Asphalt is a common material used to pave roads. Aside from its relatively cheap cost, it offers many benefits that other construction materials could not. Read the many benefits of using asphalt in your driveway below. Then, when you’re ready, call a trusted local contractor that offers asphalt paving. In Utah, there are services that offer asphalt paving for driveways.
Flexible, Durable, Long-Lasting
One of the main draws of asphalt is its flexibility and durability. A driveway paved with asphalt is pretty much weather-proof since the material can withstand fluctuations in temperature. It expands and it contracts in response to the changing seasons, but it resists cracks. In winter, when you need to de-ice your driveway, rock salt will not destroy asphalt.
When installed by an experienced contractor, an asphalt driveway or road can have a lifespan of about 15 to 20 years. With regular preventive maintenance, you might not have to excavate asphalt from your driveway for years to come.
Quick Installation And Easy Repair
Asphalt, which is a by-product of refining crude oil into gasoline or kerosene, is easy to get a hold of. Installation is also far quicker (up to twice as fast) than using concrete. It does not need time to “cure,” which means you can use it as soon as the contractors are done. Moreover, cracks in your asphalt driveway can be sealed more easily in a way that does not appear “patch up” and at a much lower cost than concrete, further extending its lifespan.
Noise Reduction
The one surprising benefit of asphalt is its ability to absorb traffic noise. When a vehicle is moving, it traps air between its wheels and the surface of the road which creates a rumble. The more vehicles pass by, the louder the sound gets.
However, asphalt is more porous. It significantly reduces the noise generated from driving by absorbing the air and, therefore, the sound. Even during the holidays, when all family members are around, your asphalt driveway will keep the noise of arriving vehicles at the minimum.
Better Water Drainage
The porosity of asphalt is better for water drainage compared to concrete. During the wet months, asphalt will allow the rainwater to pass through and be absorbed by the ground. Some contractors specifically design the driveway to redirect rainwater to grassy areas to avoid flooding.
Safe
Asphalt keeps you and your family safe. Its natural dark tint allows it to absorbs heat more efficiently than other materials which, during winter, can help melt snow and ice without the need for salting. Because of its porosity, it is also better at managing water that prevents cars and pedestrians from slipping.
Recyclable
Asphalt is part of the category construction and demolition waste alongside concrete, wood, and glass. At the end of its life, asphalt can be recycled as soon as it is removed from the road or your driveway. According to a survey conducted by the National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA), more than 82.2 million tons of reclaimed asphalt pavement and more than 1 million tons of reclaimed asphalt shingles were used again in 2018.
The one drawback of asphalt, however, is, during the summer season, it can get really hot. It is best to talk to a contractor before you decide whether asphalt is right for your home.
