A driveway contributes significantly to a property’s curb appeal. It can create a positive impact on the appearance of the outdoor space, but it doesn’t end there — according to real estate agents, well-made driveways can also improve property value. So if you are selling a residential property, it’s best to keep in mind that the driveway is one crucial feature that could create a good impression on potential buyers.
Driveways are built using a wide range of materials. Some of the most common are concrete, cobblestone, limestone and asphalt. Out of all these, most homeowners opt for asphalt or bitumen.
If you are thinking about having a new driveway installed to improve your property’s curb appeal by making it look more polished, you should seriously take asphalt into consideration. The best paving contractors say that this material is a smart option because it offers several unique benefits, as discussed here.
1. Asphalt is more affordable compared to other paving or driveway materials.
Asphalt is known to be more budget-friendly than other available paving materials because asphalt itself costs much less, and installation is actually cheaper, too. You can significantly cut labor costs because the driveway installation process can be completed much faster using asphalt.
In fact, it is so easy to install, asphalt contractors say that they can quickly get in and get out of construction zones.
2. You can spot-treat an asphalt driveway.
Unlike a concrete or tiled driveway, an asphalt driveway does not take long to repair if it has sustained damage. If a hole or crack develops over time, or if hard objects came into contact with the asphalt with substantial force, you can call professional pavers to spot-treat the damaged area while leaving the rest of the driveway untouched.
Asphalt patching (with sealing) usually takes anywhere between just 20 minutes to an hour, and you can walk on it straight after. However, be advised that full curing takes up to a year, so be a little careful with that spot. Avoid activities such as dragging a lawn chair across the repaired area or steering the wheels of your car over it while it has not yet completely cured.
Concrete driveways, on the other hand, require more thorough work. The whole driveway would have to be fixed if it gets a hole or a crack in one area, which can be inconvenient and costly.
3. Asphalt is perfect for areas that experience a lot of snow.
Asphalt is cold-resistant and it performs much better than other types of paving materials during the winter. With asphalt’s ability to contract and expand, the harsh cold of winter and contact with snow will not compromise an asphalt driveway’s structural integrity too much.
It is worth noting as well that salt, which is typically used to get rid of sleets of ice on the pavement during winter, does not damage asphalt. This means you do not have to worry much about a long, hard winter damaging your driveway.
4. Asphalt is more flexible.
The binding used for asphalt moves with the pressure exerted on it. As such, the shifting ground underneath it does not cause it to break or crack easily. This is the very reason why property owners who wish to install a new driveway on a sloped path often choose asphalt as their driveway paving material.
5. Stains are effectively concealed by asphalt.
Due to its dark color, asphalt hides stains (from car oil and grease) really well. You do not have to worry too much about unattractive stains on your asphalt driveway affecting the overall appearance of your home since most stains are hardly noticeable.
6. Going eco-friendly? Asphalt is an excellent paving option.
Finally, it is good for homeowners to know that asphalt is up to 100 percent recyclable. You can collect broken asphalt and have it milled to be used for repair — no need for new asphalt. This is why the top landscaping companies say that if your goal is to become more environmentally responsible with designing and building your home, and you are looking for a green material to use in key areas of the property, then asphalt is the way to go.
With proper care and maintenance, asphalt can improve the look and the functionality of your property’s outdoor space. Plus, you can enjoy the cost-savings and the many other benefits it offers.
