Pros and Cons of Asphalt Pavement in Worcester, MA

by | Aug 4, 2016 | Construction and Maintenance

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Asphalt is one of the most common types of material for paving a driveway. This doesn’t mean that it’s the only choice. Other options include poured concrete and concrete pavers, among other choices. Understanding the pros and cons of using asphalt pavement in Worcester MA will help you make a decision on whether this is the right type of driveway for your home.

Potential Benefits

Asphalt Pavement in Worcester MA is one of the less expensive options for driveways, which is one of the main reasons it tends to be so popular. Because it provides a nice flat surface, it’s also relatively easy to shovel or snow blow once the snow falls in the winter. This isn’t the case with paving stones, which can trap snow between their cracks or heave up to create and uneven surface that makes it difficult to shovel or snow blow. Its black color also goes with pretty much any color and can be kept looking nice for a long time, especially if you add sealcoating once the driveway has had a chance to cure.

Potential Considerations

The main problem with asphalt is that it doesn’t tend to be quite as durable overall as some of the other types of driveway materials. However, it will still be relatively inexpensive to fix or replace any damage that does occur as long as you catch it in the early stages. Any cracks will need to be regularly filled before the winter, or water in the cracks will expand as it freezes and causes the cracks to get even bigger in size. This can make it, so the driveway needs to be replaced more quickly. The best option is to regularly reseal the driveway, as this fills in small cracks and provides a coating that helps keep damage to the asphalt to a minimum. These tasks can be done by the homeowner, but they are messy and time-consuming, so many people prefer to hire a professional to handle them. Another potential consideration is that during very hot weather, the asphalt may get slightly soft and impressions may form from the wheels of heavy vehicles, causing dents in the driveway.

Contact Premier Sealcoating MA for more information.

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