If you take a look around a New England town or city, you’ll see plenty of asphalt. Though the blacktop might be surrounded by spurts of cobblestone, brick, and concrete, asphalt will take up more surface area than all these alternatives combined. The same can be said for most other regions around the U.S. Simply put, asphalt has long been the most common paving material out there, for good reason.
Let’s explore just four reasons asphalt paving is so popular for commercial, industrial, and residential properties all over.
Top Four Reasons Asphalt Paving Is so Popular
1. Asphalt’s Aesthetic Appeal
At first, paving asphalt might not seem guaranteed to enhance a property’s curb appeal. After all, blacktop is dark and anything but flashy. And yet, this subdued look is precisely what makes asphalt pavement so appealing. No other paving material lies in such stark contrast with its surroundings as fresh, rich asphalt. Like any other material, the lasting appeal of asphalt is highly dependent on how well it’s maintained. And as we’ll discuss below, asphalt maintenance doesn’t require too much time or energy, so long as it’s done consistently and properly. An asphalt driveway or parking lot that’s well-maintained will attract more eyeballs and encourage more traffic.
2. It’s Built to Last
Appearances only mark the beginning of asphalt’s total appeal. This material wouldn’t have become so prevalent if it couldn’t withstand the constant pressures of the weather, vehicles, pedestrians, and other environmental factors. These forces will certainly take a toll on any asphalt surface, but asphalt is well-equipped to bear the brunt of moisture intrusion, abrasion, impact, UV damage, and erosion, so long as it’s properly maintained. Indeed, some amount of asphalt pavement repair will be necessary to keep the pavement smooth, strong, and appealing as the years go on. The sooner you tackle these repairs, however, the less costly and extensive they’ll be. Filling small cracks, patching potholes, inspecting drains, keeping surfaces clean, and sealcoating the surface every 3-5 years will extend the asphalt’s lifespan, keeping it around for as long as 30 years in some cases. With a shelf life that long, it’s no wonder so many people opt for asphalt paving.
3. The Relative Low Cost of Asphalt
Cost is a major concern for business owners and homeowners alike, so asphalt’s cost-effective nature is a major draw for most. Compared to concrete and brick, asphalt is much easier to manufacture, in part because it’s largely recyclable. The significant supply of asphalt keeps its cost low. It’s true that you might have to invest in more frequent pavement repair and maintenance over time when dealing with asphalt, but, as mentioned above, consistent maintenance keeps these costs low as well.
4. It’s Good for All Seasons
One of the many appeals of New England life is experiencing the best of what all four seasons have to offer. These variable conditions can be a lot to deal with, of course (for people and pavement alike). While asphalt surfaces certainly take a beating thanks to environmental activity, asphalt pavement holds firm throughout the seasons, thanks to several features. For one thing, asphalt is dark, meaning it absorbs light and heats up – this helps melt snow and ice during winter on sunnier days. Asphalt is porous, too – this opens the door for moisture intrusion, but it also allows for quick drainage, so those rainy days don’t turn into flash floods so easily. Once again, proper asphalt maintenance is essential for mitigating the threats of sunlight, precipitation, and extreme temperatures. Still, asphalt already has a leg up, no matter the season.
The Asphalt Advantage
There’s a reason asphalt is all over the place – four reasons, in fact, and that’s only a small sampling of the various benefits asphalt has to offer. If you’re looking to switch to asphalt or your existing asphalt could use an update, get in touch with Cassidy Paving. Call us today at 866-978-9788 to learn more about our services.