The whole appearance of your home may be elevated, and its curb appeal may be increased by installing a new driveway. Even under the most extreme weather conditions, you need a trustworthy and durable material. You may choose between asphalt and concrete as a driveway for your property. However, if you decide to take on this job, you may be conflicted about choosing between asphalt vs concrete driveway.
Asphalt and concrete are both made of stone and other materials, but each has a different level of durability and attractiveness due to its unique blend of materials. Despite their differences, both materials may be used to build great driveways. Pavers utilize asphalt to create roadways and parking lots instead of concrete, more common as a sidewalk or patio material.
Asphalt vs Concrete Driveways
There are certain commonalities among these diverse sources, despite their numerous differences. An initial gravel basis is required for the construction of asphalt and concrete. They’re both composed of stone and sand, and they’re both beautiful. Their adhesives are fundamentally different. Petroleum-based asphalt is distinct from cement-based concrete.
This tiny variation causes a wide range of material changes. Driveways made from asphalt or concrete vary in the following ways.
Aesthetic and Design
Concrete may be stained or tinted in almost any color you like. You may stamp designs into the concrete or brush them for a textured look. Finishes may be applied to concrete to change the color from its natural off-white or gray tint. “Blacktop” and “asphalt” are two of the most frequent terms for asphalt and concrete.
An asphalt is a wonderful option if you’re looking for something that blends in with the road. During installation, the asphalt has to be rolled and compacted. Finishes like stamping or etching don’t work well with it. Tinting or coloring is available in certain sealants. However, the selections are usually restricted to just black.
Climate and Weather
The weather is a crucial factor when deciding between asphalt and concrete. If you live in a location where summers are very hot, you may notice that asphalt driveways get gooey or sticky. Asphalt may fracture or sag due to the softening cycle under high heat, then hardening again when things calm down.
During the harshest winters, concrete may collapse, heave, or fracture. In addition, the salt used to melt ice may leave unattractive scars on concrete by pitting, staining, or blotting it. And it takes snow and ice longer to melt on concrete than on asphalt.
Maintenance and Repairs
It’s important to know that asphalt driveways need a lot of upkeep and repairs in the long run. Every three to five years, an asphalt driveway should be resealed for the first time since its construction. The driveway will last longer if you do this, and you don’t need to hire an expert. Many people can seal their driveways with the correct equipment and supplies.
In contrast, concrete driveways do not need the same level of maintenance. Many homeowners choose to seal their concrete driveways because it improves the appearance and prolongs the life of the finish. However, using degreasers to remove stains from concrete driveways might raise the overall cost of maintaining the pavement.
Although asphalt and concrete may fracture, asphalt is more likely to do so owing to the material’s softer composition. However, asphalt cracks and damage may be easily fixed, and the mended sections usually match the remainder of the driveway. If you don’t intend on replacing the whole driveway, patched areas are likely to be noticeable. In addition, if the asphalt surface is significantly damaged or exhibiting its age, it is rather simple to put a fresh topcoat on the asphalt surface.
Lifespan and Durability
A concrete driveway may last 30 to 40 years with appropriate installation and maintenance in a suitable environment, while an asphalt driveway can last 20 to 30 years. Even if a driveway is properly installed and maintained, it might deteriorate within a few years if necessary care isn’t taken.
Eco-Friendliness
Installing an eco-friendly driveway may provide you peace of mind about your monetary commitment while also helping the environment. Recycled concrete is available. Due to its long lifespan, fewer resources and trash are required. Because asphalt is recyclable, you may utilize asphalt from your present (or other) driveways to mix with the new pavement throughout the building process.
Cost
On average, concrete driveways cost anywhere from 45 to 50 percent more than asphalt driveways. Crude oil prices have a strong influence on asphalt pricing. No matter which route you choose, installing a new driveway is expensive. No one material is superior to the other in durability or cost-to-maintenance ratio; it all depends on personal preference.
Whatever driveway material you want to use for your property, make sure to have enough knowledge of the difference between asphalt and concrete. To help you out with your decision-making, contact Highway Masters Paving.