Property owners commonly ask what the average asphalt cost per square foot is. Although there are national average pricing, several factors impact costs. From thickness requirements to project size, here’s what to know about the cost of asphalt per square foot.
Asphalt Cost Per Square Foot: 4 Factors Impacting Pricing
When estimating the cost of asphalt per square foot, it’s important to understand that it’s not a one-size-fits-all figure. The national average for new installations is $8.75 per square foot, but this number can vary substantially.
Firstly, the costs can fluctuate depending on the type of asphalt materials used. Secondly, different kinds of services will have varying pricing. Understanding the scope of your project, from minor repairs to new surfaces, is vital in determining the price. An often overlooked factor influencing cost is the requirements of asphalt properties. Some areas with dense traffic require a thicker asphalt service, making it more expensive. The last factor we will touch on is the total surface area of a project. Expectedly, the larger the surface area, the more expensive the project.
Whether you are planning on paving a new surface or maintaining existing asphalt, understanding these details can help you save money and time in the long run.
Type of Asphalt Materials
The three main types of asphalt materials are hot mix, warm mix, and cold mix asphalt.
Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) is the most commonly used asphalt material for paving. Hot asphalt is a durable and versatile option for many projects. However, it requires careful handling by skilled professionals to ensure proper installation. The cost of HMA can range between $0.75 – $2.00 per square foot, depending on the quality and type of mix.
Warm Mix Asphalt (WMA), on the other hand, is a more environmentally friendly asphalt mix. It is produced at temperatures 20-40°F lower than HMA, which results in lower fuel consumption and reduced greenhouse gas. However, WMA may cost slightly more than HMA and is a relatively new innovation in asphalt; long-term results are still being measured.
Cold Mix Asphalt (CMA) is one of the least expensive options available, $0.15 – $0.40 per square foot, but it has limitations. CMA is typically used for small repairs and patching, often when temperatures are too extreme for other asphalt types. It’s not suitable for long-term projects as it cannot handle heavy traffic and will degrade over time.
When choosing the type of asphalt material for your project, it’s important to consider its long-term costs. No matter which type of asphalt material you are leaning towards, it’s important to consult a professional before deciding.
Type of Asphalt Service
Several types of asphalt services cater to different needs.
- Asphalt Paving: This service involves the installation of a new asphalt surface. The process includes site preparation, removal of the existing surface if necessary, sub-grade preparation, and the asphalt installation itself. The cost of asphalt paving can vary greatly depending on the size and complexity of the project, but a typical 3” driveway will cost around $7-$10 per square foot. If the project is large enough, the cost per square foot can potentially go down.
- Asphalt Resurfacing: Also known as overlay, resurfacing is the process of adding a new layer of asphalt to an existing pavement. This is a cost-effective option for pavements that are still stable but have minor cracks or potholes. Asphalt resurfacing costs range from $3 – $7 per square foot.
- Asphalt Repair: This involves patching potholes and cracks in the asphalt. The cost of asphalt repair depends on the extent of the damage and the repair method used, but typically ranges from $2 to $5 per square foot. For asphalt with more extensive damage, removal of the failed asphalt may be required, which can increase the average cost to $5 – $10 per square foot.
- Asphalt Sealcoating: This is a preventative maintenance service that involves applying a protective layer to the asphalt to prevent damage from UV rays, oil, gas spills, and water. The cost of sealcoating is usually between $0.08 – $0.30 per square foot.
Remember, these are average costs and can vary according to the specifics of each project. For a comprehensive and detailed guide on asphalt maintenance services, click here.
Asphalt Thickness Property Requirements
In areas experiencing high traffic volumes, a thicker layer of asphalt is necessary to withstand the stress and wear. Thicker asphalt layers, often between 4 to 7 inches, offer higher resistance, reducing the chance of damage and subsequent repairs. However, this additional thickness comes with increased cost.
On the other hand, in low-traffic areas such as driveways, a thinner layer of asphalt, typically about 3 inches, is all that is needed. It’s essential to consider the traffic volume and weight load when determining the appropriate asphalt thickness, balancing initial cost with long-term durability.
Choosing the appropriate thickness requires careful consideration of traffic volume and weight load, ensuring the asphalt can withstand daily wear.
Total Surface Area
The total surface area is a major factor influencing the pricing of asphalt projects. Larger surfaces naturally require more material, labor, and time, leading to higher costs. For instance, a commercial parking lot will typically cost more to re-surface or repair than a residential driveway due to the difference in surface area.
However, larger projects can benefit from economies of scale. This means the price per square foot may decrease with increased surface area, making large projects more cost-efficient.
Along with the size of the area, the shape can also affect cost. Irregularly shaped surfaces may add to labor time and material costs. Surfaces that need to be exceptionally smooth such as tennis courts, will need finer, more expensive material. These differences should be considered when estimating the cost of asphalt projects.
Get a Pricing Quote on Asphalt Cost Per Square Foot for Your Property
Now that you know the average cost of asphalt per square foot and pricing factors, the next step is finding a reputable contractor to handle your asphalt paving. However, we do not provide asphalt paving services. Contact us if you’d like help finding a contractor that you can trust.
Asphalt paving is a hefty investment so be sure to maximize the lifespan from your asphalt with proper asphalt maintenance. At Superior Asphalt, we’re proud to offer property owners the highest-quality materials and asphalt maintenance services to preserve their pavement’s lifespan. Contact us for a quote for your property today.
