ASPHALT DRIVEWAYS
WHY ASPHALT DRIVEWAYS ARE A GREAT CHOICE FOR NORTHERN VIRGINIA PROPERTY OWNERS
Driveways are one of the very first things guests see when they come for a visit. Having a beautiful new asphalt driveway installed by Standard Paving adds a lot of curb appeal to a property. Dollar for dollar, upgrading a property with a new asphalt driveway is one of the best exterior improvements Northern Virginia property owners can make.
When asphalt driveways are installed correctly by experienced local paving contractors using the right equipment, they provide years of durability and dependable performance.
ASPHALT DRIVEWAY BENEFITS
ADVANTAGES OVER TAR & CHIP
Longer service life
When installed correctly and properly maintained by keeping edges backfilled and performing the required periodic crack sealing and sealcoating, asphalt driveways typically provide a service life of around 20 years, compared to about 10 years for tar & chip.
(It’s worth mentioning that tar and chip is less expensive to install than asphalt on larger projects and also has no sealcoating or ongoing maintenance costs like asphalt does.)
Structural pavement
Asphalt is a structural pavement material that distributes vehicle loads over a larger area than tar & chip. A solid base is still required with asphalt, but base conditions are more critical with tar & chip.
Hard smooth surface
Tar & chip is installed leaving a thin layer of loose surface stone over the hard paved surface beneath. Asphalt is a smooth, hard paved surface with no loose stone, making it more practical for some everyday driveway uses such as riding bikes or scooters, and playing basketball.
Defined edges
Asphalt has elevated, compacted, well-defined edges along the sides of the driveway, creating more well defined landscaping borders and a neater more uniform finished appearance than tar & chip edges provide.
Lower cost for small jobs
Because of the cost of the additional equipment mobilization that tar & chip paving requires, asphalt is the less expensive option for smaller residential driveway projects.
Easier cleanup
Leaves and debris are easier to sweep or blow off asphalt because it has a hard, smooth surface, with none of the loose surface stone that tar & chip has.
ADVANTAGES OVER GRAVEL
Stable surface
Gravel is a loose base material that moves around with traffic and is prone to vehicle tire spin on slopes and entrance aprons, which can create safety issues when entering or exiting traffic. Asphalt is a hard, stable paved surface that provides dependable traction.
Dust free
Gravel generates airborne dust that can be irritating for people with allergies or sensitive airways, while also coating vehicles and home exteriors. Asphalt is a clean paved surface that eliminates dust.
Mud free
Gravel contains fines that turn soft and muddy when it rains, creating a messy surface that tracks onto vehicle and house floors. Asphalt is a solid paved surface no loose fines to turn into mud. Even in wet weather, the surface remains clean.
Will not washout
Gravel commonly washes out forming ruts and pot holes during heavy rain. Asphalt is a hard paved surface that does not washout.
Easier snow removal
Gravel is a loose stone base material, that snow plows frequently dig into it, displacing the gravel and ruining the established grade. Asphalt can be plowed cleanly without disturbing the surface, and applying salt or deicers will not damage it.
Less Maintenance
Maintaining gravel requires ordering dump truck loads of replacement gravel, performing periodic regrading, routinely filling in newly formed potholes and ruts, and applying herbicides to control grass and weeds. Asphalt eliminates these recurring maintenance demands.
Cleaner borders
Gravel migrates into grass, ditches, and surrounding areas and can be thrown by lawnmower blades. Asphalt is a hard, paved surface with no loose stone, so it stays in place and maintains cleaner borders
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