Metal Buildings

Asphalt is a great “middle road” option for your driveway surface. As with all surface materials, asphalt comes with its pros and cons. An asphalt driveway is made by pouring a layer of granular fill as a foundation and then paving over the top with a combination of sand, rock, and asphalt cement. Asphalt cement is a tar-based petroleum product, which has its own advantages and disadvantages. For example, asphalt will flex in extreme temperatures, unlike concrete, allowing it to endure hot and cold weather without cracking. Here are more pros and cons of an asphalt driveway:

Pros

Cost – Asphalt, while more expensive than gravel, is much cheaper than concrete. Asphalt typically costs between $2 - $5 per square foot. You get a solid surface at a fraction of the cost of concrete by paving your driveway with asphalt.

Durability in Extreme Weather – As we mentioned above, asphalt is a tar-based product, which means it will flex in very hot or very cold temperatures. Concrete is more susceptible to cracking under these conditions than asphalt. 

Speed of Installation – While asphalt is not as easy to install as gravel, it is quicker than concrete. You can use your asphalt driveway shortly after it is steamrolled, whereas concrete requires several days to a week to cure.

Cons

Maintenance – Your asphalt driveway will need to be treated every two years or so. It will also need to be swept and power-washed twice a year. Concrete requires almost no maintenance while asphalt does require some upkeep. However, the better you treat your asphalt driveway the longer it will last.

Asphalt Gets Very Hot – Asphalt is black. Black traps heat. Your asphalt driveway will get very hot during the summer if you live in an area with a hot climate.

Longevity – Asphalt driveways can last anywhere between 10-30 years. Concrete driveways usually last longer, in excess of 35 years. If you take good care of your asphalt driveway, you can expect it to last a very long time.

VersaTube has the perfect building kit for your next garage or structure. Head on over to our standard kits to view our selection of DIY steel-building kits. They are the easiest buildings you’ll ever work with. VersaTube buildings come with directions that are simple and easy to follow. No contractor necessary. Give us a call today at (888) 889-9611. Thanks for choosing VersaTube!