A driveway is an essential feature in a home. It creates the first impression of your property and improves curb appeal. In addition, it increases the market value of your property, especially for homes in urban areas. However, laying tarmac is complex and labor-intensive.
If you’re looking to install a new driveway, asphalt is an excellent option. Asphalt driveways are relatively cheap compared to a concrete driveway and easy to maintain. To help you make an informed decision, we’ll review the cost of an asphalt driveway, maintenance requirements, and the different types of asphalt.
Why Should You Choose An Asphalt Driveway?
A well-installed asphalt driveway can perform like concrete, in terms of durability, but at a much lower cost. In addition, because asphalt is a petroleum product, it’s less susceptible to cracking and more flexible than concrete. Notably, new asphalt is ready for use almost immediately after installation.
What Is The Average Cost of Installing A New Asphalt Driveway?
The total cost of installing a new driveway depends on the cost of materials, labor, and equipment used, among other factors.
1. Location of The Driveway
The geographical location of your property and the location of the driveway within the property both play a role in determining how much the driveway installation costs. For instance, if your garage is behind the house, the total price of the driveway can increase because you will need a longer driveway.
The geographical location of your property influences the cost of materials and labor due to external factors such as cost of living and fuel prices. For example, installing an asphalt driveway in Chicago on 200 square feet is $185 for materials, $157 for labor, and $23 for materials, while the total price of asphalt installation in Minnesota varies between $3,447–6,751.
2. Total Surface Area of The Driveway
A larger or longer driveway requires more material, driving the total cost up. For driveways that are roughly 600 square feet, the cost varies from $4200-7800. Asphalt manufacturers price the material per ton, with an average ranging between $100-200 per ton. A ton can cover about 40 to 80 square feet, depending on the needed thickness.
For instance, a driveway that’s 2 inches thick can run 80 square feet, while a driveway that’s 4 inches thick can run 40 square feet. A standard driveway will require up to 15 tons with asphalt ranging between $80-100 cubic yards.
However, the prices are not fixed as they are determined by the ton or measured in cubic yards.
3. Labor Costs
The size of your property will influence the period needed to complete the process. For example, a driveway on flat land is less expensive and easier to work on compared to a hilly or rocky area. In addition, you can incur other costs if your driveway requires additional services like stump or tree removal.
On average, labor costs range between $5-7 per square foot.
4. Type of Asphalt Used in Installation
There are five different types of asphalt which all vary in price per ton. The cost breakdown is as follows:
- Recycled asphalt: $10-20
- Stamped asphalt: $12-17
- Porous asphalt: $8-15
- Hot mix asphalt: $100-200
- Colored asphalt: $12-17
Most new driveways use hot mix asphalt whereas old driveways that require repairs use cold asphalt. Contractors use cold asphalt to repair existing driveways, which costs $10-50 per bag. Cold asphalt cannot be used during the installation of a new driveway because it generally lasts about two seasons before the next repair.
Alternatively, your contractor may opt to use reclaimed or recycled asphalt as it’s more affordable than hot mix asphalt.
Additional Costs For Installing A New Asphalt Driveway
When budgeting for asphalt installation on your driveway, you should consider some of the following factors:
- Sealing and maintenance: Asphalt sealing varies from $3-7 per square foot. The recommended maintenance period should vary between every three to five years.
- Widened driveway: The widening of the driveway may involve tree or stump removal or grading with the cost depending on the project. However, it varies between $7-13 square feet.
- Heated driveway: Depending on the type of installation, either new or replacement, a heated driveway costs between $12-25 per square foot.
- Excavation and grading: Depending on the number of cubic feet on the land that needs excavation, the cost ranges between $1500-5100.
- Surface excavation: Before the paver comes in, your contractor may need to prepare the property before the installation of asphalt. The cost varies depending on the workload.
How to Maintain Your Asphalt Driveway
Asphalt requires maintenance to prolong its life. If well maintained, it can last up to 20 years. Thoroughly clean the driveway at least twice to thrice a year but sweep using a stiff broom to brush the debris off the driveway.
You can request the services of a professional contractor to help you seal your driveway after every three to five years to ensure it continues to be water-resistant and attractive. In addition, a contractor should seal any holes and cracks as soon as possible to prevent the driveway from getting further damaged.
What Is The Average Cost of Repairing An Asphalt Driveway?
The price of repairing an asphalt driveway varies depending on the type of repair needed. Here’s a breakdown of the type of repair vs cost.
- Crack filling: $100-125
- Pothole repair: $120-1000
- Asphalt resurfacing: $3200
- Asphalt sealing: $0.20-0.25 per square foot
- Asphalt driveway repair: $1230
Final Word
Asphalt driveway installation is a good option for any driveway as it can be modified to suit its environment by coloring and stamping. In addition, if well-maintained, it saves you money on the installation and repairs.
Installing asphalt in your driveway is a good investment as it can increase the resale value of your property. It’s important to work with a certified contractor to ensure you get value for your money.
Contact Richfield Blacktop today to request a free quote or schedule an appointment. We are looking forward to transforming your driveway with our asphalt installation services.