Key Takeaways –
- There are several critical differences between asphalt and concrete driveways.
- Concrete offers distinct benefits that separate it from other paving materials. These include easy installation, low maintenance, and extensive durability.
- Asphalt, on the other hand, provides better traction and is environmentally friendly.
- When choosing between concrete or asphalt driveway, consider how the two materials react to weather conditions and challenges.
- Also, choose an experienced professional for driveway installation to make the most of your investment.
- Experts at American Paving can help you with driveway installation and choosing between concrete or asphalt.
You’ve probably seen those ads that tout how concrete driveways are so much better than asphalt ones. They always seem to show some beat-up old blacktop driveway with a nice, glossy new concrete driveway next to it. You know, the typical before-and-after thing. And then they go on and talk about how long a concrete driveway will last, how low the maintenance costs are, and all sorts of other things that make you want to run out and pour a new driveway for yourself.
But is a concrete driveway the best option for your home? Or are you just being duped by those slick marketing tactics? In this post, we’ll look at both options & see which one comes out on top.
Concrete Driveway Benefits
Here are some benefits of a concrete driveway:
Concrete Driveway Installation Is Easy
One of the benefits of concrete driveway installation is that it is relatively easy. Unlike asphalt, which requires special equipment and extensive planning, concrete can be poured and set in hours. Although its installation might take longer, concrete is considerably easier to lay.
Concrete Driveways Last Longer
A properly installed concrete driveway can last 30-40 years, while an asphalt driveway will typically only last 15-20 years. That’s because concrete is a much more durable material than asphalt. It doesn’t crack as easily in extreme temperatures, so you don’t need to worry about repairs as often.
Low Maintenance
Another benefit of concrete driveways is that they require very little maintenance. Once your driveway is installed, you’ll need occasional cleaning and sealing to keep it looking new. On the other hand, asphalt driveways require yearly repaving and crack-filling to maintain their appearance and prevent further damage. So, if you’re looking for a low-maintenance option, concrete is the way.
Concrete Comes in Many Colors and Styles
When most people think of concrete, they picture the boring gray stuff that covers sidewalks. However, you can dye concrete in any color imaginable. You are not limited to the drab gray when you choose concrete for your driveway paving material! You can also get stamped concrete, which looks like stone or brick, without the high cost. Many different styles are available, so you will find one that perfectly complements your home.
Concrete Driveways Enhance Curb Appeal
Because concrete driveways are available in a variety of colors and textures, they can enhance your home’s curb appeal. A concrete driveway option will suit your style, whether you want a modern look or something more traditional.
Asphalt Driveways – The More Affordable, Durable Paving Option
Many reasons justify asphalt installation; here are a few of them.
Asphalt provides better traction than concrete.
That is important if you live in a region with a lot of winter snow. You don’t want to slip and slide all over the place when you’re trying to get into your car to work! Asphalt is also a bit more flexible than concrete, so it’s less likely to crack under the weight of heavy vehicles.
Asphalt is a popular paving choice.
More than 90% of paved roads in America are covered in asphalt. That should tell you something! When it comes to driveway paving, homeowners prefer asphalt over concrete. There’s no need to go against the grain – choose what everyone else is choosing!
Asphalt is environmentally friendly.
Did you know that asphalt pavement can help reduce noise pollution? That’s because it absorbs sound waves instead of reflecting them into the environment as concrete does. Asphalt is also 100% recyclable, so it doesn’t have to end up in a landfill somewhere when it’s time to remove an old driveway. Just have it recycled and pave someone else’s driveway with it!
Less expensive
Installing an asphalt driveway costs less than installing a concrete driveway. The exact cost will vary depending on factors like the size of your driveway and the ground condition before installation. Still, you can save a considerable sum by choosing asphalt over concrete.
Quick to Install
Depending on the size and condition of your driveway, you can usually get a fresh new asphalt driveway. A concrete driveway can take three to seven days to install — and sometimes even longer if weather conditions are not ideal.
Also, read – Understanding Asphalt Paving, Its Types and Uses
Asphalt vs. Concrete: Weather and Climate Differences
One of the critical differences between asphalt and concrete is their sensitivity to weather and temperature extremes. Asphalt is much more susceptible to damage from freezing temperatures than concrete. That’s because when water seeps into cracks in the asphalt and freezes, it expands and widens those cracks. This can cause significant damage to your asphalt driveway and shorten its lifespan.
Concrete driveways are much more resistant to freezing temperatures thanks to the cementitious properties of concrete. When water seeps into cracks in concrete and freezes, it doesn’t expand as it does with asphalt. As a result, your concrete driveway will last longer and require fewer repairs over time.
Not surprisingly, given their different compositions, asphalt driveways are more susceptible to heat damage than concrete driveways. Extreme heat can cause the bitumen in asphalt to soften and become sticky, leading to rutting (the formation of tire tracks) and potholes. Concrete driveways are not as susceptible to heat damage since cement is not affected by high temperatures like bitumen.
So, there you have it. The great debate of concrete vs. asphalt driveways is solved. No matter which side of the argument you’re on, we hope this blog post has given you some things to think about before deciding on your own driveway installation or pavement maintenance project in Mint Hill. And remember, no matter what material you choose for your new driveway, American Paving is here to help you keep it looking its best with our superior paving services.
Ready to get started on your pavement project? Contact us today for a free estimate!