Your driveway is the first touchpoint for visitors to your home or property. From family events to heavy vehicle loads to harsh weather, many factors test its mettle. When you install an asphalt driveway and invest a significant sum of money into it, you want it to last a long time and not deteriorate prematurely. This is why you need to be cautious before making the final call on your driveway.
This blog post aims to help homeowners by highlighting some important factors they need to consider before having their driveway paved. You should also consider talking to an expert asphalt paving contractor like Prime Asphalt in Waco, TX, for professional advice.
Location Characteristics
You need to choose the pavement material most suitable for the temperature and climate conditions in your area. There are three basic paving materials: asphalt (made out of bitumen and crushed rock), concrete (usually a combination of cement and gravel), or bricks.
- Asphalt is less expensive than other paving options, but it can be susceptible to cracking when the temperature is variable to extremes. The asphalt pavement expands and contracts with rising and falling temperatures. If you’re looking into asphalt paving, there are different types of asphalt, such as modified bitumen (aka blacktop) or hot mix asphalt, often referred to as HMA. The former can crack in cold climates. The latter offers better durability, depending on where you reside. However, it is best to consult an expert.
- On the other hand, concrete pavement can last a lifetime, but installing one is more expensive and it also needs to be sealed periodically.
- Brick pavement is the best choice for homeowners who live in cooler climates because it maintains its structural integrity even when the temperature drops below zero. Brick is an attractive option as well, especially if you want your home to have that nice curb appeal!
Maintenance Requirements
This is a significant consideration for homeowners who want their driveway looking just as good ten years from now as it does today. Some types of paving materials are more susceptible to cracking than others due to temperature fluctuations or heavy vehicle loads.
Durability
Choose paving materials that are durable and can last decades. Buyers with access to the required finances should consider the advantages of higher quality materials.
Contractor
You need to ensure that you get the right guys for driveway installation and maintenance. Experienced contractors are skilled enough to tackle all challenges and advise you on choices that suit you the best. Additionally, they are well-versed with the climatic conditions of your area and ensure that the driveway is ready to counter the environment’s challenges.
Prime Asphalt is the premier pavement contractor in Waco, TX. We offer a range of asphalt and concrete paving services. In addition to providing driveway installation, we also provide industrial paving and parking lot maintenance services. Get a free estimate from our team.
