Driveways are common for every house as it creates a definite path between the road and your main entrance. So, the pathway should be durable and you should make it sturdy with long-lasting materials like concrete or asphalt. 

While concrete is a pricey solution, you can have a better alternative in the form of asphalt. It offers you a durable and cost-effective solution without compromising the aesthetics of your property. 

It doesn’t matter if you are constructing a new driveway or renovating the existing one – choosing asphalt means you made an informed choice. Let’s understand here everything you need to know about asphalt driveways in Melbourne like their benefits, maintenance tips and the installation process.

Why You Should Choose Asphalt Material for Driveways

You have a lot of options in driveways – stone, concrete, and asphalt. What’s so specific about asphalt that makes it the popular choice? Let’s see:

• Affordable choice
  

Compared to other materials for driveways like concrete and stone, asphalt is more affordable. Hence, it’s an appealing option for most homeowners who are on their budget. You can have a great driveway without burning your entire savings. At the same time, you can get a quality driveway that makes your driving smooth and jerk-free.

• Durable and sturdy
  

Just because asphalt is affordable, it doesn’t mean it’s low-quality. On the contrary, asphalt driveways are known for their strength and resilience. The key to getting a quality driveway using asphalt is having the proper installation. When applied right and maintained properly, the driveway lasts up to 20 years or more. Though the lifetime depends on varying factors like climate and usage, you can get significant durability from it. 

• Fast installation 
  

Concrete and stone materials need a lot of time for the installation. On the contrary, the installation time for asphalt driveways takes up to two days.  Sometimes it can be done even in a day. So, if you want the driveway to be done sooner or have a time constraint, then choose asphalt. The benefits of asphalt driveways make your investment worth every penny. 

• Resistance to harsh weather
  

The key to having a durable driveway is its ability to show resistance to harsh weather and the unpredictable climate of Melbourne. No matter how much the temperature fluctuates, asphalt can withstand the weather. As it’s dark in colour, it melts snow faster in winter making your driveways clearer and ideal to travel. 

• Smooth driveway finish
  

One look at the asphalt driveway and you can see how smooth the finish is. It gives you a sleek finish and offers you a visually appealing surface for your driveway. If you have kids or pets, then no harm will be done because of the smooth surface. It’s safe for vehicles and pedestrians and you can enjoy the smoothness for a very long time. 

Installation process

As discussed earlier, the installation process is quicker and easier. It starts with the site preparation which includes clearing the site for any dirt, debris, vegetation and other protruding materials. It is then graded so that proper drainage is ensured. 

Then the base layer is installed which is made of crushed stone or gravel. It is essential to do so that it supports asphalt materials and provides long-lasting durability.

Now comes the real part where a hot mix of asphalt is poured and spread to get a smooth surface. Heavy rollers are used to even and smooth the surface.

Finally, curing needs to be done and you should have to wait for a day or two and you can use the driveway for a lighter use. For heavy usage, you might have to wait for few weeks, usually much lesser than needed in concrete installation. 

You should also seal the driveway to have protection against damage to extend the lifespan.

How to Maintain Asphalt Driveways To Get Better Durability

While asphalt driveways last for years, it’s essential to do maintenance to get the maximum lifetime. 

You have to seal the driveway – not only for protection from sunlight but also from water and oil spills. The sealant acts as a barrier and doesn’t let the asphalt be exposed to deteriorating materials. 

Also, it’s important to do immediate repairs by inspecting and addressing them from time to time. any cracks or potholes should be repaired as soon as possible to prevent further damage. Also, regular cleaning is important so that you can have a smooth and clear surface all the time. Clean the leaves, debris and stains regularly so that you can have an immaculate appearance.

As part of maintenance, avoid parking heavy vehicles so that it doesn’t lead to surface depressions.

Final Thoughts

Asphalt driveways also have common issues like cracking, potholes and fading, however, they can all be dealt with if you give proper maintenance. Choose asphalt if you want an aesthetic driveway in the budget. Consult with asphalt contractors in Melbourne if you have any queries regarding asphalt and its specifics.