If you’re considering a crushed asphalt driveway, you’re not alone. This type of driveway is becoming increasingly popular due to its affordability and eco-friendly materials. But before you decide to go with crushed asphalt, it’s essential to understand what it is and how it differs from other types of driveways. Let’s explore the pros and cons of crushed asphalt driveways so you can make an informed decision about your home’s landscape.
What Exactly is Crushed Asphalt?
Crushed asphalt is recycled asphalt pavement. Contractors pull up the asphalt from a project where the asphalt is no longer needed. Other companies take the asphalt materials and crush them into smaller pieces, called milling.
The smaller pieces find their way into products used as recycled paving material. Crushed asphalt driveways are not only eco-friendly, but they’re also very affordable.
The Pros of Crushed Asphalt Driveways
You might want to choose crushed asphalt for your driveway for many reasons. Here are some of the most significant advantages:
- Affordability: One of the most cost-effective paving materials available.
- Eco-friendly: Made from recycled materials and doesn’t require new resources
- Better than Gravel: Recycled asphalt contains tar which holds the gravel and sand materials in asphalt together. With professional compaction, it may hold together even better. So if you don’t like the dust of a gravel driveway, a crushed asphalt driveway may hold together better.
- Unique Product: Because crushed asphalt is growing in popularity, it has a new look that you may enjoy more than new asphalt’s smooth blacktop or an old-style gravel driveway.
The Cons of Crushed Asphalt Driveways
Of course, crushed asphalt driveways also have some disadvantages. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Crushed asphalt can be messy: If you have kids or pets, they may track the crushed asphalt into the house. It is nearly impossible to get asphalt stains out of carpet and clothing.
- Multiple seal coats: To protect crushed asphalt from weather damage, you may need to seal your crushed asphalt driveway. Any time water gets in the cracks of asphalt, you’ll have corrosion.
- Durability: A crushed asphalt driveway won’t last as long as a new asphalt driveway. Weather elements may get inside the asphalt compound and wash the tar binder away. Asphalt without a binder is more like gravel than asphalt.
- Lumpiness: A crushed asphalt driveway may feel lumpier than a new asphalt driveway. The color will also vary according to the product you use.
Crushed or New Asphalt for My Driveway?
A new asphalt driveway professionally laid by a contractor lasts longer than crushed asphalt and has a smooth, dark blacktop appearance. It is also maintained more easily year after year. With a maintenance seal coat every 2-3 years, a new asphalt driveway should last years looking good and maintaining its value.
With crushed asphalt, there is not yet enough data to determine its overall lasting power, so you’re taking a chance on a new trend. In addition, not all crushed asphalt products are the same. The quality depends on the mix. Recycled asphalt mixes vary according to the recycling project it came from.
Your Driveway is an Investment
Your driveway is an investment in your home’s value. Some commercial applications use recycled asphalt, but that doesn’t mean it’s the best choice for you. Deciding what material to use in paving your driveway may impact your bottom line years into the future.
Talk with a local paving contractor to learn what type of asphalt is best for your climate and area. A contractor will want the best product for your driveway so that they can stand behind their work.
Crushed asphalt comes with no guarantee. However, a new asphalt driveway comes with a company’s reputation on the line.
We Can Help
Whether you are looking at crushed or new asphalt for your driveway, contact AMP Paving to learn more about the two processes. We work to pave home driveways and handle commercial projects all across Columbia, SC’s greater metro area. Get in touch to find out how we can help you choose the best type of driveway for your home.