Forget pavers, concrete, or gravel. Asphalt paving is the ideal choice for homeowners looking to install a new driveway or upgrade an old one. Asphalt is a popular, everyday material with a wide range of uses across industries for both commercial and home projects. From its low cost to environmental benefits, there are many reasons why you might choose asphalt over other materials for your next home driveway project.
Here are a few of the benefits to consider.
1. Cost-effective Option
Compared to concrete driveways, asphalt paving costs significantly less – sometimes as much as 50% less. Typically, a new asphalt driveway costs anywhere from $2 to $5 per square foot. Meanwhile, a plain concrete driveway costs from $3 to $10 per square foot. Add a decorative element to the concrete design, and that range increases to $6 to $12 per square foot. Both are attractive options, but a homeowner hoping to save a few bucks will want to go with asphalt every time.
2. Asphalt Cures Quickly
Once an asphalt driveway has been installed, homeowners can drive on it within a couple of days – sometimes even in less than 24 hours. Concrete, on the other hand, can take up to 28 days to fully bind, meaning you have to limit the amount of weight and pressure you put on it.
3. Improve Curb Appeal
Asphalt paving keeps driveways looking smooth and neat, giving the exterior of any home a boost. Gravel driveways need frequent maintenance to upkeep its appearance, while concrete stains easily. Homeowners looking to spruce up the look of their home easily should choose asphalt.
4. Asphalt Paving Maintenance Made Simple
A little bit of maintenance can go a long way in increasing the life expectancy of an asphalt driveway. Asphalt can last 15 to 30 years, and routine maintenance keeps its lifespan on the higher end of that range. There are several easy maintenance options to choose from based on the condition of a driveway. Spot repairs focus on specific areas in need of some attention while resealing the entire surface every few years can fill in small cracks and protect your driveway from the elements.
5. Go Green
Asphalt is the most eco-friendly pavement of all materials available to homeowners. It takes 20% less energy than other paving options to produce it, making it a sustainable choice when installing a driveway. Additionally, a significant amount of asphalt – 95 million tons – is recycled each year, and another 100 million tons are removed from roadway reconstruction and utility projects, and eventually reused elsewhere. Choosing an asphalt driveway is an easy way to help the environment.
6. Asphalt is Durable and Flexible
If you’re looking for a longer-lasting driveway, asphalt paving is the way to go. Before long, concrete cracks and breaks, creating safety concerns as well as an unsightly appearance. That’s not to say that asphalt won’t crack, but any blemishes will be minor compared to other materials. Asphalt is a durable and flexible material that garners its strength from its ability to expand and contract. This means it’s able to withstand everything from extreme climates to frequent use.
7. Ideal for Colder Climates
Asphalt paving is ideal for homes in colder climates. The pavement’s dark colour helps it soak up the sun’s rays. This means when there’s a winter storm, snow will melt faster on asphalt than any other surface.
Contact Us About Your Next Asphalt Paving Project
Whether you’re installing a new driveway or resealing an older one, asphalt paving should be at the top of your list when considering materials. Contact JND Paving to learn more about how we can help you with all of your paving needs in the Ottawa area.