what is asphalt driveway

Asphalt driveway material is similar to what you see road crews laying on roads. Also called hot mix or hot mix asphalt, this type of driveway is an aggregate of stone and sand, along with a slurry of asphalt, a tar-like material made from petroleum

. The asphalt is heated to over 300 F to liquefy it.

Full Answer

How much does it cost to asphalt a driveway?

How Much Does an Asphalt Driveway Cost? Thinking about installing a new asphalt driveway? The typical range for the cost of an asphalt driveway is $2,932 to $6,568, with a national average of $4,737.

What type of asphalt is best for your driveway?

Types of Asphalt

1. Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) Of all the different types of asphalt out there, hot mix asphalt is currently the most common form used for roads and pavements.
2. Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA) Warm mix asphalt is made similarly to hot-mix asphalt, except at lower temperatures. ...
3. Cold Mix Asphalt. ...
4. Porous Asphalt. ...
5. Quiet Pavement. ...
6. Perpetual Pavement. ...

How much does it cost to repair an asphalt driveway?

Repairing your asphalt driveway tends to cost between $800 and $2,500, depending on the same factors mentioned above. The national cost average for this project is about $1,500. Several special considerations apply, especially compared to concrete driveways.

How do you install asphalt driveway?

• Strong, durable
• Expensive to install
• Can be stamped to create textures
• Straight edges

Which is better concrete driveway or asphalt?

Concrete is more durable than asphalt. Because it is a less flexible material, it cracks in freezing temperatures, and many people turn to concrete patching products. Concrete offers 50+ years of use. The only maintenance required is occasional degreasing.

Is an asphalt driveway worth it?

Pros of Asphalt Cost: An asphalt driveway costs considerably less than concrete – typically between $2 and $5 per square foot. Ease of Maintenance: Asphalt maintenance is much easier than concrete maintenance. You can seal coat, resurface, repair cracks and more.

What type of driveway lasts the longest?

ConcreteConcrete is the old standby for driveways. Most suburban homes opt for this material for two big reasons: Concrete is typically the longest-lasting driveway surface, and, if installed properly, it is practically maintenance-free.

Which is better for a driveway asphalt or blacktop?

Blacktop is typically going to be more durable than asphalt over time. This durability is because of the creation process that includes higher temperatures, making it a more bendable surface that can be resealed rather than suffer harsh cracks and potholes as easily.

What is the best material for a driveway?

Concrete is the most popular driveway material, and for good reason. Durable and low-maintenance, you won't have to give much thought to a concrete driveway. It may not earn as many compliments as upscale alternatives, but concrete is a dependably solid choice with a mid-range price.

Can asphalt be put over concrete?

If the question is "CAN I lay asphalt over concrete?" then the answer is "Yes." This is absolutely possible if elevations allow for it, and we're happy to lay asphalt driveways over concrete if that's what you want. It's also the cheaper option since heavy equipment is required to dig up an existing concrete slab.

What is the most low-maintenance driveway?

Low-Maintenance Driveway OptionsPaving Stones. Paving stones are known to last up to a full century if properly laid. ... Concrete Grass Pavers. An interlocking concrete grass paver driveway made may be an option for your driveway. ... Plastic Permeable Pavers.

What is the most popular driveway?

Concrete Driveway Concrete is considered to be the most popular type for a number of reasons. Chief among these is the fact that it doesn't cost an arm and a leg to install. Furthermore, you don't have to worry about its durability. It's made to last.

What is the cheapest option for a driveway?

A gravel driveway is by far the cheapest and quickest to install, especially if the existing driveway's sub-base is sound.

How often should asphalt driveway be sealed?

every two to three yearsHOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU SEAL YOUR DRIVEWAY? Asphalt sealcoating is every two to three years depending on how much traffic your driveway gets or how constantly it is being exposed to the elements such as UV rays, snow and other chemicals.

Can you put a new asphalt driveway over an old one?

An overlay or resurface can be used on an asphalt driveway, parking lot, or road way. It consists of installing a new layer of asphalt over the existing asphalt and grinding at the transitions (i.e. sidewalks, garages, drains, curbs, or other asphalt points).

Are black top and asphalt the same?

Blacktop has the same ingredients, but the mixture is different. Blacktop has a higher mixture of stone than asphalt. It also must be heated to a higher temperature, around 300 degrees, than other types. Following being heated both blacktop and asphalt are then pre-mixed before being poured into a graded roadbed.

How often should asphalt driveway be sealed?

every two to three yearsHOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU SEAL YOUR DRIVEWAY? Asphalt sealcoating is every two to three years depending on how much traffic your driveway gets or how constantly it is being exposed to the elements such as UV rays, snow and other chemicals.

What is the cheapest way to do a driveway?

A gravel driveway is by far the cheapest and quickest to install, especially if the existing driveway's sub-base is sound.

Is crushed asphalt better than gravel?

The asphalt millings actually harden and form stronger bonds over time and they even produce less dust and dirt than gravel. Less dust means that vehicle owners who use the road or lot often won't have to clean their trucks and cars as often as they might if only gravel was used.

What type of asphalt is best for driveways?

Hot mix asphaltHot mix asphalt is considered best for driveways, because construction and design features are suitable to giving it a finished appearance that complements the home.

Concrete Offers More Visual Options.

In their most basic forms, asphalt is dark gray to black—hence its common name of “blacktop”—and concrete is pale gray. Unlike asphalt, though, con...

Asphalt Can Suffer in The High Heat, While Concrete Performs Poorly in Extreme cold.

Climate is a major consideration when choosing between asphalt and concrete. If you live in an area with very hot summers, you might find an asphal...

Asphalt Requires Sealing Every Few Years, but Concrete Stains More Easily.

A few months after installation to allow for full curing, your asphalt driveway will need to be sealed to protect the surface and lengthen its life...

Asphalt Is Easier to Repair Than Concrete but Needs It More frequently.

While both asphalt and concrete crack, asphalt tends to deteriorate faster due to its softer consistency. However, it’s fairly easy to repair crack...

Concrete Driveways Normally Last Longer Than Asphalt.

In general, if installed properly in a suitable climate and maintained regularly, your concrete driveway should last 30 to 40 years, while an aspha...

You Can Drive on Asphalt Fairly Quickly but Must Wait For Concrete to Cure.

You can normally use an asphalt driveway within a couple of days of installation. With concrete, you’ll wait at least a week before it fully cures...

Concrete Costs A Lot More Than Asphalt.

As a rough rule of thumb, a concrete driveway costs around 45 to 50 percent more than an asphalt driveway. According to price site CostHelper, home...

How long does it take to drive asphalt?

Asphalt can generally be driven on at least 24 hours after installation.

Why do we see asphalt in the North?

This is due to the amount of freeze and thaw cycles that occur in colder regions.

Why is black asphalt good for snow?

Consequently, the black color is also very appealing for snow melt in the wintertime. The black asphalt heats up from the warmth of the sun and melts off the snow and ice much faster. Unfortunately, asphalt driveways come in only one color.

What is the best driveway surface for snow?

Asphalt is also an excellent choice if you happen to live in a snowy region. The black color can soak in the heat from the sun and melt snow much faster than any other type of driveway surface.

How long does it take to install a new driveway?

A new asphalt driveway can be installed in a relatively short amount of time. Typically it only takes 1 day to install after the sub-grade preparation is complete. Sub-grade prep can take anywhere from less than a day to a couple of weeks depending on the soil conditions in your area.

How long does it take for asphalt to cure?

But a new asphalt can take years to fully cure, therefore minor scarring of the surface may occur from sharp turns, power steering divots, tractor tires, snow blade and a variety of things for the first couple of years, particularly on hot sunny days.

Which driveway requires the 2nd most frequent amount of maintenance?

Asphalt requires the 2nd most frequent amount of ongoing maintenance when compared to other driveways.

What Is an Asphalt Driveway?

Also called hot mix or hot mix asphalt, this type of driveway is an aggregate of stone and sand, along with a slurry of asphalt, a tar-like material made from petroleum. The asphalt is heated to over 300 F to liquefy it. Asphalt contractors have to work with it fast before the mix solidifies.

What is asphalt sealant?

Sealants and sealers are merely surface treatments for repairing or renewing worn asphalt driveways. It's also not the tar-and-chip method of installing asphalt drives. Some asphalt patching materials are similar to hot mix but are not heated prior to the application and cure differently from hot mix. While homeowners can repair or reseal an ...

How long does it take to install an asphalt driveway?

Once the base preparation is complete, an average driveway may begin looking like a finished product is as little as 40 minutes.

How long does it take for asphalt to cure?

After this, the asphalt needs to harden. Under most conditions, you will be able to drive on the driveway within two to three days. But it can take 30 days or more for asphalt to fully cure. During that time, you can use the driveway as normal.

Why does asphalt set faster than concrete?

Faster-setting : Asphalt sets faster than concrete because it hardens by cooling rather than by curing. DIY fixes : When you eventually need to resurface your asphalt, you can do it yourself with a driveway sealant. Concrete cannot be thinly resurfaced by the do-it-yourselfer.

What happens if you don't have enough time to smooth asphalt?

If they do not have enough time, your driveway may be bumpy, uneven, or irregular, or the project may not even get finished.

How long does it take to work with 1 1/2 inch of asphalt?

The more asphalt you are dealing with, the more leeway you have. For instance, at 40 F, crews have only 16 minutes to work with 1 1/2-inch thick asphalt. But as the depth of asphalt grows to 3 inches, so too does the workability time: up to 46 minutes.

What is recycled asphalt?

Recycled asphalt millings are crushed. Screened asphalt sourced from hardscapes in reconstruction or resurfacing. The black gravel is usually broken down to a uniform size of 1 ½” or less, which are excellent materials for driveways.

How long does asphalt last?

The bituminous material can be recycled many times and has the same life expectancy as the brand-new asphalt, with an average of around 20 years.

What Are Asphalt Millings?

Asphalt millings, pavement millings, or asphalt gravel are the ground-up form of asphalt with mostly having less than an inch of particles. The pavement millings are mainly from roadway projects where the topmost material is removed to repair or improve the hardscape surface.

How much does it cost to install a gravel driveway?

Upfront Costs. The average cost of a gravel driveway is between $1.25 and $1.80 per square foot , while asphalt driveways can typically cost from $2 to $5 per square foot to install. This makes both materials the most economical driveway material available.

What is the factor to consider when making asphalt milling?

Another factor to consider is the weight and size of your roller. The heavier the roller, the more compact your asphalt millings will be.

Which is more cost effective, gravel or asphalt?

Cost-Efficiency. While gravel is marginally more affordable than asphalt millings, the latter is the more cost-efficient material as you get a material that can be reused and recycled many times over.

Can you use millings on asphalt?

But before deciding to use asphalt millings for your driveway project make sure to check your housing regulations in your community that may limit or restrict your use of asphalt millings.

What is the difference between concrete and asphalt?

Concrete offers more visual options. In their most basic forms, asphalt is dark gray to black—hence its common name of “blacktop”—and concrete is pale gray. Unlike asphalt, though, concrete takes well to staining or tinting to just about any color you fancy. You can also stamp patterns into concrete or brush it for a textured finish.

How long does it take for an asphalt driveway to cure?

You can normally use an asphalt driveway within a couple of days of installation. With concrete, you’ll wait at least a week before it fully cures enough for you to drive on it—something to keep it in mind if street parking is a challenge in your neighborhood!

Why is my driveway sticky?

Climate is a major consideration when choosing between asphalt and concrete. If you live in an area with very hot summers, you might find an asphalt driveway becomes gooey or sticky when the temperature soars. The cycle of softening in high heat, then re-hardening once things cool down, can cause asphalt to crack or sag.

How long does a concrete driveway last?

In general, if installed properly in a suitable climate and maintained regularly, your concrete drive way should last 30 to 40 years, while an asphalt driveway is generally good for 20 to 30 years. Neglect to install without an even, stable substrate of gravel —or be careless about proper maintenance—and either type of driveway can fail within a few years.

Can you put a new top coat on asphalt?

It’s also relatively easy to apply a new topcoat of asphalt if the surface is heavily marred or showing its age. Concrete is tougher to repair, and patched spots are usually fairly obvious unless you plan on resurfacing the whole driveway. Photo: istockphoto.com.

Is it a must to seal a concrete driveway?

While it’s not a must-do for concrete driveways, sealing concrete helps cut down on fading—an important protective measure for a tinted driveway. Advertisement. When it comes to engine oil, gas drips, rust, and the rugged use driveways typically endure, the dark surface and matte finish of asphalt hides most stains and wear very well.

Is there a winner in the battle between asphalt and concrete?

There is no definite “winner” in the battle between asphalt and concrete; the decision comes down to which is best for your climate, your budget, and your tolerance for maintenance needs.

What is asphalt driveway called?

Colloquially, people refer to asphalt driveways as “blacktop” and call roads, airplane runways or parking lots “pavement.”.

What is concrete driveway?

Concrete or Cement Driveways. Often used interchangeably, concrete is a composite material held together with cement. Concrete is a mixture of crushed stone, sand and cement. Cement is a mixture of water, powdered rock and clay. Pros pour the cold mixture onto a prepared gravel surface and level it. After several days of curing, the surface is ...

How much does a gravel driveway cost?

The cost of a gravel driveway is the cheapest at $1,500. Concrete driveways cost $3,900 on average and asphalt costs $4,500.

How much does it cost to install a driveway heating system?

You can install a driveway heating system under either type of material. The average cost to install under asphalt is just under $9,000. The average cost to install under concrete is just under $8,000.

How thick is concrete?

Concrete. A minimum thickness of four inches is necessary. An additional inch will increase load carrying capacity by 50 percent, but it will increase cost by 20 percent. It’s easier to determine load capacity for concrete.

How long does it take to drive on asphalt?

Pros pour the hot mixture over a level, gravel base before pressing and smoothing it with a steamroller. You can park or drive a car on it within 24 hours.

What is the difference between concrete and asphalt?

Concrete and asphalt are both mixtures of sand and crushed stone called aggregate. The difference is what binds the aggregate together . In concrete, cement binds the mixture and gives it a light gray appearance. Asphalt is bound with a black, viscous petroleum-based substance. Both come in assorted colors, stained or stamped for a decorative effect.

How much does it cost to install asphalt?

Materials cost from $2 to $6 per square foot and installation costs $5 to $7 per square foot. Excavation, added curbs, or a sidewalk are extra costs. The national average for an asphalt driveway runs $4,737 but the overall cost can vary due to geographical location, the size of the area, labor, and asphalt type.

How much does a heated driveway cost?

A heated driveway usually costs $12 to $25 per square foot, depending on whether it’s new or a replacement. For the average home, the cost will be between $7,200 to $15,000.

Why is my driveway flaking?

The pavement is aesthetically pleasing, affordable, durable, and long lasting. Concrete will usually have some surface flaking due to poor installation, an incorrect mixture, or from salt used to melt ice and snow. Known as spalling, surface flaking is a problem with many concrete driveways, especially those that were hastily installed. Asphalt is less likely than pavement to crack over time.

How many square feet does a ton of concrete cover?

One ton can cover about 40 to 80 square feet, and the total amount needed depends on the thickness of the layers. A driveway 2 inches thick can run 80 square feet per ton, and a 4-inch-thick driveway can run 40 square feet per ton. An average driveway will need 7.5 to 15 tons.

How much does it cost to excavate a driveway?

Excavating land can cost between $1,500 to $5,100, depending on the number of cubic feet that needs to be moved. Grading, or leveling the area to make your driveway smooth and well-drained, costs between $5 and $10 per square foot for professional graders, but steep driveways may cost more.

What is the best way to drain a driveway?

Porous Asphalt. If you live in a rainy climate and want to make sure the driveway drains properly, porous asphalt is the best choice. Rather than staying on the surface and running off, water drains through the asphalt. A layer of crushed stone is added under the asphalt to assist with the draining.

How much does it cost to install an electric gate on a driveway?

The average electric gate installation is around $7,000.

How long does asphalt last?

An asphalt driveway lasts 15 to 30 years and requires sealcoating every 3 to 5 years. Boosts curb appeal and resale value. A new asphalt driveway needs an asphalt layer 3" to 5" thick to last. Resurfacing only the top layer or asphalt overlay costs $1 to $3 per square foot.

How much does it cost to pave a driveway?

Asphalt paving costs $3 to $7 per square foot installed. Paving a new asphalt driveway costs $1,200 to $4,000 on average. The cost to pave a private asphalt road is $35 to $85 per linear foot. Asphalt parking lot paving costs $3 to $7 per square foot. An asphalt sidewalk costs $12 to $28 per linear foot.

How thick should a driveway be?

A new residential driveway needs 3 to 5 inches of asphalt over 4 to 8 inches of rock-base foundation to withstand temperature changes and last 20+ years. Some companies recommend a 2" thickness to save $0.50 to $1 per square foot, but won't provide a warranty due to deterioration risks.

How old is a driveway for asphalt resurfacing?

Asphalt resurfacing is best for driveways less than 15 to 20 years old with good foundations that have widespread yet shallow cracks.

How much does stamped asphalt cost?

Colored or stamped asphalt costs $5 to $15 per square foot for a new driveway or replacement, or $3 to $8 per square foot for resurfacing the top layer. A 20x20 stamped asphalt driveway costs $2,400 to $6,000. Decorative patterns are sealcoated, which colors and protects the surface.

How much does it cost to lay asphalt over concrete?

Laying new asphalt over a concrete driveway costs $1 to $3 per square foot. Contractors fill cracks with concrete-repair caulk before paving. Resurfacing concrete with asphalt is cheaper than replacing concrete. However, special preparation is required to stabilize the concrete and prevent cracks.

How much does it cost to resurface an asphalt driveway?

Resurfacing an asphalt driveway costs $1 to $3 per square foot compared to replacing at $4 to $10 per square foot. Resurfacing a 2-car (20’x20’) asphalt driveway costs $400 to $1,200, while a complete replacement costs $1,600 to $4,000 on average.

Why is it important to focus on the thickness of the driveway?

By focusing on the thickness of the asphalt driveway it can help provide longevity. This will ultimately raise the property value of a home.

How thick should asphalt be for resurfacing?

Let’s briefly speak on asphalt resurfacing methods. When resurfacing existing pavement the asphalt covering should be 2 inches thick. This also requires the pavement to be in good shape, relatively level and without any subsurface impediments like tree roots and this may not be able to be determined until the top layers are removed though there are ...

Is it bad to have a thicker driveway?

Anything smaller than these measurements is typically considered a bad asphalt driveway. It should also be noted that thicker asphalt layers will be necessary for driveways that are used by heavier vehicles like commercial trucks, garbage trucks or heavier personal vehicles.