If your driveway needs to be replaced, or you don't have one at all, consider installing an asphalt driveway. While there are many material options for driveways, asphalt driveways have some amazing advantages. If you'd like to know more, keep reading.

1. Asphalt Is Flexible 

Asphalt is a combination of aggregates mixed with binders and fillers. This makes asphalt more flexible than concrete. This allows the asphalt to bend with the weight of vehicles, reducing the risk of cracking. For this reason, you may experience less damage from heavy vehicles and machinery.

As the asphalt ages, oxidation causes it to lose flexibility, but you can refresh the asphalt with sealcoating. This gives the driveway a new surface of fresh asphalt.

2. Asphalt is Affordable

Asphalt isn't as cheap as gravel or tar and chip driveways, but it is less expensive than concrete, brick, or cobblestone. On average, an asphalt driveway costs $2 to $5 per square foot. The price may increase if you want special features like stamping to mimic the look of stone.

A concrete driveway can cost $3 to $10 or more per square foot. Plus, you may need to pay extra for decorative elements, joint cuts, etc. The price is heavily determined by the concrete thickness. Heavier concrete is stronger but costs more.

3. Asphalt Is Great for Cold Climates

Asphalt is commonly used for roads because it is skid-resistant, especially in cold climates. This means your asphalt driveway is skid-resistant too. This can reduce the risk of accidents and injuries when driving on cold days. It may even help reduce the risk of slipping and falling when walking on your driveway.

However, asphalt may also help melt ice/snow faster. The dark color of asphalt causes it to absorb more heat from the sun. This heats the driveway. A lighter concrete driveway may reflect a lot of light, keeping the driveway cold longer. Last, because of its flexibility, it better withstands the expansion and contraction that comes with fluctuating temperatures.

4. Asphalt Is Easy to Maintain

Asphalt doesn't require much to keep it well maintained. It's less likely to stain than concrete, and even if it does stain, it may be harder to see. You don't need to worry about repairing cracks as often. However, you should clean up any oil spills to prevent pits from developing.

Over time, UV rays, weather, and oxidation cause the asphalt to become less flexible, faded, more brittle, and less attractive. Sealcoating can correct all this.

If you need a new driveway, consider asphalt. While asphalt is more associated with roads and parking lots, its many benefits make it a great choice for homeowners. If you would like to know more, contact an asphalt paving company in your area.