Asphalt Driveways
Asphalt vs Concrete
The main difference between asphalt and concrete is that asphalt uses tar as a binder of the aggregates where concrete uses portland cement. This means that asphalt is more resistant to cracking because of the inherent flexibility of the tar/oils, which gives it more elasticity. It is also easier to keep clean because it is typically black. The downside is the heat that it draws on a hot summer day because of its dark color.
Standard asphalt – also known as blacktop – offers the quickest and most economical method to pave your driveway. With favorable curing conditions and a competent paving contractor, you can often be using it the next day. It’s also recyclable. In fact, in terms of tonnage, it’s the most recycled product in North America. Recycled blacktop offers the same durability as new asphalt, so as far as being environmentally friendly, its life-cycle is nearly limitless.
Asphalt Resurfacing
Asphalt can also be applied over concrete or be re-applied over existing asphalt. This method is known as resurfacing and is only as good as the base you are covering. For example: If you apply new blacktop over badly cracked concrete or asphalt, within a year or so the resurface (the new blacktop placed on top) will also crack.
With age, asphalt or blacktop can become brittle and dry out from the elements. The older it is, the more vulnerable it is to cracking. Seal coatings rejuvenate the elasticity in blacktop and should be applied 6-12 months after installation and then every 2 years as preventative maintenance. Sealing blacktop is a relatively easy task that doesn’t always require an asphalt paving, contractor, to perform.
Asphalt Pavements
Asphalt Berm or Curbing can also be used on Asphalt pavements. The berm is installed by the linear foot to create landscaping islands in parking lots or to prevent water runoff on steep driveways, or as a curb.
While asphalt has been very limited in the past as to what you could do with it as far as creating custom finishes. New machinery and methods have been created to enable you to create custom patterns and even add colors. Please see our Custom Colours, Patterns & Textures page for more information on what you can do to create a custom finish on your driveway, or other blacktop paved surface. Not every asphalt driveway paving contractor offers these options that can add additional beauty and value to your home.
To see what an asphalt driveway will cost you, please either give us a call at: 604-298-8775 or use our quote request form.
Asphalt Services
Bortolo and Sons serves the following areas in the Greater Vancouver Area:
Vancouver | North Vancouver | West Vancouver | Richmond | Burnaby |
Coquitlam | Port Coquitlam | Pitt Meadows | Port Moody | Langley |
New Westminster | Surrey | White Rock | Delta | Tsawwassen |