What Are The Asphalt Paving Cost Factors?

Asphalt paving is a wise investment that greatly enhances any residential or commercial property. It's a resilient material that lasts for many decades. It's also a cost-effective choice compared to the alternatives, making it the go-to for driveways, parking lots, paved paths and more. So, how much does asphalt paving cost? Like any other construction project, parking lot or driveway paving varies based on many factors. Here's what you need to know.

Does the Dimensions of My Asphalt Paving Impact Total Costs?

Required tonnage is one of the biggest factors influencing the cost of asphalt paving. It's simple economics: Larger projects require more raw materials, translating to higher costs. The same principle applies to buildings. Larger buildings with more square footage need more lumber, nails, fasteners and other materials to complete. Paving companies often provide estimates for projects based on the dimensions of the pavement. More expansive surfaces, such as parking lots or loading docks, will cost more than your average residential driveway.

Will Pavement Thickness Influence Asphalt Paving Costs?

You must consider more than length and width. Your asphalt paving company will also consider pavement thickness. At face value, asphalt paving all looks the same. But there's more strategic engineering involved than most realize. Light-duty applications, such as driveway paving or pedestrian walkways, must only be about four inches thick. That's more than enough to support the load of foot traffic and standard vehicles. But things must be much beefier if you plan to use your asphalt paving to support tons of traffic or heavy equipment. Commercial applications may require pavement thicknesses up to 10 inches! It all depends on your property. It's important to consider the planned use of your paved surface and communicate that with your asphalt paving company. Thicker surfaces require more material, resulting in higher asphalt paving costs.

Are There Different Types of Asphalt That Paving Companies Use?

Another thing to discuss with paving companies is the grade you want to use. Various asphalt grades are available, carrying different prices to impact the total cost of asphalt paving. Grade variations are important because they impact the final product's finish and strength. The differences between the grades are due to the ratio of aggregates to bitumen binders. Another core difference is the size of individual particles in the component aggregates. High-grade asphalt is a more expensive option your asphalt paving company may offer. While pricey, the material is appropriate for heavy-duty applications like roads and surfaces used by large vehicles or machinery. Meanwhile, commercial-grade asphalt has smaller particles, creating a smoother finish and better driving experience on parking lots.

How Does Labor and Transportation Factor Into Asphalt Paving?

You can't forget the cost of labor and transportation. Transportation will influence the total cost of asphalt paving because contractors and suppliers must deliver material to the site. It's not cheap to move asphalt mixes! The farther you are from the supplier, the more you'll pay for your project. You'll also need to consider the tonnage suppliers move because more delivery trucks and back-and-forth trips result in higher costs. Labor costs will vary depending on the complexity of your project. For simple driveway paving, paving companies don't need many workers on site. However, larger parking lots and projects that require more complex engineering or site prep will involve more workers. When you need new paving, turn to an asphalt paving you can trust, like E. Wells Paving. We're among the best asphalt paving companies in Buffalo Junction, and we proudly serve property owners throughout Danville, South Boston and other communities in southern Virginia. We're fully licensed for peace of mind and work hard to exceed your expectations. In addition to being one of the most trusted asphalt paving companies for new paving, we also perform asphalt repairs, sealcoating, residential driveways, and other services to keep your pavement in good shape. Contact E. Wells Paving today for a free project quote. You can reach us by phone at (434)443-5815 , via email at  ewellspaving98@gmail.com , or through our online contact form.