Blog - Richfield Blacktop

Are Asphalt Driveways More Cost-Effective Than Concrete in 2025?

When choosing the right material for their driveway, homeowners often choose between asphalt and concrete. Both materials have benefits and drawbacks, but the cost is the most significant for most people. The debate over which material is more cost-effective continues, with considerations like installation costs, maintenance, lifespan, and climate resilience playing a significant role. This guide analyzes installation, maintenance, lifespan, and climate resilience to help you answer the question: Are asphalt driveways more cost-effective than concrete in the long run? Upfront Costs: Asphalt vs. Concrete One of the biggest reasons homeowners lean toward asphalt is its affordability. On average, the

How to Pressure Wash an Asphalt Driveway Without Damaging It

A pressure washer is a powerful tool that can make cleaning an asphalt driveway quick and efficient. However, if misused, it can also cause damage by breaking down the adhesive bond that holds the asphalt together. To ensure you clean your driveway effectively without causing harm, it’s essential to use the proper techniques, pressure settings, and cleaning solutions. This guide will walk you through the safest way to pressure wash an asphalt driveway without damaging it. Understanding Asphalt Composition and Pressure Washing Risks As any comprehensive asphalt driveway cleaning guide would advise, it’s essential to understand that asphalt is a

What Is Asphalt Milling?

Maintaining roads, driveways, and parking lots is essential for safety and longevity. However, a complete replacement can be costly and time-consuming. Asphalt milling provides a cost-effective alternative by removing a portion of the existing pavement, allowing for resurfacing without complete reconstruction. This process saves money and extends the lifespan of asphalt surfaces with minimal disruption. How Asphalt Milling Works Asphalt milling involves the controlled removal of a specific thickness of asphalt from a paved surface. A specialized milling machine grinds and removes the old pavement, loading the material into trucks for disposal or recycling. The depth can range from a

Can You Put Asphalt Over Concrete?

When it comes to paving surfaces, many property owners and contractors wonder if they can put asphalt over concrete. The short answer is yes, it is possible. This method is used in many commercial applications, such as airport runways, where a concrete base is capped with asphalt. However, while this approach has benefits, it also has potential downsides that must be considered before deciding. Why Asphalt Over Concrete Can Work Concrete Provides a Strong, Stable Base One of the main reasons people put asphalt mix over concrete is that concrete is an excellent base material. Unlike other surfaces, concrete is

3 Different Types of Asphalt and When to Use Them

Selecting the correct one among the various types of asphalt is essential for durability, functionality, and a visually appealing surface. Different asphalt mixes provide unique benefits, whether you’re paving a residential driveway, a commercial parking lot, or a city street. Understanding these differences helps ensure your project meets traffic load, climate conditions, and aesthetic goals. The Three Different Types of Asphalt Asphalt is a versatile material commonly used in road construction, parking lots, and driveways. Understanding the different types of asphalt can help homeowners and contractors choose the best option for their specific needs. Each type has unique properties and

Asphalt Paving Costs: Key Factors That Affect Pricing

Most homeowners are caught off guard when they receive a quote for paving a small driveway and see that the cost is still significant. The assumption is that a smaller project should mean a lower price. However, asphalt paving requires a lot of heavy equipment and skilled labor, regardless of the job size. Beyond size, several critical factors influence asphalt paving costs, some of which are within a homeowner’s control. Understanding these factors can help homeowners make informed decisions about their paving projects. Five Key Factors That Influence Asphalt Paving Costs 1. Minimum Equipment and Labor Costs The same specialized