How Much Does An Asphalt Driveway Cost?
Paving an asphalt driveway is an easy way to boost curb appeal and increase your home’s value, as these surfaces are usually an upgrade to your outdoor space. The total cost for a new asphalt driveway will vary depending on a variety of factors including the project size, selected materials, and sealing services. On average, you can expect standard asphalt to start around $2.50 per square foot, while stronger materials are around $3.50 per square foot. These costs can often scare away home and business owners due to fear of high up-front costs and little return on that investment. Thankfully, asphalt is a highly resistant material and is designed to last for decades of use so any up-front costs will balance out over time.
What Can Affect The Cost Of An Asphalt Driveway?
There are many factors that can affect the overall cost of your asphalt driveway installation, including the size of the driveway and selected materials. There can also be additional costs for protective sealants, adding drains to the driveway, or obtaining permits from the town, if necessary. If you select an advanced material like heated asphalt, you may see a giant increase in the overall cost as this can start around $12 per square foot! Driveway Replacement Houston is the number one choice of homeowners in the area for driveway services!
Project Size
As stated above, the size of the project can drastically affect the overall cost of your new driveway. When you take all of the factors into consideration, the size of the driveway space is one of the most impactful elements when it comes to determining costs. The length of your driveway, along with the width, will impact the best type of material that should be used for the space. On average, single car driveways start around 12 feet wide while multiple car spaces can range from 16 to 24 feet wide. If you do not currently have a driveway or need to determine the best layout for your home, contact a professional company for measurements.
Current Landscaping and Preparation
Another crucial factor when it comes to asphalt driveway installation is your current driveway or landscaping setup, as it may not flow with your new surface. If you already have a driveway that you want to replace, you will need to consider the costs of having that material removed. You will need professional assistance to have the material broken up and moved from the area, which can cost an additional $1,000, depending on the size of the driveway. If you have hills or rough terrain that will need to be scaled down before installation, those are also costs that will need to be considered.
Sealing and Additives
Asphalt driveways are extremely resistant to damage thanks to the routine sealants that are required to ensure the longevity of the material. Without these protective coatings and additives for functionality, the surface may become compromised from environmental factors like moisture. It’s recommended to have these sealant coatings applied on a regular basis, which will work to ensure your asphalt driveway lasts for decades. It’s important to note that similar to concrete, asphalt requires an extended period of time to properly cure and fully dry. This means that protective sealant coatings are not added right away and it’s likely your installation company will schedule an appointment for this process at least 6 months in the future.
Asphalt Driveway Maintenance
Not all of the maintenance for an asphalt driveway is an added cost, though it will require some dedication and time from you or a professional company like Driveway Replacement Houston. As stated above, it’s recommended to have protective sealants added to the material on a regular basis to help protect the driveway and keep it functioning for decades. It is also recommended to clean the surface of the driveway on a weekly or monthly basis with standard cleaning tools. You can use a broom to remove debris from the surface and a hose to remove grime or buildup.
What Are The Benefits Of An Asphalt Driveway?
There are ample benefits associated with choosing an asphalt driveway, with one of the most prevalent being the incredible longevity provided by the material. With the proper maintenance and care, asphalt driveways are known to last for 20 years! The asphalt is more resistant to moisture, water, and damage than other driveway materials, making this material a great cost investment for home and business owners. Asphalt also offers a seamless final product, which can help to boost your home’s curb appeal.
Should I Consider Asphalt Resurfacing?
If you currently have an asphalt driveway that is in need of a refresh, resurfacing may be the best option for you. This can work if your pre-existing material is structurally intact and able to have additional layers applied to the surface. For those who have already made the investment for an asphalt or concrete driveway, resurfacing can help to save you money up-front and over time. The average cost for asphalt resurfacing is around $2.50 per square foot.