=====Installation of a new driveway is a major decision for any homeowner. Many homeowners have driveways made using concrete or asphalt. While t...
Why Asphalt Driveways Are Right For Your Home - Installation of a new driveway is a major decision for any homeowner. Many homeowners have driveways made using concrete or asphalt. While the choice of material used is entirely a matter of preference, asphalt driveways is the better choice, compared to those made with concrete. Ultimately, the choice of asphalt is often based on a number of factors. Here are a few factors to consider to determine if asphalt driveways are right for your home.
Asphalt is also known to be the best when it comes to kids' activities like playing basketball, drawing with chalk and playing hopscotch. It's easy to clean and is less slippery, so it does not pose a threat to the safety of kids.
Oil leaks are an unattractive sight on your driveway. However, asphalt driveways are able to conceal the black marks better than the concrete driveways, leaving the appearance of your driveway intact.
Applying asphalt sealers is a great way of making it look nice while increasing its life span as they serve as a shield for your driveway by restricting the elements from penetrating. Remember to apply a sealant at least once every year. Even then, this may also be determined by the weather conditions as well as the appearance of your driveway. For instance, when the color of your driveway begins to look gray, it may be a sign of oxidation calling for the application of a sealant before it begins to break down.
Cost Effective
Asphalt is a mixture of bitumen and aggregates while concrete is a mixture of cement, aggregates and water that form a hard base. Bitumen, which is derived from crude oil, is usually bound to aggregate forming a smooth driving surface. Thus, the substance that is used in manufacturing asphalt is less costly making asphalt driveways, about 30% to 45% less costly compared to concrete. This is particularly true for homeowners who have long driveways within the rural and suburban areas.Less Curing Time
Asphalt driveways take a shorter time to complete, making them a preference even for road construction. In addition, asphalt is able to cope with high volume of traffic, withstanding wear and tear unlike concrete. Asphalt driveways are also more convenient as you will not be restricted from using the driveway after installation. They may be used as soon as the drying and cooling process is completed while the curing time for concrete is a couple of days.Low Maintenance
Asphalt is tough, making it durable. Even then, when cracks appear, it's easy to repair compared to concrete driveways. When asphalt driveways are damaged, you can easily repair by relaying the blocks. On the other hand, a concrete driveway would require that the entire driveway be replaced to ensure that the repair patches and marks are not seen. Furthermore, the cost of repairing concrete driveways is far much higher compared to the asphalt driveway repairs.Suits All Weather Conditions
Asphalt possesses the ability to expand and shrink, making it adaptable to extreme weather conditions. When the weather heats up, it expands and when it cools down it shrinks back into place. This is an important characteristic because with the frequent changes in outdoor temperatures, asphalt is able to adapt and stay in form. On the contrary, concrete does not have the ability to expand, let alone adjust to changes in temperature. It's likely to crack in the event of extreme pressure and temperature.Great Life Span
An asphalt driveway would be ideal for any homeowner that is looking to make huge savings over time. These driveways can last up to 30 years when properly maintained. This is unlike concrete driveways that can only last for an average of 10 years before you're required to replace them. Even then, it's important to ensure that your asphalt driveway is installed and maintained by a pro for it to truly last.Good Curb Appeal
It's no doubt that asphalt driveways go a long way in improving your home's curb appeal. Asphalt driveways are good-looking as they add a clean crisp look to your landscaping, making it stand out. When combined with the right attention to the edging materials, this driveway is guaranteed to give you that entry statement you have always dreamt about. Most importantly, it's a great way of improving the value of your home and attracting potential buyers if you're looking to sell.Additional Benefits
Asphalt driveways offer additional benefits. For instance, during winter, ice will melt faster on asphalt driveways than on concrete driveways, making them safer. Not only does this improve safety within the home, but it also makes driveway maintenance easier.Asphalt is also known to be the best when it comes to kids' activities like playing basketball, drawing with chalk and playing hopscotch. It's easy to clean and is less slippery, so it does not pose a threat to the safety of kids.
Oil leaks are an unattractive sight on your driveway. However, asphalt driveways are able to conceal the black marks better than the concrete driveways, leaving the appearance of your driveway intact.
Driveway Maintenance
It's advisable to seal your asphalt driveway in order to enhance its life. This is because, when exposed to the sun for long periods, your driveway tends to lose its flexibility owing to the ultraviolent rays that cause it to break down. Therefore, you may notice the aggregate disintegrating, and this process tends to speed up during colder weather.Applying asphalt sealers is a great way of making it look nice while increasing its life span as they serve as a shield for your driveway by restricting the elements from penetrating. Remember to apply a sealant at least once every year. Even then, this may also be determined by the weather conditions as well as the appearance of your driveway. For instance, when the color of your driveway begins to look gray, it may be a sign of oxidation calling for the application of a sealant before it begins to break down.
