Before installing driveway blacktop, it is important to learn about different types and finishes. To help you decide which type is right for your home, you should view completed projects. Pay special attention to the size and finish of the stones. This will allow you to choose the best finish for your driveway and have your contractor match the blacktop to that finish. For best results, start by installing a crushed gravel rock base on your driveway that is one foot wider than the finished driveway width.
Cost of driveway blacktop
The cost of driveway blacktop depends on a variety of factors. The size of the driveway and the prep work are the main factors that determine the price. Depending on the size of your property, a couple of inches of asphalt may be sufficient. However, the amount of asphalt applied to the driveway will also depend on several factors.
The average cost of driveway blacktop is between $5 and $9 per square foot, but the cost can be as high as $40 per square foot for a one-car driveway. Depending on the type of asphalt used and the amount of labor involved, you may save $2 to $4 per square foot compared to a full replacement of the surface.
A two-lane asphalt road costs $370,000 to $900,000 per mile, which is considerably more than the cost of a driveway made of topsoil. Topsoil is a popular choice for flowerbeds, but it is not suitable for use as a driveway. The soil used for driveways should be free of organic compounds. If you're looking to install a new driveway, you can contact a general contractor. They generally charge between $40 and $55 per hour. You may be able to find someone who will work for a reduced price if you know them.
Asphalt costs vary widely between contractors. The cost will depend on the type of asphalt used, the number of layers and prep work involved, and the pitch of the existing asphalt. Additionally, the price will be affected by the distance from the asphalt plant. A driveway with a long, winding driveway will be more affordable than one made of asphalt.
Depending on the size of the driveway, the cost of asphalt is $2 to $5 per square foot. A twelve-foot by 50-foot single-car driveway could cost up to $3,200, depending on the job size. However, driveways with curves and irregular shapes can cost anywhere from $25,000 to $50,000.
Asphalt is an all-weather surfacing material, which is used to pave driveways. Hot mix asphalt costs around $100 per ton. A single ton of asphalt will cover up to 80 square feet, which means an average driveway will require 7.5 to 15 tons of asphalt. The thickness of each layer will determine the total amount of asphalt needed.
Types of driveway blacktop
There are a few different types of driveway blacktop. These materials can be quite durable and inexpensive to install, but they also need to be resurfaced every few years. Asphalt is a great choice if you are in a cold climate or want to create a driveway with a durable surface. However, it will need to be resurfaced every ten to fifteen years, or every twenty years if you live in a mild climate. Asphalt is also more stable and solid, unlike concrete or stone, which become sloppy and unstable when it gets wet.
Blacktop is similar to asphalt, and it uses the same ingredients. However, it requires a higher temperature to be applied to the surface. Asphalt is usually heated to about 250 degrees, while blacktop needs a higher temperature. Most blacktop mixes contain natural stone, which gives it its sparkly appearance.
Despite the similarity in these two types, they have some major differences. Depending on the type of driveway you're building, you may choose either 41A asphalt or 41B asphalt. Choosing the best type depends on your budget and what you're looking for. However, both types offer durability, strength, and a smooth surface.
Concrete is an attractive and durable driveway surface. However, it can be expensive and needs professional installation. A concrete driveway is easy to plow, and it is a durable material. However, it needs to be professionally installed to maintain its integrity. It can be difficult to plow in snow, and it can also be slippery and unsafe if it's wet. It also needs proper waterproofing and stormwater drainage systems.
Another option is a layered asphalt driveway. The benefits of this material include its durability and a long lifespan. It can last for several decades, and it is often only necessary to replace the surface when the base surface becomes cracked and crumbled. Additionally, a layered asphalt driveway can help reduce road noise by 50%. For this reason, layered asphalt is a practical option for homeowners near highways.
Maintenance required
If you want to keep your driveway blacktop looking like new for years, there are a few things you need to know about the process. First, you need to properly sealcoat the surface. This sealer is applied thinly, using a squeegee or brush. Then, you need to wait for the sealer to cure before applying another thin coat. You do not want to apply too thick of a coat, as it will not cure properly.
Next, you need to regularly clean it. Oil and fuel spills can eat away at the asphalt. You can use a degreaser cleaner that is designed for asphalt. When cleaning the surface, do not use pressure washers, because these will drive the stains deep into the blacktop pores.
Next, you should apply a SPF sealcoat to reduce the heat and UV rays that affect your driveway. Another thing you need to do is prepare your driveway for winter. During winter, water seeps into cracks and crevices, and your driveway needs to be properly prepared.
Lastly, you need to regularly clean the surface of the driveway. This includes using a hose and a stiff broom. This will protect the asphalt and increase its lifespan. It is important to do this regularly if you want your driveway to look new for years to come. You may also want to consider hiring a professional driveway cleaner for this job.