The Paving Blog

Asphalt paving is a very typical pavement surface of a tough and relatively durable nature that spreads easily and quickly and solves any number of specific driveway problems.  Particularly where cost is an issue, asphalt paving is one of the better solutions.  Long winding driveways for example can be cost-prohibitive when finished with concrete or brick pavers.  Asphalt can provide a pretty expedient and less costly solution in a fraction of the time. Finishing a 2 or 3 inch spread of compacted asphalt can cover an enormous amount of space in a pretty fast window of time.

The disadvantages of asphalt are in its durability over the long haul.  However, having said that, few items are easier to repair, nor is it particularly costly doing so.  Asphalt also has a flexibility that concrete lacks, thus allowing some alterations in grade or compaction problems underneath more leeway in determining the lifetime of a driveway. Where concrete literally breaks and sometimes even flakes away and deteriorates over time and exposure, asphalt remains pretty sturdy owing to this flexibility.  Still and all, asphalt requires the same attention to sub grade compaction and requires the same necessary materials composing an adequate and professional sub grade as any other product.  And maybe even more so.

Continual stress from heaving and sinking can alter the composition of asphalt to the extent that it will also break up into sections. When asphalt loses it monolithic element, it then is far more easily pulverized and broken up than concrete.