Whether you want a new driveway or to change the old one to a completely new one, you will want to install good material for your driveway that is impervious to vulnerabilities that will force you to replace the installation in only a short amount of time. While some would suggest getting a concrete driveway for numerous reasons, many homeowners opt to get an asphalt driveway installed due to its affordability, ease of installation, and ready-made usage, that is so appealing. The advantages are aplenty with asphalt, but so are some disadvantages.
So, before you contact your local asphalt paving company, here are the pros and cons of having an asphalt driveway that can help you determine if it’s the material right for your home.
Pros:
Less Vulnerable to Cracking
When it comes to cracking, you won’t have to worry about your asphalt too much compared to other options, like concrete. This is particularly vital as you will require a driveway that can withstand the weight of a vehicle going in and out of your driveway without cracking easily. Additionally, asphalt can be a helpful material to prevent cracking during harsh weather extremities.
Ready to Use
When your asphalt installation is finished, you can use the driveway immediately without having to wait weeks and park your vehicle elsewhere. Of course, asphalt installation is a far cry from concrete, as with concrete, you tend to need to wait for a week before you can use it. For convenience purposes, asphalt is a top contender for homeowners who have busy lives and simply cannot wait weeks for concrete to properly cure before they can begin to drive on it.
Affordable
When you compare asphalt driveways to other types, asphalt is undoubtedly cheaper. And considering how much other home installations can cost, like roof replacement, cutting costs where you can is essential. The good news is that you can also pay this via instalments to completely pay for the installation, little by little.
Easy to install
Asphalt is one of the easiest materials to install onto your driveway, where a professional or homeowner with little experience can properly lay the groundwork for proper driveway installation. If it’s the first time you’re attempting to install a driveway, it is best if you’ve had a couple extra hands for assistance.
Cons:
Only Lasts 15 to 20 years
When it comes to durability, asphalt won’t last as long as concrete. Therefore, you will need to have a new one in just a couple of decades. It won’t hurt your wallet that much because you’ll just need to spread it all out and have a plan. As a result, you should remember the driveway will start to deteriorate a bit a decade and a half later. If the warranty extends up to that time, then it can be a conducive way to let the professionals you purchased the materials from do something about it.
Needs Resealing every 3 to 5 years
Resealing asphalt is something you will certainly not look forward to as you will need to hire the right experts to do it for you at the right time and place. The hard part is that it needs to get done every three to five years. When you reseal something, that does not mean it is broken. It just means you are recharging it up for what could happen in the near future. You can never know what will happen, but it can take up most of your time, so better book a reseller in advance.
Unfinished Edges
When you find out the asphalt driveway has unfinished edges, it will take you only a little while to realize that it won’t look good in the pictures you may have viewed of seamless asphalt driveways. The edges are not because of the follies from those who install them, but it’s just the pavement itself. Hence, it would help if you did a bit of research about what you need to do with the edges. You can either cover them up or put decor items on top of them to keep it concealed.
Conclusion
When you realize you want an asphalt driveway, consider hiring a good asphalt paving company to ascertain your desired results. After all, you would want to be happy with your decision when it is too late. You should read some reviews ahead of time to feel confident about your decision. There are just too many paving companies out there, so choose the paving companies that have gotten plenty of positive reviews from people who hired them in the past.