Many people do not spend a lot of time thinking about asphalt, but the truth is that they use it a lot. You probably walk on driveways, sidewalks, and parking lots all the time, and chances are, a lot of these structures are made of asphalt. If you need to have a project done that involves asphalt, such as the renovation of a driveway or parking lot, you want to make sure that it is done well.

If you want the project done well, it is important that you find the best paving contractors who are available in your area. Budget is a consideration when you are undertaking this type of project, which is why you might wonder about different costs, such as the approximate cost of asphalt driveway. If you are not very familiar with the workings of asphalt and concrete, you might have a lot of questions about how asphalt application works when it comes to an asphalt driveway and walkway. You might wonder how long the process will take, for example, if you have questions, it would be a good idea to ask asphalt paving professionals. The answer might differ from case to case, but asking someone will give you a better idea of what you can expect.

While your home might be your castle, its outer adornments can let it down. Driveways are part of that outside design and should be an important part of the overall vision for your house. An asphalt driveway can be a thing of beauty — if properly installed and maintained. Concrete driveways can last between 25 and 50 years depending on how they are looked after. Asphalt is the material of choice not only for America’s driveways, but also its pavements, parking lots and paved roads, with nearly 95% of the 2.6 million miles of paved roads and 90% of parking areas in the US being covered in asphalt. In fact, 18 billion tons of it is on US roads.

Asphalt, which is made up of asphalt concrete, stones and sand, is hard wearing and provides a smooth, wearable finish. In addition, it can withstand both thawing and freezing and impervious to salt, making them great for snowy areas. Its flexibility makes it a better choice than other concrete options. Of course, asphalt driveways need not be monotone; special mixes can add color and light to your frontage with a range of hues and shades — up to 250 — on offer.

If any damage does occur, most minor asphalt driveway repair can be handled quickly and easily with concrete contractors on hand to offer a complete repair service. In some instance DIY repair is also possible with products available to meet small needs. If need be, asphalt can even be overlaid over an existing driveway quite easily by an asphalt driveway repair specialist.

If you are looking either to install or repair and expand your driveway, remember that eight to nine feet is the average for a one-car driveway and 15 to 18 feet for a two-car version, but you need to ensure that enough surrounding space is included to open doors as well. Drainage can also be an issue, so a slope of at least one-fourth inch per foot should be used for the pavement. Temperature can also impact on asphalt laying and weather should be considered when deciding when to install or resurface a driveway. The soil or rock on which the asphalt will be laid needs to be dry and solid.