A new blacktop driveway will help improve your property’s safety and save on winter cleanup costs. It also resists damage caused by rock salt and ice melt chemicals that degrade concrete surfaces. A professional installation can take as little as one day. Considering the expertise and time involved, DIY installs are generally not recommended.
Longevity
Asphalt holds up well in geographic areas that experience freezing temperatures and is more enduring than concrete, so it’s an excellent choice for homeowners who want a durable material that can last them decades. With proper preventative maintenance, including crack filling, sweeping, and seal coating, the blacktop can withstand the test of time to keep your driveway safe for cars and pedestrians. Homeowners can also upgrade their blacktop driveway with heated surfaces to eliminate winter shoveling and improve safety on their property. Hiring professional blacktop driveways Elkhart IN company to install this is recommended, as it requires specialized equipment to ensure the surface remains safe for vehicles and pedestrians. For environmentally conscious homeowners, recycled asphalt is another option available at a lower cost and limits the amount of new blacktop material used.
Aesthetics
Asphalt is a cost-effective material for driveways, but homeowners that prioritize aesthetics may prefer a paving stone or concrete driveway. Concrete driveways are customizable but have a higher upfront cost than blacktops. A new blacktop driveway begins with a layer of 4- to 8-inch thick granular fill for a durable, well-draining base. This gets topped with 2 to 3 inches of fresh, hot asphalt that a steamroller compresses. This allows the new driveway to be driven on immediately. Homeowners that want to add color can have colored asphalt incorporated into the mix. This is a great way to customize a blacktop driveway and complement the home’s curb appeal.
Strength
Blacktop combines rock, sand and asphalt cement, a tar-like petroleum product. The mix is heated, hand-tamped and steam-rolled to compress it into a tough layer. It typically cools in hours so drivers can immediately use the paved space. A good angular mix of aggregate is the key to strength. Rounded particles also don’t hold together and tend to deform under heavy loads. Professional installers can lay new blacktop in a single day. This makes the quick repair of potholes and other damage much easier.
Durability
Asphalt is highly durable and can last for years without being repaired. However, blacktop driveways can deteriorate faster in certain geographic locations due to extreme temperatures. A blacktop driveway can also be difficult to repair if not installed by an experienced contractor. Inexperienced homeowners may make mistakes that lead to uneven and weak surfaces, or they may need help to get the professional equipment (such as a steamroller or jackhammer) they need to do the job properly. To avoid this hassle, choose porous asphalt or recycled blacktop, which are more cost-effective options that limit the amount of material going into landfills. In addition, these materials have a lower carbon footprint than concrete.
Maintenance
Blacktop driveways can be installed on a variety of existing surfaces. This makes the paving process simpler than gravel or concrete paving options. However, a new blacktop surface can transform the appearance of a property, boost curb appeal and increase home value. For this reason, many homeowners choose to invest in a professional paving company when resurfacing their driveway spaces. Hiring a paving team can make the project much easier and more cost-effective, as homeowners will likely not own the necessary tools like jackhammers or steamrollers. An untreated driveway can cause several problems, including tripping hazards and structural damage to the home. Maintaining a driveway properly ensures its longevity and adds safety, beauty and value to the house.