Asphalt vs Concrete: Which One Makes the Right Driveway for You?
Asphalt vs Concrete: Which One Makes the Right Driveway for You?
Both asphalt and concrete can bring great things to your driveway, but which is better for you? Learn about asphalt vs concrete and make your choice!
Keyword(s): asphalt vs concrete
In the U.S., there are about 2.7 million miles of roads paved. Out of this number, 94 percent are made up of asphalt.
Although people don't have control of the material that goes into paving public roads and highways, they do have a choice when it comes to their driveway.
When the choice is between asphalt and concrete, you must choose the right one for you. Asphalt vs concrete, read on to learn the difference.
Maintenance and Repairs
When you're in the process of deciding between concrete and asphalt, you must consider how much maintenance will be required.
After installation, asphalt has to be sealed within six months to a year. In order to keep maintaining asphalt in good shape, it should be sealed every three to five years after that.
Sealing asphalt is rather simple. The company that installed the asphalt can take care of the periodic sealing. Keeping up with regular sealings will ensure your asphalt driveway stays in good shape for up to 30 years.
Concrete, on the other hand, it doesn't need to be sealed for it to last a long time. Sealing it, however, will ensure the look and finish stays intact.
Concrete driveways tend to stain a lot easier than asphalt. So if you ensure the concrete is sealed, you will prevent many grease stains.
Consider the Climate
The climate where you live can also have an impact on asphalt and concrete. If you live in places with extreme weather, you might have to choose one over the other.
For example, those who experience freezing winters might want to choose asphalt. Concrete tends to be susceptible to crack when subjected to extremely cold temperatures.
Road salt might also have a negative effect on concrete long term.
Asphalt, on the other hand, cannot withstand extreme heat as well as concrete. Under extreme heat, asphalt can melt and stick to shoes or tires.
Those who live in a moderate climate environment don't have to worry about either of those factors.
Aesthetic
Picking between asphalt vs. concrete also depends on the aesthetic you're looking for.
Those who desire a natural off-white or grayish color, often pick concrete to pave their driveway. Concrete also allows you to etch, stamp, stain, or tint to obtain the look you desire.
If you want a darker look to blend with the road, asphalt is the obvious choice. Although you can still pick certain tints and coloring, asphalt mostly looks black.
It's not as easy to stamp or etch asphalt as it is to do concrete.
The Cost
When you're considering between the two, of course, you look at the price.
Asphalt tends to be cheaper to install. The prices of each vary by area. Concrete, on the other hand, costs more money to install.
Even though concrete costs a bit more money, asphalt requires sealing every few years. So the cost of concrete will balance out over time.
Asphalt vs Concrete: The Bottom Line
Asphalt vs concrete, which one is right for you? The answer depends on what you're looking for.
You should determine how much maintenance you're willing to do, the type of climate, and the aesthetic of the material.
Are you ready to pave your driveway? The good news is we install both.
Contact us today.