Let us talk about driveways. Around Loveland, our team gets many of the same questions from homeowners. These homeowners want to pave, repair, or just understand what is happening with the asphalt or concrete leading up to their garage. A driveway is a big investment for your home. You will want to get it right. Our team will cut through the fluff and give you the straight answers to what you really need to know about your Loveland driveway.
What is the real difference between asphalt and concrete for a driveway?
This is probably the most common question our team hears about Loveland driveways. Both asphalt and concrete have good points as well as bad points. This is especially true with our Colorado weather. Asphalt is generally less expensive upfront to install. It is also more flexible. This flexibility is important here in Loveland. Our freeze-thaw cycles can cause problems for rigid surfaces. Asphalt can expand and contract with those temperature swings. It does this without cracking as easily as concrete. In addition, its dark color helps melt snow and ice faster. This is a nice bonus during winter in Loveland. However, asphalt needs more routine maintenance. This maintenance includes sealcoating every few years.
Concrete, on the other hand, is usually more expensive at first. But it is very durable. It can last 30 years or more with proper care. Sometimes it can even last up to 50 years. Concrete also offers more aesthetic options for your Loveland home. You can stamp it as well as color it as well as give it a custom look. The downside is that concrete is more prone to cracking from our extreme temperature changes. Water can get into those cracks. Then it can freeze and expand. This makes the damage worse over time. Repairs for concrete can also be more difficult as well as more expensive than for asphalt.
How long should a new asphalt driveway last in Loveland?
A new asphalt driveway should last you a good 15 to 20 years. This is true if it is installed right and you keep up with it. Some asphalt driveways can even go up to 30 years. The lifespan really depends on a few things. It depends on how well the asphalt driveway was installed. A solid base is important for any asphalt driveway. It also depends on the amount of traffic the asphalt driveway sees. The lifespan also depends on how diligent you are with maintenance. If you neglect your asphalt driveway, you might see it failing in 8 to 12 years. That is why regular sealcoating every 2-3 years is so important. Fixing cracks promptly is also very important for your asphalt driveway in Loveland.
When is the best time of year to get my driveway paved?
You will want to aim for the warmer months to get your driveway paved in Loveland. This is typically late spring through early fall. This is roughly May to October. The asphalt needs warm, dry weather to cure properly. This helps create a strong, durable surface. Paving when it is too cold or wet can really mess with the quality. It can also mess with how long your asphalt driveway lasts. For concrete, late September or early October is often ideal for sealing. Temperatures are still above 50°F then. This is also before the first freeze in Loveland.
What is involved in the installation process for a new asphalt driveway?
Installing a new asphalt driveway is more than just dumping some black material on the ground. First, our team excavates the existing surface. We prepare a stable sub-base. Then, we lay down and compact a gravel base. We make sure it is properly graded. This ensures water drains away from your house. This drainage is key. This is especially true with the clay soils we have in areas like the Mariana Butte neighborhood. These soils can expand and contract with moisture. After the base is solid, we apply one or two layers of hot asphalt. We compact each layer thoroughly. This creates a dense, smooth finish. Finally, the new asphalt needs to cure. This usually takes a few days before you can drive heavily on it.
How much does a new driveway typically cost in Loveland?
This is a difficult question to give a single number for. This is because it varies a lot based on size as well as material as well as site preparation. For an asphalt driveway in Loveland, you are generally looking at $3 to $10 per square foot. Most projects fall in the $3 to $7 range. Concrete is usually more expensive. It is often between $4 and $7 per square foot for basic concrete. It can go up to $18 per square foot for decorative or heated options. Demolition and removal of an old driveway will add to the cost. If the site needs extra grading, that will also add to the cost. Our advice is to get a few detailed, written estimates. This helps you compare apples to apples.
My driveway has cracks and potholes. Should I repair or repave?
This is a good question. If you have small cracks, which are less than a quarter-inch wide, repairs are usually the way to go. Minor potholes that have not spread, or just some fading, also mean repairs are a good option. We can fill cracks as well as patch smaller damaged sections as well as sealcoat to protect your driveway. This is a cost-effective way to extend its life. However, if you are seeing deep cracks, repairs might just be a temporary fix. This is also true for widespread "alligator" cracking across large areas. Significant drainage issues where water pools also mean repairs might not be enough. In those cases, repaving is the smarter, long-term solution. Repaving means removing the top layer and putting down new asphalt. A professional inspection can help you figure out the best approach for your specific situation in Loveland.
What kind of warranty should I expect from a paving contractor?
You should always ask for a written warranty. A good contractor will stand behind their work. Typically, you should expect at least a 3-year warranty. Many good contractors will offer a 5-year warranty. This warranty is against defects in material or workmanship. Make sure you understand what is covered. Also, make sure you know for how long it is covered. You should also know what might void the warranty. This could be heavy vehicle traffic or a lack of proper maintenance. If a contractor is vague about their warranty, that is a red flag. We at Loveland Paving Co. are always upfront about our warranties. This is because we are confident in the quality of our work for Loveland homeowners.