I've been curious about the differences between asphalt used for roadways and that used for residential driveways. I know that road asphalt tends to last much longer without needing yearly sealing, and they have some distinct visual differences too. Also, are there specific terms to describe the two types of asphalt?
1 Answer
There are actually two main types of asphalt: heavy duty for roads and light duty for driveways. Roads use multiple layers of different asphalt mixes to create a durable surface, while driveways usually just have a single layer of lighter mix. The ground prep also differs significantly—new roads often have several feet of subbase materials before any asphalt goes down. As for sealing, a new driveway shouldn’t need it for at least a year, since sealing helps protect the asphalt from water damage and keeps its surface intact. On the other hand, road asphalt typically won't need sealing since it wears down from heavy traffic and is often recycled when removed.
I actually just got my alley paved, which doubles as my driveway. I wondered about the 1.5 inches they said they’d lay down since it seems a bit thin, but I’m hoping they’re using the same durable mix as roads. I’m just happy it’s finally happening after waiting for years!