A freshly paved driveway is one of the best ways to boost curb appeal. Its smooth surface is more attractive than gravel or concrete and requires less maintenance.
Asphalt is also resistant to freeze-thaw cycles and de-icing salts, giving it superior performance in harsh climates.
It also hardens faster than concrete, allowing you to drive on it sooner. With the proper care, it will keep looking like new for years.
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Longevity
Asphalt is a very durable material that can last for more than 40 years after it has been installed. That is far longer than many other paving materials, such as concrete. It can also handle freeze-thaw cycles and is easy to plow snow off of.
In addition, asphalt is quieter than other paving materials. It absorbs the engine and transmission noise from driving cars, making your driveway quiet. This is a great benefit for residential homes and commercial business parking lots.
Furthermore, asphalt’s dark color helps absorb the sun’s heat during the day, keeping your driveway and surrounding property cool. This is a great advantage in hot climates, and it can reduce the cost of energy bills in your home or business.
Durability
Asphalt is durable and resists the freeze-thaw cycle, making it ideal for your driveway. It’s also highly resistant to de-icing salts.
In addition, it can absorb noise from vehicles and other traffic. This is especially helpful if your family or friends arrive home late at night. Asphalt driveways are quiet and can easily hide the sound of engines or transmissions.
Unlike concrete, asphalt can also resist damage from plant roots that try to penetrate it. It’s important to keep your driveway free of these roots and trim any trees that are close to it, though. This will minimize root penetration and keep your driveway looking good for years. Also, the dark color of asphalt helps it melt ice and snow faster.
Aesthetics
Residential asphalt paving has a sleek and modern appearance that adds value and curb appeal to your property. This is particularly true if your driveway is replaced by black asphalt because it contrasts beautifully with the dark green foliage of the surrounding trees and shrubbery.
The smooth surface of asphalt also makes driving safer and more convenient. A smooth driveway can reduce vehicle wear and tear and save you money on fuel costs.
In addition, asphalt can withstand heavy loads from vehicles or snow removal equipment without cracking or damaging the pavement underneath. This is because of its flexibility and ability to adapt to seasonal temperatures and ground movement. This makes it an excellent choice for high-traffic areas like parking lots and roadways.
Low Maintenance
Asphalt is a cost-effective material and saves homeowners money in the long run. Asphalt is more flexible and durable than concrete, which can crack and break.
It is also easy to maintain and easily patched up if damage occurs. It is a good idea to sweep regularly, apply seal coating and treat any cracks, small fissures and potholes as soon as they appear.
Additionally, asphalt is quieter than concrete. This is because it has a smoother surface that absorbs rather than reflects noise pollution. It is also safe for heavy vehicles, such as trucks and RVs. However, it is important to know that these vehicles can prematurely deteriorate asphalt if constantly driven over it. Wolf Paving recommends putting a thick layer of asphalt over the surface to prevent this from happening.
Low Cost
Asphalt is a more economical choice than many other types of paving materials. In addition to reducing the initial cost, asphalt’s smooth texture decreases vehicle operating costs and extends the lifespan of your driveway or road by up to 25%.
Residential asphalt is made with a mix of aggregates (like sand and gravel), then topped with a layer of petroleum-based blacktop material. This surfacing is often used on residential driveways because it’s inexpensive and can last for years with minimal maintenance.
Another great benefit of asphalt is that it is made with recycled material, which helps the environment! Additionally, asphalt absorbs oil-based liquids from faulty vehicles, preventing harmful substances from washing into soil and water supplies. The dark color also absorbs heat during the day and radiates it out at night, keeping the area surrounding your home cool.