Driveways around the U.S. are usually made of either concrete or asphalt. Choosing between these materials may not seem like much of a decision, but the reality is that they’e very different. Concrete and asphalt come with different installation costs, environmental considerations and benefits for your yard and home.

Many folks choose asphalt or concrete based solely on appearance, but factors like maintenance needs and customizability can seriously impact your driveway’s health and functionality. Asphalt is well-regarded in both of these areas and many more. In this article, we will explore the benefits of paved asphalt driveways and how they can make your home more functional and appealing.

Why Choose an Asphalt Driveway?

Asphalt driveways offer a host of benefits, some of which may perfectly align with your home’s unique needs. These benefits include:

• Durability: Asphalt surfaces are resilient and flexible, allowing them to withstand a wide range of forces and weights without cracking or breaking. They are also uniquely suited to dealing with seasonal weather conditions, such as the freeze-thaw cycle, which often poses problems for concrete driveways. Blacktop asphalt absorbs and retains heat, helping to combat snow.
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• Cost-effectiveness: Asphalt roadways and driveways are extremely common, and that is a direct result of how affordable asphalt is to create, install and repair. This means that, even if your driveway is damaged, you can fix it with relative ease compared to materials like concrete. Installation is just as easy, and proper maintenance will help prevent the need for repairs.
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• Ease of installation: Asphalt is extremely simple and quick to install. The paving process will vary in complexity based on your home’s needs, but the overall steps are straightforward, especially for professional pavers. Once paving is complete, it takes very little time for the asphalt to cure. You should talk with your installation crew to determine the exact curing time before using your driveway.
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• Recyclability: Sustainability is a vital factor to consider today. Asphalt stands out in this regard, thanks to its ability to be reused over and over with little reprocessing. It’s also made up of tire rubber, glass and other landfill materials, which helps to reduce the overall amount of waste in landfills across the U.S.
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• Customizability: Asphalt offers more customization options than many people expect. The mix, shape and color can all be changed to match your home’s aesthetic and architecture. Some homeowners even stamp patterns or symbols into the pavement before it cures. These possibilities make asphalt a great option if you’re looking to extend your home’s style to your driveway.

How Long Do Asphalt Driveways Last?

On average, asphalt driveways last anywhere from 15 to 20 years, so long as they are well-maintained. This lifespan can even be extended by regular resealing, pushing your driveway past the two-decade mark. 

To maintain your asphalt driveway, you should:

• Check for cracks and repair them as soon as possible: Cracks pose a real danger to your driveway’s health and can significantly reduce its lifespan, especially if they start to expand. As such, it’s important to regularly inspect your driveway for cracks — even small ones — and deal with them. Smaller cracks can be treated with sealant alone, but larger ones need to be filled in and sealed to prevent further damage.
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• Look out for tree roots: In certain conditions, asphalt driveways may become vulnerable to nearby tree roots, which can crack or destabilize the asphalt above them as they expand in search of water and nutrients. If you identify roots moving toward the driveway, you should consider trimming them. Working with an arborist can help you make that call in an unclear situation and trim the roots without harming the tree they’re connected to.
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• Factor in drainage: While asphalt is resistant to the effects of the freeze-thaw cycle, it’s not immune to water entirely. Rainwater can erode the edges of the driveway and expand cracks, especially if it freezes within them. As such, your driveway must be installed with proper drainage solutions in mind. Cracks and gaps in the asphalt should also be treated with sealant, filler or both as soon as possible to keep water out.
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• Protect your driveway from extreme heat: The summer sun can dry out, soften and warp the asphalt in your driveway, leading to cracks and divots. You can protect your driveway from this damage by hosing it down with cold water on hot days and investing in sealcoating, which shields your driveway from the sun’s UV rays and keeps the asphalt binder from oxidizing.
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• Periodically reseal the asphalt: Asphalt is naturally porous, so it’s best to reseal it every two to three years. Otherwise, it can absorb rainwater and oil and become vulnerable to the freeze-thaw cycle. It’s also more likely to stain and grow discolored if it isn’t resealed. However, if you use sealant too often, the asphalt can weaken over time. Approach resealing with caution and only do so when advised by a paving professional or when you spot patches of asphalt that have lost their sealant.

The longevity of asphalt driveways is somewhat variable, but if you invest in these practices, your driveway should last longer and work better. Partnering with paving professionals for driveway repair and maintenance can take these benefits even further and keep your asphalt looking fresh and strong. 

Do Asphalt Driveways Increase Property Value?

Yes! An asphalt driveway can increase your property value beyond what it costs to install. It can also boost your home’s curb appeal, especially if you’re upgrading from a material like gravel. 

Both curb appeal and property value can be further enhanced by customizing your driveway. Embracing unique shapes and colors can help your home stand out from the rest, making an impression on potential buyers.

Upgrade Your Central PA Driveway With CMI Paving

Installing an asphalt driveway is a relatively straightforward process — so long as you’re working with the right team. CMI Paving has been in business for over 40 years, and our team is dedicated to providing Cumberland, Dauphin, Perry and York Counties with high-quality professional paving services. We live in the areas we serve and meet the needs of our clients with speed and professionalism. CMI Paving is also a member of the Better Business Bureau, the Carlisle Chamber of Commerce and the Blue Book.

To learn more about our paving offerings, schedule an estimate or give us a call at 717-774-6565.