Get matched with top asphalt driveway pros in Elizabeth, WV

The main difference between asphalt and blacktop is that asphalt has a lower ratio of bitumen—a low-grade tar-like crude oil—than blacktop. While blacktop is heated to 300 degrees or more, hot-mix asphalt is heated to a lower temperature, typically between 275 and 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Consult an asphalt driveway professional about which type of material is the best fit for your future asphalt driveway.

Yes, you can retrofit an existing driveway, but this usually involves cutting grooves into the driveway, installing the heating elements, then sealing them. While this is much less expensive than typical heated driveway systems, the final appearance could be diminished. Speak with a driveway paving company to confirm which design method is best for you.

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.

Unlike drying, which takes between 48 and 72 hours on average, asphalt driveway cure times are different and take much longer. Your asphalt driveway won’t actually cure for around six months to one year. During this time, it’s more likely to get damaged or weakened by heavy machinery, vehicles, and high temperatures.