Homeowners choose asphalt for their driveways because of its strength, cost, and durability. Maintenance, driveway sealing, and installation are significantly more affordable with asphalt. Both concrete and asphalt pave driveways, roads, and parking lots. Both have different benefits and challenges. How durable is an asphalt driveway?

Maintaining Asphalt

Every material has its own unique challenges. Regular maintenance and repair are necessary with asphalt. Asphalt is prone to discoloration and needs driveway sealing every couple of years. Every five to ten years the homeowner needs to coat the entire driveway. Part of this is due to its weaker structure. While affordable, most asphalt driveways last about fifteen to twenty years. Homeowners need to take this into account when determining if they want to purchase asphalt.

Homes in extreme climates will have to maintain their asphalt driveways on a more regular basis. The material becomes soft under high temperatures, causing cracking. Thicker asphalt with a thicker profile will prevent some of the more common issues. Sealing cracks before precipitation settle also lengthen the lifespan of your driveway. Hiring a trusted paving company to install your asphalt driveway greatly minimizes long-term cost.

Aesthetics

Many homeowners like the look of blacktop. Some find it more aesthetically pleasing than plain concrete, gravel driveways, crushed stone, or crushed basalt. Asphalt provides more curb appeal than these options. Other driveway options like stamped or colored concrete, brick, or cobblestone have more options for customization at an additional cost.

Want to install a new driveway, sidewalk, or parking lot? Speak with one of our experienced professionals today. We will help you find the material that best suits your needs.