphalt is proven to stand the test of time in both cold and hot temperatures andand high traffic areas. Asphalt roads and driveways typically last for about 15 to 20 years before needing major reconstruction.
Easy Maintenance
It is easy to repair and maintain asphalt pavements. When an asphalt driveway gets cracked, it can be quickly and easily repaired without too much traffic interruption. You can buy crack sealant products from any home improvement store. You may hire an asphalt contractor or apply sealant by yourself to fill the cracks and holes. Maintaining asphalt is also quite easy. Regular visual inspection, crack filling, seal coating, and sweeping are enough to extend the lifespan of your asphalt driveway.
Quick Installation and Fast Usability
The time needed for installation usually depends on the size of the project. However, typically it takes one or two days to lay an asphalt driveway. Asphalt is not only quick to install but also offers fast usability. Once laid, traffic is typically permitted on a new asphalt road as soon as it gets cooled down. Typically, asphalt driveways can be ready for use in two days, depending on the weather. On the other hand, if you choose concrete, it may take a much longer time.
Cost-Effective
As compared to other paving materials, asphalt is an affordable option. When you consider the durability and low maintenance cost of asphalt, you will understand why asphalt is known as a cost-effective material. Asphalt roads need only periodic maintenance to remain in good shape indefinitely. It suffers less wear and tear and can last for many years. Also, it provides smooth roadways for vehicles, which brings down vehicle’s operating costs.
