Paving your driveway is a good idea, whether you seek to install a new one or repair your cracked, stained, or damaged one. When it comes to constructing a driveway, you would normally have the option to go for asphalt or concrete paving, both of which are commonly used for this process.
Asphalt paving involves having a paved road that is surfaced with asphalt (petroleum-based), while the concrete pavement is made of cement used for a paved road. Both materials, which are a mixture of sand and stone, are laid over a substrate of gravel. Their differences, however, lie in the adhesives used to hold components together – tar for asphalt and cement for concrete.
In this article, we will share with you six factors to consider when choosing between asphalt and concrete driveway:
- Aesthetic Appeal
When it comes to visual appeal, you’ll have to look at their visual forms. Know that while asphalt is dark gray to black, while the concrete is pale gray. Unlike asphalt, concrete complements well with any tinting, where you can apply stamp patterns or brush it for a textured finish. However, asphalt is a better option for a streamlined appearance that can complement the street. Overall, concrete offers more visual options than asphalt.
- Weather Conditions
When it comes to the weather condition, the temperature is a major consideration. While the asphalt material suffers in high heat, the concrete instead performs poorly in extreme cold. Furthermore, the asphalt driveway becomes sticky during a hot weather condition, and concrete tends to buckle, heave, and crack during winter. With these factors, consider where you live and the climate of your surroundings, and see which material best suits your driveway.
- Regular Upkeep
Both asphalt and concrete require regular maintenance if you want it to last for as long as possible. For the asphalt, it requires sealing every three to five years. The concrete material, on the other hand, stains more easily, showing every mark and spill over time. For this reason, you will need aggressive cleaning and degreasing to maintain its overall look and appearance.
- Driveway Repair
When it comes to repairing, the asphalt is much easier to repair than concrete. However, it will need to be fixed more frequently than concrete. This is because asphalt tends to deteriorate faster because of its softer texture. Although concrete takes time to deteriorate, it needs tough repair due to its patched spots or cracked surfaces.
- Driveway Lifespan
In terms of longevity, a properly installed and maintained concrete driveway lasts for 30 to 40 years, while an asphalt driveway is good for 20 to 30 years. However, both need to have proper installation and regular maintenance to ensure that they last longer than expected.
- Material and Installation Cost
When it comes to the overall cost, concrete will be pricier when compared to asphalt because of the material itself and the installation process involved. In fact, a concrete driveway costs around 45 to 50 percent more than an asphalt driveway. If you are planning on saving up, asphalt paving will be your best option.
Conclusion
There’s no denying that concrete and asphalt are two popular materials for driveways because they are both durable and attractive options. Know, however, that there’s more to choosing between them that meets the eye. When you consider the six valuable factors outlined above, you’ll invest in the material that works best for your driveway.
We are a family-owned business specializing in driveway paving, parking lot paving, asphalt roads, and more with over 25 years of experience. If you’re looking for paving contractors in New Jersey, get in touch with us today to see how we can help.