Get matched with top asphalt driveway pros in Highmore, SD

Building a road on a slope requires careful planning and will normally require a drainage system underneath to prevent flooding and damage to the road over time. Your professional may lengthen your road to create switchbacks if the slope directly to your home is too steep, as there are regulations for maximum road slope. The drainage system will help prevent runoff from the higher side of the slope from damaging the asphalt or concrete. Keep in mind that building a road on a slope isn’t a good DIY project, as a lot can go wrong.

Many asphalt companies have experience with tar and chip paving, but not all. The process is unique enough—and not incredibly common enough—that you may have to look around for a tar and chip specialist. However, speaking with a driveway company is a great place to start, especially if they have experience with multiple materials.

Yes, asphalt is less expensive than concrete. Asphalt prices range between $7 and $15 per square foot, whereas concrete costs $3 to $18 per square foot. When considering asphalt versus concrete driveways, you’ll want to weigh more than just the costs. While concrete costs more, it costs less to maintain. On the other hand, asphalt has the advantages of a quick installation and shorter drying time.

Gravel is one of the few driveway materials that can handle rain the second it’s installed. Unlike asphalt, which needs days to set, or concrete, which requires weeks to cure, gravel is ready as soon as it’s compacted. It’s naturally permeable, allowing water to drain straight through—with no risk of pooling or surface damage. Gravel driveways are one of the most affordable, at $1 to $3 per square foot, and can also last upward of 100 years.