Ultimate Guide to Asphalt Driveways
A quality driveway not only adds to your house's curb appeal but can also add to the overall value. When it comes time to add a new driveway to your home, look no further than an asphalt driveway.
Asphalt is a long-lasting and cost-effective solution for your driveway needs. We are here to help you understand why and how asphalt is a good choice for your driveway.
As experts in residential asphalt paving, we’ve compiled this guide below that will walk you through all the basics of an asphalt driveway, and help you make your driveway decisions easier and more informed.
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What Is Asphalt
Asphalt is made from a mix of crushed stones(gravel) and sand. Asphalt is specifically designed to be durable and hold up even during a harsh Minnesota or Wisconsin winter.
Types of Asphalt
Hot Mix Asphalt is the most commonly used asphalt and is poured at temperatures of 300-350 degrees. The most common use for this asphalt type is driveways and highways. Hot Mix is designed to be durable for constant use.
Cold Mix Asphalt is used when it is cold. This type of asphalt is more suitable for smaller jobs, such as temporary patching areas that do not see a lot of traffic. The most common use for Cold Mix is when it is too cold to use other types of asphalt but an area needs repairs. Think pothole repair
Benefits of Asphalt Driveways
Before picking a material for your driveway project it is important to understand the benefits. The benefits of using asphalt over other driveway materials include:
Resistant to harsh weather conditions
In places like Wisconsin & Minnesota, it is important to use driveway materials that will last, and asphalt does that. Asphalt is designed to be more durable during periods of heavy snow or rain, and during extreme temperature fluctuations that the northern states are used to.
Overall Durability
A properly installed and well-maintained asphalt driveway can last up to 30 years and is designed to be more flexible and withstand more wear and tear than concrete (depending on the use). Keep reading this guide for more information on the differences between asphalt and concrete driveways.
Lower Cost
Asphalt is made from recycled materials, ultimately making it cost less to buy and install. Asphalt is also easier to maintain, so you will pay less in the long run. Not to mention, the added resale value of adding a gorgeous asphalt driveway could pay for the driveway itself.
Asphalt vs. Concrete Driveways
As far as driveway materials go, you really only have two options: concrete or asphalt. Deciding between asphalt and concrete can be difficult, and there are key differences to consider before committing.
Asphalt Holds Up Better in Winter
Asphalt is designed to withstand extreme weather conditions. During winter, both asphalt and concrete can crack when the earth is moving during freeze-up or with dramatic temperature changes. Asphalt crack filling is a very easy DIY project while concrete repair may need a professional. The salt used to keep driveways safe can stain and pit concrete making it less visually appealing. Snow and ice also melt faster on asphalt compared to concrete.
Cost & Repairs
Because asphalt is made from recycled materials, it is both cheaper to get the asphalt paving materials and install them. Asphalt driveways can be up to half the cost of a concrete driveway.
Asphalt can require more frequent maintenance compared to concrete, but the repairs are usually cheap and quicker.
Curb Appeal
Concrete can be stained and tinted to most colors to match the aesthetic of your house, while asphalt will only be shades of black. However, on the other side of that, spills from vehicles will be less noticeable on asphalt, and oil can leave stains on concrete.
Driveway Lifespan
With proper installation and care, a concrete driveway can last for 30-40 years, while asphalt generally lasts for 20-25 years, and with proper care can last up to 30.
Asphalt Driveway Pricing
The typical price for an asphalt driveway is $4 to $6 per square foot but can vary depending on where you live and access to materials (shipping in materials for your driveway will cost a little more but the return almost pays for itself). We measure driveway paving costs per foot because every driveway is different and will have a unique price tag associated with it.
We offer a 5-year guaranteed driveway warranty!
We are guaranteeing that our driveways will not show alligator cracking or break up over the first 5 years. These are indicators of insufficient base and asphalt thickness and quality. Experience has shown us that if your driveway does not fail in this way over the first 5 years you should enjoy an additional 20-25 years before replacement is necessary.
If you live in the St. Paul, MN area or the Hudson, WI area, give us a call. We can provide you with a free cost estimate to replace your existing driveway or install a new one.
Driveway Installation Timeline
If you're looking into asphalt driveways, you're likely interested in replacing yours or installing one for a new build. Your second question, probably right after "how much will this thing cost me anyway?" is likely going to be "how long will this take?"
Luckily for you, we've got the driveway installation process down to a T. It typically takes just three visits to your home for the installation process to go from quote to finish:
1- Free quote
2 - Driveway Prep Work
3 - Asphalt Paving
For a more detailed breakdown of each visit, check out our full asphalt paving process.
How Long Does Asphalt Last
If your asphalt driveway is installed correctly by experts and maintained properly, it can last anywhere from 20 to 30 years. Maintenance plays a huge role in the longevity of your driveway, so you'll want to take extra care (annually) to ensure you get the most out of your investment.
Asphalt Care and Maintenance Tips
Properly maintaining your driveway is essential to it lasting 20-25 years. Things you can routinely do are:
- Inspect the driveway for cracks in the summer and winter
- Repair all cracks quickly before they get worse
- Make sure to use high-quality materials when fixing it yourself, or hire an expert
- Check for water pooling spots and ensure your driveway runoff route is clear
- Clean up any spills and treat stains quickly
When to Repair Your Asphalt Driveway
Knowing when it's time to repair your driveway is something only you can know. However, there are issues you should be looking for when deciding.
Cracks
Cracking is a normal part of the wear and tear of an asphalt driveway, and most can be repaired easily. However, as you get closer to the end of the lifespan of the asphalt driveway, cracks will become more frequent and repairs will no longer hold up as well. This will lead to potholes developing because the asphalt is losing its strength.
Potholes
If your driveway is becoming full of potholes, that is a sign that it is time to repair. Potholes not only damage the asphalt but can also damage cars.
Function
If your driveway isn't providing you with the functionality you need, it is time to get a new one. Examples of this include: you need a bigger driveway to accommodate new drivers in your household; you bought a camper or boat and want to build storage space on to your existing driveway.
Why Trust Us
You may be thinking "who are these guys anyway?" And that's fair, but we've been doing this for years and our father decades before that. We have a collected lifetime of experience that gives us the confidence to answer these questions above and more.
So what makes us the best choice for your driveway installation project?
- We value clear communication and customer service
- We provide a superior driveway backed by decades of experience.
- We're a local, family-owned company that understands the extreme weather conditions of WI & MN
- We have integrity and pride in our craft
- We offer the industry's best driveway warranty
- We have countless 5-star reviews from your neighbors
- Free driveway replacement estimates
Not convinced? View our project gallery and let our work speak for itself.
Service Location
The team at Blacktop Concepts works hard to deliver the best residential driveway paving services possible and we leave customers with a positive impression. We operate with professionalism and treat our customers with respect.
If you're interested in our asphalt driveway paving services, give us a call. We'll schedule a time to come out and review your situation and map out a plan of action - for free.
In addition to Western Wisconsin and St. Paul, Minnesota, we gladly provide service to the following nearby towns:
- Afton, Minnesota
- Bayport, Minnesota
- Cottage Grove, Minnesota
- Grant Township, Minnesota
- Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota
- Lake Elmo, Minnesota
- Newport, Minnesota
- Saint Paul, Minnesota
- Stillwater, Minnesota
- Mahtomedi, Minnesota
- Maplewood, Minnesota
- Oakdale, Minnesota
- Oak Park Heights, Minnesota
- Woodbury, Minnesota
- Hammond, Wisconsin
- Hudson, Wisconsin
- New Richmond, Wisconsin
- River Falls, Wisconsin