Your asphalt driveway can make parking your car and driving home a breeze. There’s no doubt an asphalt driveway can get you multiple benefits. But no benefit comes without a price tag.
Asphalt is a durable and cost-effective material that can last for decades with proper maintenance. Installing an asphalt driveway can significantly enhance your home’s curb appeal and value. However, installing an asphalt driveway can be complex and time-consuming.
This article will guide you through the steps of installing an asphalt driveway and the total installation cost, including the factors affecting the damage to your wallet.
Whether you are a homeowner or a contractor, this article will provide the information you need to know about the entire cost of installing an asphalt driveway and if the price justifies the results.
Several Factors Affecting Asphalt Driveway Cost
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Size of the driveway: The larger the driveway, the more expensive it will be to install.
Type of subgrade: The cost of preparing the ground for the driveway will vary depending on the type of subgrade or driveway material (e.g., soil, gravel, etc.) and the amount of excavation and grading required. Paving companies sell these materials at a cost per ton, so the company you choose also affects the price.
Another factor is the construction site. If you are making a new asphalt driveway, the cost could be low. But if asphalt paving is to be done on an existing driveway, the expense can go high. especially considering factors specific to asphalt paving in Charlotte NC, such as site preparation and local labor costs.
Accessibility: The cost of installing the driveway will be affected by the accessibility of the site. If the site is difficult to reach, the cost of materials and equipment will increase.
Type of asphalt: The cost of the asphalt will depend on the type of asphalt used, such as recycled or virgin asphalt.
Add-ons: Additional features such as curbs, drainage systems, or landscaping can add to the cost of the project.
Labor: The labor cost will depend on the project’s complexity and the contractor’s experience.
Location: The cost of materials and labor may vary depending on the location of the project, such as urban or rural areas.
Permits: Some local municipalities may require permits for driveway installations, which can add to the project’s overall cost.
It’s essential to get quotes from multiple contractors to compare prices and consider the above-mentioned factors before making a decision. Also, it’s always a good idea to check references and to ask for a detailed breakdown of the costs.
Why Get an Asphalt Driveway?
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There are several reasons why people choose to install an asphalt driveway:
Durability: Asphalt is a strong and durable material that can withstand heavy traffic and extreme weather conditions. Asphalt pavement is also resistant to cracking and fading, which means it can maintain its appearance for many years.
Cost-effective: Asphalt is one of the most affordable materials for driveway construction. While asphalt driveway paving can take time, it is easy to repair, which can save homeowners money in the long run.
Low maintenance: Asphalt requires very little maintenance, making it a convenient option for busy homeowners. It can be sealed every few years to protect it from the elements and maintain its appearance.
Quick installation: Asphalt paving can be done very quickly compared to concrete driveway construction. It means homeowners can enjoy their new driveway in a matter of days.
Versatility: Asphalt can be used for various driveway designs and customized to match a home’s architectural style.
Environmentally friendly: Asphalt is made from a mixture of bitumen and crushed rock, which are abundant and recyclable materials.
Overall, an asphalt driveway is an excellent choice for those looking for a durable, cost-effective, and low-maintenance option that can be installed quickly and customized to match the look of their home.
The Cost of Installing an Asphalt Driveway
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The cost of installing or paving an asphalt driveway is highly subjective. There is no standard specification of driveways; some driveways are longer than others, while some require more labor to build.
Let’s talk in averages. The national average cost per square foot for paving an asphalt driveway can range anywhere between $3 to $15. If we consider the size of an average driveway of 640 square feet, the price comes to $1,920 to $9,600. The cost could go higher if you choose a colored or heated driveway.
This range is the average cost range of what you might have to pay to install a driveway. Our best guess for what you have to pay is anywhere between $4,000 to $4,500.
But every driveway is unique, and so is the price. There are so many factors that affect the price of paving a driveway. Labor costs, material costs, the increasing cost of asphalt, etc., are all factors that affect the final cost.
Asphalt Driveway vs. Gravel Driveway
There are several benefits of an asphalt driveway compared to a gravel driveway:
Durability: Asphalt is stronger and more durable than gravel and can withstand heavy traffic and extreme weather conditions better than gravel.
Aesthetics: Asphalt is a smooth and uniform surface, whereas a gravel driveway can have a rough and uneven appearance.
Low maintenance: Asphalt requires very little maintenance, whereas a gravel driveway must be replenished and leveled regularly.
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Cost-effective: Asphalt is generally less expensive to install and maintain than a gravel driveway.
Safety: An asphalt driveway provides a stable and non-slip surface for vehicles and pedestrians, whereas a gravel driveway can be loose and slippery.
Environmentally friendly: Asphalt is made from a mixture of bitumen and crushed rock, which are abundant and recyclable materials. Gravel driveways can cause dust and debris to be carried into nearby streets and homes, especially during dry seasons.
Weather resistance: Asphalt can withstand extreme temperatures, heavy rain, and heavy snowfall better than gravel driveways.
Noise reduction: Asphalt surfaces provide noise reduction compared to gravel surfaces.
Overall, an asphalt driveway offers a more durable, attractive, low-maintenance, and safe surface than a gravel driveway. It’s also a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly option.
In conclusion, an asphalt driveway is an excellent choice for those looking for a durable, cost-effective, and low-maintenance option that can be installed quickly and customized to match the look of their home.
It offers several benefits compared to a gravel driveway, such as durability, aesthetics, low maintenance, and safety. However, the cost of installing an asphalt driveway can vary depending on several factors, such as the size of the driveway, the type of subgrade, accessibility, type of asphalt, add-ons, labor, location, and permits.
This article provided a general overview of the process of installing an asphalt driveway and the factors that can affect the cost. With this information, homeowners and contractors can make an informed decision on whether an asphalt driveway is suitable for their needs.
