What is Asphalt and What is Asphalt Made of?
Asphalt, or asphalt concrete, is a paving material made out of aggregates and a binding substance called bitumen. Bitumen is a black, sticky, petroleum-based liquid that coats and bonds the aggregates together. Asphalt concrete is considered flexible when cured, unlike cement concrete, which is rigid and hard. Asphalt concrete mixtures with high aggregate-to-bitumen ratios are commonly used for driveways, parking lots, and residential roads. We call this asphalt mixture blacktop. Blacktop is less durable than regular asphalt concrete but is still durable enough for the mentioned applications. In return, blacktop is available at a lower price than regular asphalt concrete.
How to Determine Your Asphalt Requirement?
For small projects, like repairing a pothole or a small patch in your asphalt driveway, you can buy asphalt in buckets or bags. For larger projects, you can order asphalt from your local supplier. Before contacting your local asphalt dealer, make sure you already know the total weight of asphalt you will need.
Determining the weight of the asphalt needed is as simple as obtaining the volume of the required asphalt and multiplying it by the density of the specific asphalt you plan to use. Using our asphalt calculator, you can easily determine the volume of asphalt by entering the length and width of the area you plan to pave, as well as the required thickness of the pavement.
The formula used is:
- Imperial: Volume (cu yd) = Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Depth (in) ÷ 12 ÷ 27; Weight (tons) = Volume (cu ft) × Density (lb/cu ft) ÷ 2000
- Metric: Volume (m³) = Length (m) × Width (m) × Depth (mm) ÷ 1000; Weight (tonnes) = Volume (m³) × Density (kg/m³) ÷ 1000
Asphalt density ranges from 2,200 to 2,400 kg/m³ (approximately 138 to 150 lb/cu ft). The higher the density of the asphalt, the more durable it is. Our calculator uses 2,400 kg/m³ (150 lb/cu ft) as the default density to give a conservative estimation. You can change this value if you know the density of the asphalt mix you will use.
Notes to Consider When Applying Asphalt
As with the installation of any other construction material, the improper installation of asphalt can cause problems in the future, and could shorten its lifespan as well. While climate and weather will naturally affect the longevity of our pavements, there is a lot we can do to ensure it lasts as long as possible:
- Start with a nicely packed base material, such as crushed stones, and subgrade material, like gravel and sand. Having a stable area to install the asphalt onto will reduce the possibility of future asphalt settlement and puddle formation.
- Clear the area of large and small debris, like stones, rocks, and twigs. This debris could affect the quality of asphalt pavement, as they may hinder the proper compaction of the asphalt.
- Spray some herbicides onto the area if there are traces of weeds or plants. Weeds could grow through the asphalt and could potentially crack the surface.
- Compact the asphalt well, as this will help avoid water infiltration, and ensure the proper bondage of the aggregates. This will minimize the risk of any future water damage.
- When repairing, apply an asphalt bitumen sealant to the edges of the newly installed asphalt to create a seamless transition from the old asphalt pavement to the new.
- For smaller areas, like an asphalt driveway, finish it off with an asphalt sealer after the asphalt cures for additional durability.
How Much Does an Asphalt Driveway Cost?
The cost of an asphalt driveway depends on the size of the area, the thickness of the asphalt layer, the type and density of the asphalt mix, and local labor and material prices. Typical asphalt prices range from $85 to $150 per short ton in the United States (approximately 8,000 to 14,000 ₽ per metric tonne in Russia). A standard two-car driveway measuring about 20 ft × 40 ft (6 m × 12 m) with a 3-inch (75 mm) thick asphalt layer will require approximately 6–8 short tons (5.5–7 metric tonnes) of asphalt.
Additional costs may include:
- Delivery charge — depending on the distance from your supplier
- Gravel or crushed stone base — typically 4–6 inches (100–150 mm) deep
- Bitumen sealant — for edges and seams
- Labor costs — if hiring a contractor
Use the cost estimation feature in our calculator by entering the price per ton (or tonne) in your preferred currency to get an instant cost estimate for your project.
Some Advantages of Using Asphalt
- Cost-effective: Asphalt is generally cheaper to install than concrete for driveways and roads.
- Fast curing: Asphalt can be used within a day or two of installation, unlike concrete which takes 7–28 days to fully cure.
- Easy to repair: Damaged sections can be patched without replacing the entire surface.
- Good traction: Asphalt provides a better grip for vehicles, especially in wet conditions.
- Recyclable: Old asphalt can be recycled and reused, making it an environmentally friendly choice.
- Flexible: Asphalt can handle freeze-thaw cycles better than rigid concrete, reducing the risk of cracking.