It doesn’t matter how beautiful a home is. But without a proper driveway, people may hardly notice the beauty. So, driveways are an essential part of any modern home. Asphalt driveway installation can enhance the value of your home and provide a place for you and your family to play games like skating. Many homeowners utilize asphalt to construct driveways as this material is relatively cost-effective and long-lasting.
Additionally, asphalt is also eco-friendly. We will look at other reasons why many property owners prefer asphalt instead of concrete for their driveways. This post is for you if you’re planning to construct a good driveway and you’re unable to choose between asphalt and concrete.
Why Choose Asphalt Driveway Installation
1. Cost-effectiveness
One of the first reasons why you should choose asphalt for your driveway is the cost-effectiveness that comes with it. Asphalt material is cheap, and installation is also easy. The maintenance cost of the driveway after the installation is also easy and affordable. Installing an asphalt driveway would take at most two days, and your driveway will be ready for use in two days following the completion.
2. Durability
As mentioned, asphalt is durable and long-lasting than concrete. An asphalt driveway is likely to last for many years than a concrete. The difference in the durability of these two materials is due to the way they are made. Concrete is a mixture of crushed rocks, sand, cement, and water.
The cement is utilized to bind all these materials together and the mixture dries making a stiff mass. This mass is prone to cracks, especially when the underlying surface isn’t smooth enough. But asphalt is flexible and will accommodate all the imperfections of a surface. It will remain hard, and durable. Asphalt is made of crude oil by-product known as bitumen, used to bind the aggregate.
This mixture is then applied hot and pressed into place using special machinery. Asphalt material is less likely to develop cracks, flak, or spall due to poor installation. Even when you use salt to melt ice on your pavement in winter, asphalt is less likely to be affected by it. On the other hand, concrete is prone to weathering and staining.
3. Eco-Friendliness
An asphalt driveway can be a better option for a homeowner that is conscious of the environment. That’s because asphalt is recyclable. Indeed, it’s possible to recycle up to 80% of the asphalt materials when removed. What’s more, this aggregate can be created from several materials, including recycled tire rubber, shingles, slag, etc.
By using asphalt for your driveway, you can save a lot of space that would otherwise be used as a landfill every year. Also, using recycled products means that you’ll need to use less virgin binder, meaning that the material can be applied at lower temperatures. That not only lowers energy demands but also saves the environment from harmful emissions.
4. Easy Maintenance
Maintaining an asphalt driveway is easy and cheap. You’ll need to apply sealant after every three years to enhance the longevity of your driveway. It’s also easy to repair any cracks by using a kit that you can purchase from your local home improvement store. By ensuring proper maintenance of your driveway, the surface can last for over thirty years.
When it comes to concrete, first it’s not easy to install. The installation can take days and even after it, you might have to wait for up to seven days before you can use the driveway. You may also need to dig deeper into your pocket in situations where you choose to create a custom pattern, color, or finish.
Final Thought
An asphalt driveway is an important investment for a home. Many benefits come with using this material for your driveway. Choose asphalt driveway installation and enjoy all the above benefits. Ensure you work with an experienced contractor.