Are you faced with choosing between asphalt vs. concrete for your new driveway? There are numerous factors to consider before making this big-ticket item decision for your home. Although price is a significant consideration, appearance and your climate are things you’ll also want to bear in mind. Are you a dedicated DIY person? You may want to leave this large, expensive project to the professionals for your risk reduction. Read on for information about the pros and cons of asphalt and concrete driveways.
Climate And Asphalt Pavement Considerations
Weighing in on all the factors is crucial to making the best choice for your new driveway. Your climate is a critical consideration. If you live in an area with harsh winters, the time it takes snow to melt makes a big difference. Asphalt is black, which absorbs heat better and melts snow and ice faster than white concrete. An asphalt paved drive with southern exposure will further speed up that process. In addition, the cold and salt for snow and ice removal don’t deteriorate the asphalt.
Environmental Impact And Paving
We all need to consider the environmental impact we pose, especially when embarking on a large project. That’s not to say that small everyday choices aren’t necessary. They are crucial too. However, most people aren’t aware that asphalt paving is considered environmentally friendly and green technology. When contractors tear up old driveways and parking lots, they can be ground up and recycled into new paving. A permeable or porous asphalt allows water drainage to percolate through the paving and into the area water table.
Asphalt General Maintenance And Installation
An asphalt driveway takes less time to install, and the product is easier to work with than concrete. You’ll need to seal coat an asphalt driveway every two to three years, depending on the level of wear and tear. You’ll need to repair cracks and other imperfections before sealcoating. Depending on weather factors, the sealant will need 24-48 hours to dry, or you’ll be tracking it everywhere. You can grind down asphalt that has seen better days, followed by the installation of a fresh layer of pavement. Professionals consider both the middle and the base layers as permanent.
Concrete Paving Considerations
Paving with concrete provides more pop than asphalt counterparts, which adds to your home’s curb appeal. However, concrete can lose its luster more quickly than well-maintained asphalt. Concrete is about 35% more expensive than asphalt, which is a significant financial consideration. Drive around your neighborhood and see how many houses have concrete vs. asphalt paving. You may want to follow their lead if every neighbor has asphalt for the sake of blending in.
The Durability Of Concrete Paving
Concrete driveways are more durable than asphalt paving and last roughly three times longer. Weather, wear and tear, and high traffic are also less destructive on your cement driveway. Concrete is considered more aesthetically pleasing and can increase the resale value of your home. After the initial installation of your driveway, very little maintenance is necessary for general upkeep. Concrete surfaces are more non-skid and easier to see at night than asphalt.
Concrete Paving Downfalls
The debris from replacing a concrete driveway will end up in a landfill, taking 50-100+ years to disintegrate. Although concrete is cost-effective in the long run, covering a large area can be cost-prohibitive. In addition, when concrete areas become damaged, they are more expensive to repair.
Consult a licensed contractor to answer all your questions before choosing a paving material. Call TruSeal Asphalt Maintenance today, and know you’ll make the best choice for your property.
Ian Chaput is the President and Founder of TruSeal Asphalt & Concrete, with a rich background in business and marketing from the University of Delaware and extensive experience in the asphalt trade. Under his leadership, TruSeal has become a testament to his commitment to exceptional customer service and quality workmanship. Ian oversees the company’s strategic planning, customer relations, and social media presence, driving forward the values that have made TruSeal a trusted name in the industry.
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