Complete Asphalt Driveway Guide: Pros, Cons & Maintenance
Everything To Know About Asphalt Driveways
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The Pros And Cons Of Asphalt Driveways
Thoughts to ponder when considering an asphalt driveway.
- What are the benefits of asphalt driveways versus concrete versus permeable/interlocking paver driveways?
- Which driveway surface has the longest lifespan?
- Which driveway surface is best when choosing between asphalt, concrete or permeable/interlocking/concrete pavers?
- What type of ongoing maintenance do asphalt driveways require compared to concrete or paver driveways?
The Pros And Cons Of Asphalt Driveways
Thoughts to ponder when considering an asphalt driveway.
How common are asphalt driveways?
Asphalt’s pliability helps it endure ground movement from freezing and thawing, making it the top choice in northern regions of the U.S.
How common are asphalt driveways?
Asphalt driveways can be found all over the country.
However, the further north we travel in the United States, the amount of asphalt driveways increase, while the further South we travel, the amount of asphalt driveways decrease.
This is due to the amount of freeze and thaw cycles that occur in colder regions.
Asphalt is the choice for a residential driveway in colder regions for 1 main reason.
It’s pliable, making it much more forgiving than the other hard surfaces when it comes to heaving from freeze and thaw cycles, hence, why we see more asphalt driveways the further north we go.
How well do asphalt driveways hold up in snowy regions?
Asphalt is an excellent choice if you happen to live in a snowy region. There are many benefits that come with asphalt that you just don’t get with concrete or concrete/permeable pavers.
Frigid cold and the constant melting, freezing, thawing and refreezing can wreak havoc on any type of driveway, but when we compare the costs to repair and the ease of repairing asphalt compared to concrete, asphalt easily wins.
Damaged asphalt can be cut out and replaced and then sealed so that the patch blends in very well. With concrete, the color of the mix can never be matched perfectly, therefore patches will always be visible without an overlay.
Comparing the costs and ease to repair asphalt vs concrete/permeable pavers can be relatively equivalent.
The major benefit to asphalt is the color.
The black asphalt soaks in the heat from the sun and melts snow much faster than any other type of driveway surface.
Easy Repairs in Snowy Climates
Asphalt’s pliability helps it endure ground movement from freezing and thawing, making it the top choice in northern regions of the U.S.
Asphalt Issues in Heat
- Divots from parked vehicles
- Damaged edges from driving off
- Tire tracks from sharp turns
- Power steering divots
How well do asphalt driveways hold up in hot regions?
Unfortunately, asphalt driveways are not a great choice for hot regions. Since asphalt is black, it tends to soak in the heat considerably.
Even in warmer regions where it can occasionally get extremely hot, newly laid asphalt can heat right back up again. Almost to temperatures equivalent to when it was installed.
How long does it take to install a new asphalt driveway?
A new asphalt driveway can be installed in a relatively short amount of time.
Typically it only takes 1 day or less to install the average sized asphalt driveway after the sub-grade preparation is complete.
Sub-grade preparation can take anywhere from less than a day to a couple of weeks depending on the soil conditions in your area.
There’s very little inconvenience when having an asphalt driveway installed. However, if you live in a region that requires the sub-grade to settle for a couple of weeks, it can be a bit of an inconvenience.
Asphalt can generally be driven on once it has completely cooled down, usually by the next morning, but not longer than 24 hours.
However, something to keep in mind: 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.
Easy Repairs in Snowy Climates
Asphalt’s pliability helps it endure ground movement from freezing and thawing, making it the top choice in northern regions of the U.S.
Asphalt Driveways Compared To Other Driveway Types
Explore how asphalt stacks up against concrete, pavers, and gravel in terms of cost, maintenance, and performance—so you can make the right choice for your home.
Installation Cost
Rank
Types
Note
#1
Paver
Most Expensive
#2
Concrete
Moderately Expensive
#3
Asphalt
Affordable Choice
#4
Gravel
Cheapest Option
Installation Cost
Rank
Types
Note
#1
Gravel
High Maintenance
#2
Asphalt
Mid Maintenance
#3
Concrete
Low Maintenance
#4
Paver
Easiest to Maintain
Asphalt Driveways Compared To Other Driveway Types
Explore how asphalt stacks up against concrete, pavers, and gravel in terms of cost, maintenance, and performance—so you can make the right choice for your home.
Crack Sealing
Sealing or "Sealcoating"
Treating Oil Spots
Weed Control
Edging
A new asphalt driveway should NOT be sealed until it’s a minimum of 6 months old.
They should then be sealed every 3 to 5 years thereafter to slow down the deterioration process.
However, a quality commercial grade asphalt sealer manufactured by a local asphalt maintenance supply company is recommended versus the big bix store sealers. Professional sealers can be applied either by yourself or a reputable seal coating contractor.
When cracks develop, they should be sealed frequently.
Ultimately cracks should be sealed every fall when the asphalt is cool and it has contracted. The cracks are open at their widest this time of year and will be optimally sealed when the heat from summer comes back around and the asphalt has warmed and expanded.
Sealing the cracks will help to prevent further damage and pavement failures like alligatoring and potholes.
Also take into consideration the effects on asphalt driveways if they're not maintained properly and how they can look as they age, even with routine maintenance.
As you can see, not maintaining an asphalt driveway leads to additional cracking, weeds growing in the cracks and overgrowing the edges, heaving and unevenness and deterioration of the thickness.
A well maintained asphalt driveway still deteriorates but at a much slower rate.
If you already have an asphalt driveway in front of your home and it’s beginning to show the signs of aging and deterioration, or has a tremendous amount of visible patches and repairs; overlaying the existing asphalt or completely removing and replacing it is the only way to bring it back to life.
An overlay absolutely should be performed by a reputable paving company that will do it right the first time. Overlays are not for the inexperienced. In improperly installed overlay can cause more problems than a new asphalt driveway.
If the asphalt has completely failed, performing soil tests and determining if the sub-grade is suitable to re-pave the driveway on the existing soil should be done. If the subgrade is in fact not adequate, the soil should be excavated and new base or structural material installed for a solid, long lasting driveway.
All driveways age, deteriorate and can become a safety hazard. However, the goal with an asphalt driveway should be to maximize the life expectancy as much as possible before having to completely remove and replace it. This requires a solid maintenance plan every 3 to 5 years.
Asphalt Driveways Compared To Other Driveway Types
When choosing between asphalt and the other three types of driveways, consider these questions:
01
ARE Asphalt Driveways Compliant with your HOA OR Municipality?
When choosing between asphalt and the other three types of driveways, consider these questions:
02
ARE Asphalt Driveways Compliant with your HOA OR Municipality?
When choosing between asphalt and the other three types of driveways, consider these questions:
03
Will An Asphalt Driveway Stand Up To The Elements?
What is the climate like in your region of the country? Is it cold and snowy? Rainy and wet? Hot and dry? Be sure and select a driveway type that make sense for your region. Asphalt driveways are great for cold and mildly warm climates. Asphalt driveways are not as durable in hot climates.
04
How Much Maintenance Will An Asphalt Driveway Require?
If you want your driveway to last a lifetime, regular maintenance plays an important role in how long your asphalt driveway will last. Asphalt driveways should have a regularly scheduled maintenance every 3 to 5 years. No less. No More. Over sealing asphalt or sealing too frequently can cause irreparable damage.
05
Is An Asphalt Driveway Durable Enough For Your Needs?
How much and what kind of traffic do you expect to use your driveway? Normal, everyday passenger vehicle use or heavy vehicle use? Select a Driveway that make sense. Any type of driveway must be designed and built properly for heavy vehicles like trash trucks, propane deliveries and septic cleanouts.
06
Does An Asphalt Driveway Fit Your Budget?
Select a driveway that fits into your budget short term and long term. Would a low maintenance or maintenance free driveway like concrete or pavers make better sense? Asphalt driveways are an economical option compared to the other hard surface choices.
Summary Of Asphalt Driveways
A beautiful, economical choice for a hard surface driveway.
Benefits
Discover the key advantages that make asphalt driveways a smart choice for homeowners.
- Snow Melt Advantage: Black asphalt absorbs sun’s warmth, melting snow and ice faster in winter.
- Quick Installation Options: New installs, overlays, or full replacements can be completed efficiently.
- Cost-Effective Choice: Attractive pricing compared to other driveway materials.
Learn & Protect
Access expert guidance, maintenance tips, and scam-prevention resources to ensure your project’s success.
- Installation Guidance: See our Asphalt Driveway Installation FAQ’s for long-lasting results.
- Maintenance Tips: Visit our Asphalt Driveway Maintenance FAQ’s for proper upkeep.
- Scam Prevention: Watch our video & read The Asphalt Paving Scams Playbook to avoid dishonest contractors.