How Much Weight Can A Driveway Hold?

Your home’s driveway is made to last; with a poured concrete driveway, you can count on it lasting for the life of your home. However, concrete and asphalt driveways have a weight limit that needs to be considered. So, let’s look at how much weight a driveway can hold.

Extra Large Five Stall Garage, Gabled Roof, Concrete Drive Way - How Much Weight Can A Driveway Hold

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Typically, driveways are poured 4 inches thick and can withstand 8,000 pounds. This means that it is usually strong enough for a regular-sized family vehicle.

However, if you plan to regularly park commercial vehicles on your driveway, you will need to pour a thicker slab to prevent damage.

In this article, we will take a closer look at the weight limit of driveways and how to know if your driveway can accommodate the weight of your vehicles. In addition, we will answer other frequently asked questions about residential driveways, so read on!

How Thick Should A Driveway Be?

New residential neighborhood with row of detached houses in London Ontario Canada on a sunny day.

The thickness of your driveway is determined by the type of traffic using it. Most city codes require your residential driveway to be a minimum of 4 inches thick, which can withstand around 8,000 pounds.

However, if commercial vehicles use your driveway regularly, you will need to pour a thicker slab (6 inches or more).

For common family vehicles, 4 inches is typically strong enough. But if you have a heavy-duty truck or an RV, you need to consider their weight when deciding on the thickness of your driveway.

Commercial trucks, such as concrete mixers or dump trucks, can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. So, if you want to add a concrete slab to your backyard, you should use something different to haul the concrete.

When having a driveway poured, ask the contractor what thickness they recommend for your needs. Explain how you plan to use the driveway to get an accurate estimate.

They may suggest a 6-inch thickness for commercial vehicles or an RV. If your budget allows, it’s better to opt for a thicker driveway from the start. This helps prevent future cracking or breaking.

Is Concrete Or Asphalt Better For The Driveway?

Extra Large Five Stall Garage, Gabled Roof, Concrete Drive Way

Both concrete and asphalt driveways have pros and cons. It comes down to personal preference and what you are looking for in a driveway.

First, however, let’s look at the benefits of each type of driveway.

Cost And Longevity

Concrete driveways are more expensive than asphalt, but they last longer. So you can expect to pay $4-$6 per square foot for concrete, whereas asphalt is only $2-$4 per square foot.

However, a concrete driveway can last 50 years or more when taken care of. On the other hand, an asphalt driveway might only last you 30. That is a big difference if you plan on staying in your home for a long time.

Maintenance

Asphalt driveways are easier to maintain than concrete. However, you will need to seal your within six months to a year after the initial installation.

In addition, you should seal an asphalt driveway every 3-5 years to keep it in good condition and prevent it from cracking.

A concrete driveway doesn’t have to be sealed, but depending on the type of sealant used, you can reseal it every 4-10 years to increase its longevity.

One downfall of concrete repairs is that they are tough to repair, even by a professional. If a concrete driveway cracks, you will either have to replace the whole thing or live with the crack.

Appearance

Concrete driveways come in many different colors and styles. You can also add stamps and other design features to your concrete driveway to give it a unique look.

Asphalt driveways are typically black but can be dyed to look like concrete. However, the design features that you can add to an asphalt driveway are limited.

Temperature

Concrete driveways hold up better in sweltering temperatures compared to asphalt. Asphalt can become soft and sticky in the heat, leading to cracks and potholes.

On the other hand, concrete doesn’t do well in frigid temperatures. It can become brittle and crack when the temperature dips too low. In addition, it doesn’t fair well against road salts used to melt ice in the winter.

On the other hand, asphalt is resistant to cold and road salt, so if you live in an area with harsh winters, it might be the better choice.

Now that you know the pros and cons of each type of driveway, you can decide which one is right for you. It will depend on the weather in your region, your budget, and your desired appearance.

Is It Possible To Ruin A Driveway?

When it comes to caring for your driveway, there are some things you should do and other things you should avoid. Let’s look at some of the worst things you can do to your driveway and how to avoid them.

Poor Installation

Choosing a reputable company to install your driveway is as important as selecting the right materials. A poor installation can lead to cracks, uneven settling, and drainage problems.

Be sure to do your research when choosing a company and ask for references. You should also make sure they are properly licensed and insured.

Heavy Loads

As mentioned earlier, asphalt and concrete driveways can only handle so much weight. So be sure to keep this in mind when planning any additions to your home.

If you aren’t sure if your driveway can handle the weight, park the heavy on the street instead.

No Sealcoating

Sealcoating is an integral part of maintaining your driveway, yet many homeowners skip this step. Sealcoating helps protect your driveway from the elements and extends its lifespan.

If you don’t seal coat your driveway often, you are just asking for cracks and other damage.

Close-up of a home owner seal coating their own driveway. They are using the "broom" to spread out the sealer on the driveway.

Road Salts

Road salt is great for melting ice on your driveway, but it can also wreak havoc on the concrete or asphalt. So be sure to sweep up any excess salt before it has a chance to do damage.

In addition, you should try to avoid using deicing chemicals as much as possible. These can be even more damaging than road salt.

Water Damage

One of the most common ways that driveways become damaged is from water. Unfortunately, water can seep into cracks and cause them to expand, leading to potholes and other damage.

To avoid water damage, repair any cracks as soon as possible. In addition, you should try to keep your driveway clear of any standing water.

Tree Roots

Be careful as to where you plant trees near your driveway. Tree roots can grow under the pavement and cause it to buckle and crack.

In addition, before pouring your driveway, be sure to have the area checked for tree roots.

Metal Shovels

Never use a metal shovel on your driveway. Metal can scratch the surface and leave behind permanent damage. If you must shovel snow off your driveway, use a plastic or rubber shovel.

Studded Tires

Studded tires are great in the winter, but they can do severe damage if you have an asphalt driveway. The metal studs can tear up the surface of your driveway and leave behind holes.

Oil Spills

If your vehicle is leaking oil, clean it up as soon as possible. Oil can stain your driveway and be challenging to remove, but it can break down the driveway.

Cracked asphalt driveway with car parked

When Is The Best Time To Seal A Driveway?

The best time to seal a driveway is late spring or early summer. This will give the sealer plenty of time to dry and cure before the winter weather hits. It is good to reach out to a company early to get on their schedule.

Talk to the company about the sealer they recommend for your driveway. They will also be able to give you an estimate of how much it will cost.

Hiring someone to seal your driveway can be costly, but it’s worth it to extend the lifespan of your pavement.

Final Thoughts

While driveways are built to last decades, they can still fall victim to damage. So be sure to avoid these common mistakes to keep your driveway looking its best.

By avoiding heavy loads, using a sealer, and being careful with road salt, you can keep your driveway in tip-top shape. In addition, be sure to repair any cracks as soon as possible to avoid further damage.

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4 Comments

  1. For sure be careful with tree roots! I just spent a lot of money getting my driveway replaced because of tree roots ruining it and causing it to crack. Save yourself a lot of money and do not plant any large tree near your concrete!

  2. My driveway has been put to the test. We maneuver heavy machinery on and off of it and it has held up great for 15 years. There is on crack in it but i would say that is very good due to the heavy loads. It all starts with hiring the right contractor to do the job the right way!

  3. The durability of the concrete depends on the installation. Regardless of what you are pouring, you should have at least 4 inches of concrete for “dead” and “live” loads!

  4. The weight capacity of your driveway is a critical consideration for homeowners, and this article delves into the topic beautifully. Understanding how much weight your driveway can bear is essential for preventing damage and ensuring safety. The article provides practical insights into the factors affecting weight capacity, including the type of materials used and the thickness of the driveway. It’s a helpful resource for anyone planning to use their driveway for heavy vehicles or equipment. Knowing your driveway’s weight-bearing capacity is crucial for maintaining its integrity and avoiding costly repairs down the road.

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