5 Benefits of Asphalt Driveway Over Gravel
Homeowners frequently must choose between two popular driveway installation materials: gravel and asphalt. However, irrespective of the advantages of the different materials, asphalt driveways have gradually gained popularity for the following reasons. In this blog, we will see six benefits of having an asphalt driveway instead of a gravel one, which has its merits but is not as beneficial as an asphalt one. Understanding these benefits will assist you in making the right decision regardless of whether you are constructing a new home or evaluating re-curbing your existing driveway.
1. A more streamlined and attractive appearance
One of the apparent benefits of using asphalt as opposed to gravel is that the former has a smooth and clean surface. While gravel roads are fine, they often appear as if they are uneven, developing ruts, humps, and hollows over time, most especially when it rains or every time the road is used intensively. As demonstrated in this section, asphalt provides a flat playing field that is visually appealing and easy to navigate.
A well-polished and well-black asphalted driveway section conveys the aesthetic appeal to any home. Another advantage is that one wants to improve the overall appearance of the home’s external construction, making it suitable for homeowners. Besides, asphalt is available in different colours to some extent; you can make it blend with your house.
2. Longevity and Durability
What many people love about asphalt is that it is so incredibly durable and hard-wearing. Although gravel is cheap and easy to work with, creating and sustaining a gravel driveway is difficult due to the typical appearance of potholes, erosion, and shifting of stones. Such problems start causing discomfort while driving on gravel and may contribute to car damage.
However, one lacks the flexibility, strength, and interlocking nature associated with asphalt, which provides a resistant surface that cannot easily disintegrate under some weather conditions and excessive loads. An asphalt driveway should be ensured for a bare minimum of fifteen to twenty years, provided it has been put down correctly and properly maintained. Further, it withstands freezing conditions where gravel roads are frozen and may easily be damaged through expansion when frozen and contracting when in a thawed state.
3. Minimal Maintenance Needs
A gravel driveway can be expensive and time-consuming to maintain. Gravel tends to move, particularly when it rains or large vehicles drive over it. This leads to uneven surfaces and ruts that require frequent leveling. Additionally, gravel will eventually spread and require replenishment. Furthermore, grass and weed growth through the gravel can become a recurring problem that needs ongoing care.
In contrast, asphalt driveway require far less maintenance. Although temperature variations may cause minor cracks over time, these may be readily fixed with seal coating or patching. This is a far easier and less frequent procedure than the upkeep needed for gravel driveways. An asphalt driveway that is kept up simply requires seal coating every 3 to 5 years.
4. Better Water Management and Drainage
A key consideration when selecting driveway materials is water control. Drainage problems are common with gravel roads, especially in places with high rainfall or poor soil. Driving becomes challenging due to ruts and grooves caused by water washing away the top layer of gravel. Furthermore, the driveway’s condition may deteriorate due to additional erosion caused by standing water.
Asphalt driveways provide a more regulated and efficient drainage solution. Rainwater can run down asphalt driveways and into approved drainage systems when designed correctly and with a moderate gradient. Keeping standing water from collecting on the roadway lowers the possibility of erosion or freezing-related damage.
5. Long-Term Cost-Effectiveness
Gravel driveways are usually less expensive to install initially, but because they need to be maintained and restocked frequently, the long-term expenses can mount up rapidly. Over time, replacing and raking gravel can become costly and time-consuming regularly. Furthermore, heavier cars’ wear and tear can drastically reduce a gravel driveway’s lifespan.
On the other hand, asphalt driveways could be more expensive initially, but over time, their longevity and minimal upkeep needs make them a more economical option. The lifetime of an asphalt driveway guarantees that you receive a higher return on your investment over time, and the uncommon need for repairs and maintenance helps to offset the initial cost.
Conclusion
It is clear that asphalt has significant advantages over gravel when deciding on a driveway. Its smooth texture, wear resistance, and low maintenance make the product attractive to homeowners who want an aesthetically pleasing, long-lasting solution. Asphalt driveways are even more practical and justified from investment because they provide better permeability, safety, and economic outcomes in the long run.
Thus, for anyone who is considering lifespan, functionality, and beauty, asphalt is undoubtedly the better option, even though it is possible that for some remote or less frequented roads, gravel might be a good solution. Those homeowners who decide in favour of asphalt can get a lovely driveway that will increase the overall attractiveness of the property’s look and, at the same time, create a safe, durable, and easy-to-maintain surface for many years.
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