Paving your residential driveway with asphalt is one of the best investments you can make to your property. It’s cost effective, functional, strong, looks good when maintained, and installs very quickly once the process is started.

Cost

Normally I would save this part for last, but why not take a look at cost comparisons and put your mind at ease. Topping the list is concrete pavers, then poured concrete, then asphalt and last but not least is just loose gravel and clam shell in terms of most expensive to least expensive for materials and labor. While there are other options, this gives you an idea of the cost levels.

Functionality

Asphalt paving is great to drive and park on. The kids like it for basketball. And it beats the pants off of loose fill or dirt. Also, the extreme temperature changes and weather in general, don’t seem to bother asphalt as bad as concrete. Asphalt paving also tends to add considerably to the resale value of any property.

Maintenance

Once every few years, it’s a good idea to apply a sealer coat to your asphalt driveway. It can go more if you push it, but this will help ensure years of service and a good look to the exterior of your home. Even when the surface begins to crack or break in certain areas, asphalt can be patched and even re-surfaced at a reasonable cost. If you’re a good do-it-yourself-er, you can even do some of your own maintenance.

Installation

Generally speaking, it takes a lot less time and labor to install an asphalt driveway. Most driveway surfaces need a good base to start off with, so there’s no real savings there. But, with asphalt, the paving contractors don’t need to form anything and it’s easier to create contours in the design. Some contractors can come out one morning and, if the weather is right, and the client is ready to sign and the base is already in place (or close to it) the crew might be able to do the job in the same day.

So, go ahead and call your local asphalt paving contractor. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how reasonable the cost and how fast you can get it done.