When it comes to building driveways and paths, asphalt and concrete are the two main options that people regularly turn to. Although neither has to be as regular as they first seem, since both materials offer a greater range of appearances than many people realise at first. For example, an asphalt driveway does not necessarily always have to be black, and a concrete drive does not always have to be off white or gray. Both materials offer a wide range of color or tint opportunities which can make them seem far less ordinary, and perhaps more appealing. For more information on what’s available, its a good idea to check with local contractors and see what they can offer you.

Both materials are able to be customized, to make their appearances more appealing to each individual, but both concrete and asphalt have their own unchangeable qualities that set them apart also. In this article I will briefly outline some of the pros and cons of both materials when using them for building a driveway:

The Pros and Cons of Concrete Driveways

For those who live in a cold climate, and who are thinking of building a concrete driveway, it is important to understand that the concrete will need a foundation heavily laid with gravel, that has been well compacted first. If this is not taken care of properly, the finished driveway will be in risk of cracking due to frost in cold weather. A second problem with concrete driveways and surfaces in cold climates is the presence of salt: Concrete is prone to salt damage, and salt is frequently spread on roads and surfaces as protection against snow and ice.

Consideration for the slope of the driveway should also be considered when contemplating concrete driveways. Over time, concrete driveways can shear off of the foundation they are poured on which can lead to unwanted cracks.

The Pros and Cons of Asphalt Driveways

Typically, asphalt paved driveways are cheaper to install than concrete paved driveways. However, asphalt paved driveways will require significant more care over time to protect them. An asphalt driveway need to be sealed at least once every 3 to 5 years. Each sealing, although easily enough completed by a do it yourself homeowner, costs time and money. In addition, the sealer will typically require 2 to 3 days to dry before you can park a vehicle on it again.

In contrast, if you are resident in a hot or warm climate and are considering building an asphalt paved driveway, then you will experience a different set of problems: asphalt softens in the heat and becomes easily cut or rutted. Naturally, it is an advantage that asphalt is easier and cheaper to repair than concrete, but it makes it no less inconvenient to whoever is responsible for the repair work.

As an aside, it is worth considering that new asphalt driveways need to ‘breath’ for at least 6 to 9 months, and should not be sealed during this time: the oils in asphalt must be allowed to evaporate fully before any sealant is applied. If a sealer is applied too soon, it will inhibit the oils from fully releasing, and the asphalt will remain soft and susceptible to damage as a result.

Asphalt vs Concrete: in Conclusion

If properly maintained, an asphalt driveway can typically last from 25 to 30 years. Concrete driveways can last even longer than that. However, both surfaces require a solid foundation to be laid upon to reach their life expectancy. If either material is not laid on a solid foundation, then both are susceptible to cracking over time, especially in cold weather climates.

Learn more about Asphalt Repairs. Stop by Joseph Jonson’s site where you can find out all about Asphalt Sealers and the Damage They Repair.