If you’re looking to install a new driveway or replace your old, worn-out one, chances are you’ll need to choose between a concrete and an asphalt driveway. While both materials can be used to lay a durable and attractive driveway, there’s more to choosing between them than meets the eye.
Both concrete and asphalt have their pros and cons worth keeping in mind and, in this post, we’ll be taking a look at three major considerations when choosing between a concrete and an asphalt driveway. Read on to find out more.
Looks
The first thing you’ll notice when you’re pulling up to any driveway is the way it looks, so we might as well start from there. Also known as “blacktop,” asphalt is, for the most part, black. Asphalt needs to be rolled and compressed during installation, which leaves little room for patterns, textures, or stamping.
Concrete, on the other hand, comes in a wide range of colors and is an overall stronger material. This lends well to homeowners looking to spice up their driveway with a textured finish or match it to their home’s color scheme. Looks may be subjective, but as far as customizability and finishing possibilities go concrete is the clear winner.
Cost
An asphalt driveway is still considerably cheaper than a concrete driveway. Of course, the overall cost of your new driveway depends on factors like where you live, the difficulty of the job, and the size of your driveway; but, in general, an asphalt driveway costs less than a concrete driveway. Moreover, asphalt’s lower cost makes it a cheaper material to install, repair, and maintain — which brings us to our next point.
Maintenance
Unless it cracks, concrete usually lasts longer than asphalt and is a more durable material. Asphalt is softer and requires more maintenance, including resealing every couple of years. Despite this, it’s easier and cheaper to repair and patch an asphalt driveway than it is to repair a concrete one. While it’s possible to patch cracked concrete, any major cracks or damage usually mean that the entire driveway will eventually need to repoured, whereas it’s much easier to apply a new asphalt topcoat over an existing one.
In any case, a well-maintained and professionally installed driveway should last you a couple of decades. Nevertheless, if you’re looking for a driveway material that’s easy and cheap to maintain and repair, then asphalt is the way to go.
Both concrete and asphalt are great materials for your driveway and ultimately, the final decision rests with you. Whichever material you end up choosing, be sure to consult and hire a professional paving contractor to ensure you’ve made the right choice. Reach out to us today to find out more about the differences between concrete and asphalt driveways and the pros and cons of each.
