Asphalt Or Blacktop Driveway: Which Is Better?
A Blacktop Driveway is a type of paved surface typically found in residential neighborhoods. It is created by installing black underlayment, getting the surface level, then adding three inches of asphalt cement that are heated to between 150-180 degrees Fahrenheit. The black underlayment helps the asphalt cement to stick to the ground and creates a hard surface that can be paved over quickly.
The term ‘blacktop’ comes from a technique that was used in the early days of paving. Black tar was spread over a road and then covered with crushed rock to hold it down, followed by a layer of gravel, and then another layer or two of rock. The resulting surface was hard but noisy. Colloquially this type of pavement became known as ‘blacktop’.
A blacktop driveway is typically made by making an outline of where the driveway should be, then using a hydraulic ram to push down the existing soil. This makes it easier to level the surface. The ground under the asphalt cement must be at least four inches thick, with no underlying concrete or tile.
But which is better, an asphalt or a blacktop driveway? Get to know more as we’ll discuss this topic in today’s entry.
Asphalt And Blacktop In Comparison
The main difference between an asphalt and a blacktop driveway is that a blacktop driveway does not have any cracks in it. It also has a different appearance because of the dark color of the surface. For both asphalt and blacktop, there must be at least four inches of thickness of the top layer of paving with no underlying concrete or tile present. There are some differences when making a wide driveway. The rule for blacktop that there be no underlying concrete or tile only applies if the driveway is to be wide. For both asphalt and blacktop driveways, an outline is made of where the driveway should be and then using a hydraulic ram to push down the existing soil makes it easier to level the surface.
In addition, for both asphalt and blacktop, the asphalt cement that is placed over the crushed rock must be heated to between 150-180 degrees Fahrenheit (65.5-82.2 degrees Celsius) for three inches thick or up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit (93.3 degrees Celsius) for five inches thick.
Moreover, the key differences between the two types of driveways are how they feel when driving on them and what they look like. Blacktop tends to be less noisy for vehicles. On the downside, blacktop must be heated to around 200 degrees Fahrenheit (93.3 degrees Celsius) because it is a porous surface and requires more work in order to create a smooth surface. Asphalt has a smoother surface, but it does make a greater amount of noise when vehicles drive on it. On the other hand, asphalt requires less work to restore the surface.
Blacktop also has a dark appearance while asphalt is lighter in color. The main difference between an asphalt and a blacktop driveway is that a blacktop driveway does not have any cracks in it.
Which Is Better?
Both types of driveways have their own advantages and disadvantages. When it comes to asphalt, one major drawback is its significant noise when cars are driving on it. The good thing about asphalt is that it can be patched with relatively little effort. Asphalt also has a very smooth surface, which makes it easy to clean asphalt, should the need arise. However, blacktop tends to be more durable than asphalt. It does cost more for blacktop though because it must be heated to a much higher temperature in order to lay it.
Is It Pricey To Have A Blacktop Driveway
The price of blacktopping a driveway is dependant on the size of the driveway. Larger driveways are more expensive than smaller ones. This can be due to the thickness and amount of tar used in the process. It is important, however, to take into consideration that these prices also vary from company to company and may or may not include other minor factors such as additional work.
Blacktopping a driveway typically costs anywhere from $600 to over $2000 depending on the size of the driveway.
Blacktop driveways are also subject to being skid-proofed if needed, which can be an additional cost. Additionally, if an old driveway already exists and is to be replaced with a new one, it can cost anywhere from $4.00 per square foot and up due to the additional work that must be done.
If you’re looking for a trusted asphalt paving company in Utah, you can contact A-Rock Asphalt today.