Feb 17, 2023
Asphalt driveways are a popular choice for homeowners in Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario, due to their durability and affordability. However, the cost of an asphalt driveway can vary depending on a number of factors. We’ll take a closer look at the average cost of an asphalt driveway in the Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge and Guelph areas.
The Average Cost of an Asphalt Driveway
The average cost of an asphalt driveway in Kitchener, Ontario, is between $2,000 and $5,000. This cost includes the excavation, grading, and installation of the asphalt. However, the cost can vary depending on several factors, such as the size of the driveway, the thickness of the asphalt, and the condition of the existing driveway.
Factors Affecting the Cost of an Asphalt Driveway
Size: The size of the driveway is a major factor that affects the cost. Larger driveways require more asphalt and labor, which increases the overall cost.
Thickness: The thickness of the asphalt also affects the cost. Thicker asphalt is more durable and can withstand heavier loads, but it also costs more.
Condition of Existing Driveway: If the existing driveway is in poor condition, it may need to be completely removed and replaced, which can increase the cost. However, if the existing driveway is in good condition, it may be possible to install a new layer of asphalt on top of the existing surface, which can save money.
Additional Features: Additional features, such as borders, curves, and patterns, can also increase the cost of an asphalt driveway.
When choosing a contractor to install your asphalt driveway, it’s important to do your research and choose a reputable contractor with experience in the industry. Look for a contractor who is licensed and insured, and ask for references from past clients. It’s also a good idea to get multiple quotes from different contractors to compare prices and services.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the cost of an asphalt driveway in Kitchener, Ontario, can vary depending on several factors. The average cost is between $3,000 and $5,000, but this can increase or decrease based on the size of the driveway, the thickness of the asphalt, the condition of the existing driveway, and any additional features. By choosing a reputable contractor and doing your research, you can ensure that you get a high-quality asphalt driveway that will last for years to come. MG Paving is your best, most affordable professional asphalt paving company and will supply a very competitive quote for your new driveway. Get in touch for a free on-site fast and friendly quote.
Feb 17, 2023
An asphalt driveway can add significant value and aesthetic appeal to your property, but like any surface, it requires maintenance to stay looking good. If you have recently installed a new asphalt driveway or are planning to do so, it’s essential to know how to maintain it to keep it in excellent condition for years to come.
In this article, we will discuss some tips and best practices for keeping your new asphalt driveway looking good.
Keep the surface clean.
One of the simplest yet most effective ways to keep your asphalt driveway looking good is to keep it clean. Regular cleaning can help prevent the buildup of dirt, debris, and stains that can make your driveway look dull and unattractive.
You can use a broom, leaf blower, or pressure washer to remove debris and dirt from the surface. If you use a pressure washer, be careful not to use too much pressure, as this can damage the asphalt.
Sealcoat the driveway.
Sealcoating is an essential step in maintaining your asphalt driveway. It helps to protect the surface from the damaging effects of UV rays, water, and oil spills. It also helps to restore the color and give your driveway a fresh, new look.
You should wait at least six months after installing your new driveway before sealcoating. After that, it’s recommended to sealcoat your driveway every two to three years, depending on the climate and traffic.
Repair cracks and potholes.
Cracks and potholes not only look unsightly but can also lead to further damage if left unattended. Cracks can allow water to seep into the asphalt, causing it to weaken and deteriorate. Potholes can damage vehicles and pose a safety hazard.
It’s essential to repair any cracks or potholes as soon as you notice them. You can use asphalt patching compound or hire a professional to fix them.
Avoid heavy vehicles and equipment.
Heavy vehicles and equipment, such as trucks and tractors, can damage your asphalt driveway. The weight of these vehicles can cause cracks and potholes, which can be costly to repair.
If you need to park heavy vehicles or equipment on your driveway, consider using plywood or another protective material to distribute the weight.
Keep chemicals off the surface.
Chemicals, such as oil, gasoline, and brake fluid, can cause stains and damage to your asphalt driveway. If you spill any of these substances on your driveway, clean them up as soon as possible.
You can use a degreaser or a solution of water and dish soap to clean oil stains. Avoid using harsh chemicals or solvents, as these can damage the asphalt.
Avoid sharp objects.
Sharp objects, such as high heels, bike kickstands, and metal shovels, can scratch and damage the surface of your driveway. Avoid dragging or scraping sharp objects on the asphalt.
If you need to use a metal shovel to remove snow, be careful not to scrape the surface. Use a plastic shovel instead.
Keep the edges trimmed.
Over time, grass and weeds can grow along the edges of your driveway, making it look unkempt. It’s essential to keep the edges trimmed to give your driveway a neat and tidy appearance.
You can use a weed trimmer or a manual edger to trim the edges of your driveway. Be careful not to damage the asphalt surface.
In conclusion, keeping your new asphalt driveway looking good requires regular maintenance and attention. By following these tips and best practices, you can extend the life of your driveway and ensure it continues to add value and aesthetic appeal to your property. To find out more please contact the Paving professionals at MG Paving.
Feb 17, 2023
You have just had MG Paving repave your driveway. However, even the most well-built driveways can be damaged if proper care isn’t taken. Let’s discuss five things that can damage a new asphalt driveway and how to avoid them.
- Heavy Vehicles:
Heavy vehicles like trucks, RVs, or construction equipment can cause significant damage to an asphalt driveway. These vehicles can cause cracks and potholes on the surface, leading to costly repairs.
To avoid this damage, try to avoid driving heavy vehicles on your driveway, especially during the first year. If it’s unavoidable, make sure you park them in a specific spot and avoid turning the wheels when they are stationary.
- Sunlight:
Asphalt driveways can fade and weaken due to prolonged exposure to sunlight. The sun’s UV rays can break down the binding agents in the asphalt, leading to cracks, potholes, and other types of damage.
To prevent this, apply a sealant to your driveway every two to three years. The sealant will protect the asphalt from UV damage, water, and oil spills.
- Water:
Water is another significant factor that can damage an asphalt driveway. When water seeps into the asphalt, it weakens the foundation, causing cracks, potholes, and other forms of damage.
To prevent water damage, make sure your driveway is sloped, so water flows away from your home. Also, fix any drainage issues that may cause water to pool on your driveway.
- Chemicals:
Chemicals like gasoline, motor oil, and even fertilizers can damage an asphalt driveway. These substances can weaken the binding agents in the asphalt, leading to cracks, potholes, and other types of damage.
To prevent chemical damage, clean any spills immediately. Use a detergent and water mixture to clean the area, and avoid using harsh chemicals like bleach or ammonia.
- Winter Weather:
Winter weather can be harsh on asphalt driveways, causing cracks and potholes. The freezing and thawing of water can cause the surface to expand and contract, leading to damage.
To avoid this, make sure to keep your driveway clear of snow and ice. Use a plastic shovel instead of a metal one to avoid damaging the surface. Also, avoid using salt to melt ice as it can cause further damage to your driveway.
In conclusion, by avoiding heavy vehicles, applying sealant, maintaining proper drainage, cleaning spills promptly, and being mindful during winter weather, you can prevent significant damage to your new asphalt driveway. With proper care, your driveway will last for years to come.
Jan 26, 2023
If you’re looking to increase the value of your home, whether you are just doing upgrades or looking to sell, replacing your driveway is one of the best ways to do that. A new driveway that looks as great as it functions can ad thousands of dollars in value and in some cases even more. So just how much does that type of investment cost?
Overview
The typical price for an asphalt driveway is $5 to $7 per square foot. A concrete driveway costs typically $10 to $15 per square foot. Asphalt is ultimately the best option in terms of being able to better hide wear and tear (i.e. oil stains, and gasoline damage) and durability in extreme climates. This results in a reduction in the need to clean asphalt and maintain it, which increases the lifespan (and aesthetic value) of your driveway. One must also consider the ownership expectancy of the occupants. If you work for a company and expect to be transferred to another city or even country at some point in your career then paying the extra for a concrete driveway may not be financially prudent.
We Recommend Asphalt For Kitchener-Waterloo Homeowners
As leading professional contractors of blacktop driveways in Kitchener-Waterloo, our crew highly recommends asphalt to homeowners throughout the Waterloo Region as asphalt is more durable in colder climates. We provide free cost estimates for homeowners throughout the area. We are also exceptionally fast and will quote almost any project within a day from calling. We can also recommend any cost saving solutions if we see any possibilities.
New Driveway Installation Costs
Installing a new driveway in front of your home is an expensive renovation project when you factor in the cost of labor and materials; however, you can look at it as an investment into your home that returns a value especially if you’re interested in selling your home. What does that investment look like?
Labor and material costs will vary depending on your location. The Ontario average for asphalt driveway installation is around $8 – $16 per square foot – this includes materials and labor – or $2,000 to $12,000. Driveway material costs in Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge and Guelph fair lower compared to the overall Canadian average.
Asphalt materials are also around 45-50% cheaper than concrete – something to consider when you’re choosing between an asphalt and a concrete driveway.
These costs are just averages, most homeowners will see fluctuations depending on a variety of other factors including:
- Project scope
- Size of driveway
- Complexity of driveway shape
- Driveway & property location
Driveway Replacement Costs & Factors
Replacing an existing driveway typically costs less depending on the severity of damages and whether a contractor will need to take out existing materials ( if you want to replace your concrete driveway with asphalt, that may cost more). The average cost is typically $10 – $15 per square foot, and accounts for:
- Existing material removal
- New material costs
- Labor costs
When replacing your existing driveway, you’ll want to consider additional factors outside of upfront cost like:
- Complete replacement (if your driveway needs it) ensures your investment lasts upwards of 30 years
- Replacing your existing concrete driveway with asphalt could provide more stability in colder climates like Kitchener-Waterloo.
- The curb appeal of a new driveway can increase your home’s market value and help it stand out from other homes on the market.
Final Thoughts
For most homeowners, an asphalt driveway is the recommended choice. However, it is important to beware of unprofessional driveway people. In the recent past we have heard of many stories of contractors showing up and offering incredible paving projects for incredibly cheap prices. Unfortunately, it doesn’t take long for these unsuspecting homeowners to discover it was too good to be true…and for a bad paving job to look bad. A good driveway project cannot be completed in an hour or two or even in an afternoon. Please beware of these ‘fly-by-night’ paving people and always go with an asphalt company that is established and has been reviewed and has a track record. Contacting MG Paving ensures that you are speaking with carreer professionals in the paving business.
Jan 26, 2023
Cracks plaguing your once-perfect driveway? Worried your investment didn’t pay out? Nothing to fear. We will outline what’s normal – and what’s NOT normal- about cracks in your driveway, as well as repair methods to help you navigate home improvement projects without calling in backup. However, if you’re experiencing more cracks than it’s worth, then we know the best driveway replacement company to help you out.
Our company works with homeowners throughout the Waterloo Region and Wellington County to deliver only the highest quality asphalt driveway – with superior customer service to match. We offer a 1-year warranty on all driveways to ensure our customers of this. Call us today to schedule a free replacement or installation cost estimate.
Is It Normal For Asphalt To Crack
Cracks or movement in asphalt is completely normal, especially for driveways in Kitchener-Waterloo area that experience drastic changes in temperature and heavy rain or snow-fall. The typical cause of cracks is expansion, often due to weather conditions. Up here in this part of Ontario, we experience freeze-thaw cycles that cause hard surfaces like asphalt and concrete to crack under the pressure as the earth moves. These cracks will get bigger over time if left unsealed.
Are Big Cracks Normal?
If your new driveway shows alligator cracking within the first 5 years of installation, then you should call a replacement specialist. Alligator cracks within the first 5 years are a sign that your driveway was not installed properly and will become increasingly more susceptible to damages down the road.
This is why you should always trust in an experienced driveway installation contractor with a warranty to ensure you get a driveway that lasts upwards of 30 years with minimal structural damages.
With proper maintenance and excellent installation, your asphalt driveway should last 20-30 years despite extreme weather, even with a normal amount of cracking.
Repairing Cracks In Your Driveway
Simple cracks are pretty easy to deal with. As a homeowner, you have a lot of options as far as crack patches and fillers that help stabilize your driveway. For cracks under ¾” thick, any work as long as you prepare the surface. This means removing any dirt or vegetation, then hosing down the surface, and allowing enough time to dry thoroughly before you apply products.
For more severe cracks, like alligator cracks or potholes, you may need professional repair services. Often, driveway repair specialists will provide sealing services or overlays to help stabilize severe cracks in your driveway. If there are any underlying conditions causing the cracks, like poor drainage or foundational issues, you may need complete driveway replacement.
When To Replace Your Driveway
There are certain asphalt driveway failure signs to look out for that help make this decision. Based on our professional experience, these are key indicators that now is definitely the time to replace your old driveway with a new one.
- Many cracks have formed in the driveway. This means that the binder has deteriorated, which completely destabilizes your whole driveway, leading to large chunks of asphalt falling away.
- Water is draining into your property and/or garage. Poor drainage could lead to more serious foundation damage, call a professional driveway contractor before it comes to that.
Trust In A Local Driveway Contractor
The MG Paving crew has specialized in residential replacement driveway projects and providing homeowners with an asphalt driveway that looks great and stands the test of time. We provide a finished driveway to be proud of and a 5-star customer service experience from quote and permits to completion. Get a Free On-site quote today to get started on your home renovation project.
Oct 29, 2022
Repaving your driveway is an important part of maintaining the value and appearance of your home. Knowing when to repave your driveway can be tricky, but understanding the signs that indicate it’s time for a repaving job can help you decide when to take action. Repaving can help prevent damage from water, ice, and other elements, as well as improve the look and value of your home.
Is a cracked, uneven driveway dangerous?
Cracked and uneven driveways can be dangerous for everyone from children to visitors. Not only can cracks cause vehicles to become stuck or damaged, but they can also create tripping hazards for pedestrians. Uneven surfaces can also lead to water pooling in certain areas which can cause further damage to the driveway or create slippery conditions. It is important to inspect your driveway regularly and take action as soon as any cracks or unevenness are noticed in order to prevent potential safety hazards.
Is It Normal For Asphalt To Crack?
Cracks or movement in asphalt is completely normal, especially for driveways in Kitchener, Waterloo, that experience drastic changes in temperature and heavy rain- or snow-fall. The typical cause of cracks is expansion, often due to weather conditions. Here in Ontario, we experience freeze-thaw cycles that cause hard surfaces like asphalt and concrete to crack under the pressure as the earth moves. These cracks will get bigger over time if left unsealed.
What Isn’t Normal?
If your new driveway shows alligator cracking within the first 5 years of installation, then you should call a replacement specialist. Alligator cracks within the first 5 years are a sign that your driveway was not installed properly and will become increasingly more susceptible to damages down the road.
This is why you should always trust in an experienced driveway installation contractor with a warranty to ensure you get a driveway that lasts upwards of 30 years with minimal structural damages.
With proper maintenance and excellent installation, your beautiful new asphalt driveway should last 20-30 years despite our extreme weather, even with a normal amount of cracking.
How Much Value Will a New Paved Driveway Add To My Home?
Paving a new driveway can add significant value to your property. You can definitely get a great return on your investment. At the very least your property value increase will cover the cost of the driveway. The amount of added value can fluctuate.
Depending on the home, a new driveway can add around $5,000 to $7,000 in value. The amount can be more for a larger home.
Get A Free Estimate
If you are interested in asphalt driveway paving services, call Waterloo’s Top Rated Driveway Paving Contractors and request a free estimate.
In addition to Western Wisconsin and St. Paul, Minnesota, we gladly provide service to the following nearby towns:
