Both asphalt and concrete are popular and high-quality materials for driveways. When people choose to contact an asphalt contractor, they’re often interested in saving money. Concrete driveways are significantly more expensive than most asphalt driveways. However, the new concrete driveway will almost always last significantly longer than a new asphalt driveway.
Still, people might only need to get the asphalt driveway’s top layer repaved. The entire asphalt driveway might not be as durable as a concrete driveway, but replacing the top layer might be comparatively cost-effective and easy.
Customers will typically want their driveways to get updated as quickly as possible. The asphalt application process can be performed and completed relatively quickly. They’ll still be able to get an asphalt driveway warranty.
The texture of asphalt is relatively even and smooth, so people won’t usually make much noise when they drive across their new asphalt driveways. However, the rougher surface of a concrete driveway might make the driveway at least somewhat less slippery when it’s wet. Concrete driveways also tend to stay in very good condition without much maintenance. An asphalt driveway will need a new coating every few years in most cases. The ‘asphalt concrete recycling’ process may also change things.
When you decide to build a new driveway, the hardest choice is what material to use. The two most popular materials are asphalt and concrete, for many different reasons. They both have several drawbacks and advantages, so your choice is dependent on things like your personal renovation budget, and what you value in terms of aesthetic appeal.
Take a look at this comparison of the two materials so that you are better informed to make a decision when the time comes.
Concrete
Concrete driveways usually cost around 45% more to install than asphalt ones, but concrete driveways are generally supposed to last longer than asphalt ones. But, on the other hand, they don’t do very well in the cold. The may crack or be damaged by the weight of snow, and of salt laid down to combat ice. Also, concrete driveways seem to be available in a much wider variety of choices than does asphalt.
Asphalt
Asphalt is popular because it certainly the cheaper of these two options. They are also particularly suited to colder climates, but it should be kept in mind that in the consistent heat, it becomes soft, causing cracks and grooves to appear in the driveway. On the other hand, it is quite easy to fix these problems in asphalt as opposed to concrete. If properly maintained, asphalt driveways can last around 30 years.
Basically, the decision to choose one type of driveway over the other really depends on where you live and what you think is most important. If you live in a warm environment, concrete is most likely the best bang for your buck, whereas a cold climate might make repairs a constant headache and expense to worry about. Also, you must consider how the material fits in with other aspects of your home, like it’s landscaping elements and the exterior of your house.
Both choices are excellent, and will do well in most situations, but don’t hesitate to consider your options so that you are fully prepared to make a decision about exactly whether you want an asphalt driveway or a concrete driveway.