How long does an asphalt driveway last in Minnesota?
Asphalt pavements can last up to 20-30 years with proper maintenance. To reduce damage and delay deterioration, driveway sealcoating every 2 to 3 years is what we recommend.
Is 2 inches of asphalt enough for a driveway?
For a regular driveway which is going to be used by regular cars, bicycles and bikes; 2 inches of asphalt is thick enough. Generally for resurfacing, 2 inches of asphalt is just about right, but if you are going for a stone surface and need a good base, it is better to layer up the asphalt thicker, around 3 inches.
Is 3 inches of asphalt enough for a driveway?
Residential driveways typically use 2 to 3 inches of asphalt with 3 being suitable for occasional large trucks or heavy equipment. Underneath the asphalt you should have 6 to 8 inches of granular base aggregate.
Does asphalt make a good driveway?
A properly installed asphalt driveway will perform much like concrete (which is a step up in durability) but at a much lower cost. On the flip side, because asphalt is a petroleum product, it is more flexible and less susceptible to cracking than concrete. Asphalt can also get hot in the summer.
How long before you can walk on a new asphalt driveway?
Since asphalt needs time to harden and cure, usually 6-12 months, your parking lot or driveway will remain soft and pliable until then. You may walk on the new pavement immediately, but keep automobile traffic off of it for at least 3 full days and longer in hotter temperatures.
Is asphalt better than concrete?
Concrete is more durable than asphalt. Because it is a less flexible material, it cracks in freezing temperatures, and many people turn to concrete patching products. Though it is more durable overall, when damages do occur, concrete repair is harder and costlier. than asphalt repair.
What is the best grade of asphalt?
The 60-70 grade is usually used only in pavements where traffic is very heavy such as principle city streets and very heavily trafficked rural highways. The second grade, 85-100, is by far the most widely used material for plant mixes and is suitable for most pavements.
How long before you can drive on new asphalt?
It is best to wait at least 24 hours before driving on the new surface. We often advise that you wait longer during hot weather. Following installation, be sure to follow a regular preventative maintenance plan, including sealcoating and crack filling, to keep your asphalt looking its best.
How much weight can a 4 inch driveway support?
Concrete driveways are typically poured four inches thick, giving the concrete driveway enough strength to withstand loads of regular vehicles (up to approximately 8,000lbs).
How long will asphalt driveway last?
The life expectancy varies based on climate, traffic, and maintenance. It is possible to have asphalt pavement last 25-30 years, but this depends on how strong the base is, the soil types underneath, how well those soils drain, how think the original road, parking lot, or drivewaywas paved.
How long should you stay off a new asphalt driveway?
Q: How long should I stay off the new asphalt? Normally, 24-hours is all that is required to use your new asphalt surface. In very warm weather, we recommend staying off the fresh asphalt for 1 – 2 days, as the surface cools.
Does rain affect new asphalt driveway?
Fresh asphalt is made with a mixture of oil and aggregate. After the asphalt is laid, it slowly dries and cures into a solid surface that isn’t vulnerable to rain damage. However, until asphalt dries, the oil inside the fresh asphalt can react to water, causing it to rise to the surface.