Installing new asphalt pavement might be the best decision for your neighborhood. Along with increasing drivability, fresh asphalt pavement can add curb appeal and improve resale value. There are also a variety of benefits to using asphalt.
Most communities and government agencies prefer asphalt pavement for their roadway systems because of the surface’s durability and performance during heavy traffic conditions. Asphalt pavement is also becoming a popular choice for driveways among homebuilders and homeowners. One of the main reasons its used more frequently is that it is more cost-effective than other surface types.
Asphalt pavement is also eco-friendly, safe, and tolerates a range of temperatures and weather conditions. All in all, if you are looking for a surface that stands the test of time, looks attractive, and withstands the harshest conditions, asphalt pavement should rank high on your list.
But how much does asphalt pavement cost, and is it worth the price? Let’s break down the best way of estimating how much a project involving asphalt pavement will cost.
Asphalt Pavement Cost Calculator
Prices of asphalt pavement vary by the asphalt mix and manufacturer, so you must get a few estimates before settling on one. Your location and the type of project you are needing done (installation, repair, repaving) also play a role in determining final costs. However, some averages can help you better assess the value of asphalt pavement before talking with a specialist.
How Much Does It Cost to Install Asphalt Pavement?
If you are paving a new asphalt surface, you can expect to pay between $3 to $4 per square foot. You can also work with professional asphalt pavers that make the installation process quick, easy, and cost-effective.
The total cost of an asphalt pavement installation also includes construction, labor, time, and other factors of the project, such as demo-ing the current surface, hauling it away, and prepping the area before laying down the asphalt mix. Many professional Utah asphalt installation companies, like Morgan Pavement, can offer price estimates before service begins to give you a better idea of what your specific project will cost.
Here are a few of the factors that can impact the cost of asphalt pavement installation:
- Excavation
As mentioned before, the asphalt paving contractor will need to demolish and haul off any existing asphalt, cement, or gravel. Then excavation is the next step to clear and prep the land before laying down asphalt. All land requires some level of excavation, but if your area features a steep grade or is sloping, excavation is critical for proper water drainage. Without excavation from professional asphalt pavers, pavement runs the risk of not setting correctly, cracking, or deteriorating faster than it should.
- Foundation
The installation process also requires installing a foundation of gravel. This step includes laying 8-10 inches of a gravel foundation before laying down the asphalt pavement. Gravel or other crushed stone gives the asphalt stability while also protecting it from damage incurred from cold winter temperatures. The cost of this foundation step can add approximately $1-$2.50 per square foot.
- Base Coat
Every project also needs a base coat. Asphalt paving companies apply an oil-based binder material which keeps gravel in place and preps the top surface for asphalt. The costs of the base coat vary depending on the quality and time spent applying the material.
- Drainage
Most asphalt pavement installations and repairs also need to undergo drainage design or repair to prevent water erosion over time. While it adds to the overall cost of the project, it will extend the life of the surface and save you money.
- Tonnage
Asphalt comes in a semi-liquid state, making it easy to spread for a smooth, level surface. When laying the mixture, professional pavers will pay close attention to areas where the new asphalt meets existing asphalt, concrete, or other surfaces. These joint areas are critical for water drainage efficiency and long-term durability. Depending on the size of your project, the amount of liquid asphalt (or tonnage) will vary. Some manufacturers will offer discounted rates for larger amounts.
- Transportation
Another critical factor in the final cost is the distance traveled between the asphalt production plant and the project location. This is because special trucks and equipment are often used to lay asphalt and can be more costly to operate over long distances.
- Material
Along with the actual asphalt mixture, there are other materials required to complete any asphalt pavement project. The cost of these materials will also play a role in the final price.
- Market
A few other factors that impact the price of asphalt pavement may include the environment, permit requirements, construction activity, and current oil prices.
How Does the Cost of Asphalt Compare to Concrete?
The average price of concrete typically falls around $6 per square foot, compared to asphalt at $3 to $4 per square foot. For the cost-conscious homeowner, asphalt paving (and its approachable upfront cost) can be a more attractive option with many of the same benefits as concrete.
How Much Does an Asphalt Driveway Cost?
The average total cost of an asphalt driveway ranges between $4,500 and $6,100. The size of your driveway can significantly affect your final costs. Other factors like the location of your home, and your existing driveway condition, can also dictate price. No matter what your quote is for asphalt paving, it’s certain to be lower than concrete. Yet price alone doesn’t always convince homeowners to choose asphalt paving. Many Utahns realize how valuable this paving material can be once they learn the benefits of an asphalt driveway. Here are just some of the reasons Utah homeowners choose asphalt as their driveway material of choice.
- Asphalt paving contracts and expands to keep up with Utah’s fluctuating climate. In the heat of summer or during the icy cold nights of winter, asphalt is less prone to cracking and breaking than concrete. This makes it ideal for our desert environment.
- Asphalt resists stains in all weather. Living in Utah, your driveway will see its fair share of melting snow and rock salt. Asphalt’s dark surface resists stains that can linger long after the melted snow evaporates, helping your driveway look cleaner.
- With routine upkeep, asphalt can last for years. Sealcoating, applied by expert asphalt installers, should be applied every 3 to 5 years throughout the life of your driveway. This renews and protects the asphalt surface, which keeps paving looking new.
- Asphalt paving repair is more economical than concrete. If a crack does occur in your driveway, asphalt is relatively easy and inexpensive to repair. Keep reading for more information about asphalt repair costs.
How Much Does It Cost to Repair Asphalt Pavement?
Repairing or repaving asphalt pavement doesn’t cost as much as a total installation. These projects can cost anywhere between $20 to $6,500 or more. To put it into a clearer perspective, the service costs for asphalt pavement on a repaving project cost about $1.75 to $2.25 per square foot.
Treating your asphalt pavement with regular maintenance could save you thousands of dollars. In fact, asphalt pavement surfaces that are properly maintained can last over 20 years. So, even if a repair, patch, or repaving service seems costly upfront, it could extend the life of your roadway. If your driveway or parking lot needs replaced, you will often only need to repave the top layer of asphalt for it to look like new again.
Working with our specialists, you can find the maintenance or repair service that best suits your needs. Our teams stand by the mantra, “The right product for the right surface.” One product does not solve every issue; that’s why Morgan Pavement offers eight asphalt maintenance and repair divisions, making us one of the most well-known asphalt maintenance companies in Utah. Each of these offerings is designed to meet your needs at any stage — from asphalt installation and paving to patching and repairs.
How Long Will Asphalt Paving Last?
When considering asphalt driveway costs, it helps to think about how long your investment will last. Asphalt driveways can last anywhere from 10 to 30 years. The total lifetime of the paving depends on how the asphalt was installed, the climate, and the frequency of maintenance.
Hiring asphalt paving professionals, like those at Morgan Pavement, is the best way to ensure a long-lasting driveway. As the largest private asphalt maintenance company in Utah, our team offers experience you can trust. The right skills in excavation and foundation will add years of life onto your driveway, so never trust inexperienced or discount asphalt paving companies.
While Utah’s sometimes harsh climate can take a toll on asphalt’s longevity, any driveway paving material will face our state’s dry summer heat and snowy winters. Here, maintenance is truly the key to protecting the integrity of your Utah driveway. For asphalt paving, maintenance often includes repairing cracks or holes, as well as regular seal coating. Sealcoat is a modified asphalt emulsion that protects your driveway’s pavement from UV rays, rain or snow, and normal wear and tear. We recommend all newly paved surfaces be seal coated within the first 18-24 months and every 3-5 years thereafter.
Asphalt Pavement Services in Utah by Morgan Pavement
Morgan Pavement is here to help Utahans with all their asphalt pavement needs. Working with our professionals, you will find the service the provides the best value at a cost-effective price. Plus, we will do our best to keep costs low and make your investment last for years to come. Learn more about the cost of asphalt pavement by contacting us today.
