Deciding what kind of driveway to install for your home can be a big decision that impacts the overall curb appeal the functionality of your exterior space. The three main options people choose between are asphalt, concrete, and interlocking pavers.

 

A significant factor that can come into play when deciding what material is best for new driveway construction is the geographic location you live in— especially if it’s in cold or wet climates.

 

Here are 2 reasons why asphalt is the superior option for home-builders or renovators in Maryland.

 

Climate

 

Asphalt driveways are common in northeastern climates because of the material’s malleable characteristics. This is an important characteristic for your driveway to have, because during freeze-and-thaw cycles, asphalt won’t crack as much as other driveway materials such as concrete or interlocking pavers.

On top of that, the black color of asphalt absorbs the heat of the sun, melting snow faster in the icy winter. Because of asphalt’s ability to contract and dilate without damage, it’s a cost-effective way to pave sloped areas or steep inclines in colder climates.

 

Quick Installation

 

A trained professional can install a new asphalt driveway in a relatively short amount of time– usually within a day or two as soon as the sub-grade preparation takes place (this can take one day or up to several weeks, dependent upon the area of installation).

 

Newly installed asphalt driveways can be driven on 24 hours after installation. Asphalt hardens more over time— meaning it can take up to a full year for a new driveway to fully cure.