There are numerous driveway construction materials to choose from, and the right one for you will be determined purely by your requirements. Because of their features, asphalt and concrete are two of the most commonly utilized materials for driveways; nevertheless, each has its own set of characteristics. Concrete is a more expensive material than asphalt but it holds up better in inclement weather while being easier on car tires since there’s less rutting or cracking when consequences such as ice from atop them during winter months.
Here are a few examples of how asphalt and concrete driveways compare:
Cost
An asphalt driveway can be a cheaper option for homeowners, costing between $2.00 and $4.00 per square foot to install the initial layer of pavement on your property; while concrete driveways will cost you anywhere from $4.00-$6.00 per square foot (in most cases). There are many factors that could push these numbers even higher depending on what kind of finishing touches or stains you decide to go with in order to get it looking just right!
Lifespan and Durability
Asphalt is inferior to concrete in terms of durability. Asphalt lasts for 30 years if cared for correctly, but it can only last up to 50 without a lot of upkeep and cleaning. Concrete has the potential to stand even longer with proper care – as long as 60 or 70 years!
Eco-Friendly
Concrete is the most widely used man-made substance on Earth and it’s 100% recyclable. This means that instead of ending up in landfills, concrete can be broken down into its basic parts and reused!
Aesthetics and Design
You can get creative with your driveway to achieve a specific look. You could have concrete stained, tinted, etched, or stamped for the appearance you want it to take. Changing up finishes will alter the natural off-white and grayish tints of just plain old concrete.
All asphalt roads and driveways must be rolled into a smooth surface so that cracks do not form. This process is complicated by the fact that sealants don’t work well with it, especially in areas where finishing or stamping needs to occur because of their rough texture. Sealant selection for black surfaces is limited as they’re usually tinted rather than colored but other colors are available if you need your driveway sealed against stains from ice melt or gas leaks.
Resurfacing
Concrete resurfacing is ineffective because it necessitates the removal of old concrete in order for fresh concrete to adhere. Asphalt, on the other hand, can only be put over a firm and in good condition driveway made from any surface material including cement or stone blocks.
Repairs and Maintenance
With concrete, the only way to ensure that it lasts is by maintaining and repairing cracks. Conservation of resources saves us time in future repair efforts, but good habits also help keep our driveways intact for many years down the line.
