The driveway is the first thing that anyone sees when approaching your house. If the driveway is worn and old, it projects a poor impression on your home overall – even if other areas of your house are well finished.
When thinking of fixing up your driveway, one of the main considerations should be the kind of material to use. Since driveways are used regularly, you want to select a material that not only looks appealing but is sturdy and will pass the test of time. While a driveway can be paved using gravel, cobblestone, or macadam, concrete and asphalt are the most popular driveway material choices.
In this article, you will learn the difference between concrete and asphalt, as well as what to consider when making a choice between the two.
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Concrete vs Asphalt Driveway: What is The Difference?
Both concrete and asphalt are mixtures of crushed stone and sand called aggregate. The difference between concrete and asphalt is what holds the aggregate together.
Asphalt is held together with a viscous, black petroleum-based substance. When combined with the aggregate, the binding agent is usually very hot. The hot substance is poured over a leveled aggregate base, after which it is pressed and smoothed using a steam roller. You must wait for at least 12 hours before you drive or park a car on it.
The term asphalt is often used interchangeably with the words ‘pavement’ or ‘blacktop’. Many people call parking lots, airplane runways, or roads ‘pavement’, and refer to asphalt driveways as ‘blacktop’.
For concrete, the mixture is held together by cement which gives it a greyish appearance. Cement is basically a mixture of clay, powdered rock, and water. Simply pour the cold mixture onto a gravel surface and level it. The surface will have to be cured for a few days before it can support the weight of vehicles.
Cement driveways can be easily customized with decorative embellishments and colors. You can also create an aesthetic appeal through stamping.
Concrete vs Asphalt: Factors to Consider When Choosing
The choice between concrete vs asphalt will be determined by your personal preference, and whether you value saving money, avoiding costly repairs, aesthetics, or energy efficiency.
Here are some of the factors you need to consider when choosing between concrete vs asphalt driveway:
Durability and Maintenance
With the right climate and proper maintenance, a good driveway should last several decades. You need to select a driveway material that has a long lifespan so you can use it for a long time without worrying about replacing it. Generally, a concrete driveway that is installed properly and maintained regularly can last 30 to 40 years. On the other hand, the asphalt driveway lifespan is about 15to 20 years.
When asphalt needs replacement or maintenance, you only need to repave or service the top layer. The lower layers are generally permanent, so you don’t have to be concerned about getting them replaced. However, maintaining or replacing a concrete driveway involves a lot of work. You will have to begin from scratch and repave the whole driveway. This can end up being very costly and time-consuming.
Regardless of the material you choose between concrete vs asphalt, here are some tips for maintaining your driveway all year long:
- Avoid cracks by removing trees nearby or getting their roots trimmed
- Minimize the accumulation of water on your driveway by creating a good drainage system
- Remove stains immediately you notice them
- Protect the edges of the driveway and avoid parking heavy trucks on it
- Clean the radiator fluid and motor oil from your driveway using warm water, mild detergent, and a scrub brush
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Weather
The weather plays a crucial role in determining how long your driveway will endure before requiring any repairs. If you’ve bought an investment property in a city with very hot summers, then it would be advisable to opt for a concrete driveway. An asphalt driveway gets sticky or gooey when temperatures rise. Due to the softening in high heat and hardening when temperatures drop, asphalt tends to sag or crack.
On the other hand, concrete tends to crack, heave or buckle in the very cold winters. In addition, the salt used to melt ice can blotch, stain, or pit concrete and leave ugly marks. It also takes ice and snow longer to melt on concrete than asphalt.
Aesthetics
Since you want to attract tenants or buyers to your rental property, appearance is something that you must consider when choosing between concrete vs asphalt. Since asphalt is dark and textured, asphalt color options are limited to black or grey. If you want a specific design or color, then concrete would be a better option.
Since concrete has a smoother texture compared to asphalt, it can be colored, etched, stamped, tinted, or stained easily. The architectural style and color of your house should determine how your driveway will appear on your investment property. The appearance of your driveway should also somehow blend with the overall neighborhood. Walk around and check other driveways to get an idea of how yours should look like.
Cost of Concrete Driveway vs Asphalt
If you don’t want to spend much of your budget on renovating your driveway, asphalt would be the best option. The cost of a concrete driveway is almost double the cost of an asphalt driveway. According to Cost Helper, the cost for a new concrete driveway is about $3 – $10 per square foot, while a new asphalt driveway costs around $2 – $5 per square foot. The price can fluctuate depending on the location, the size of the driveway, and the complexity of the job.
However, when considering costs in the long term, concrete ends up saving you the most cash. This is because asphalt driveways usually require much general upkeep and maintenance, which will eat into your profits several years down the line.
Environmental Impact
To promote environmental conservation, consider installing a driveway that is eco-friendly. Asphalt is more sustainable than concrete since it can be recycled. However, concrete must be taken away and disposed of in a landfill or special facility. Some types of asphalt are also very useful when it comes to water drainage.
Installation
As mentioned earlier, asphalt can be installed much faster than concrete, and it takes less than 24 hours to cure before it can be driven on. On the other hand, concrete takes several days until it is totally dry. It is recommended that you give it up to one week before driving on it. You don’t want to leave tire marks on your new driveway!
Conclusion
Concrete vs asphalt driveways: Which is better? While each has its advantages, asphalt driveways are ideal for budget-conscious reak estate investors or those buying property in locations with temperature fluctuations. Though concrete driveways provide more options for embellishments, textures, and colors, they are likely to crack in cold weather. Though concrete lasts longer, it is cheaper and easier to resurface than asphalt.
The bottom line is that there is no clear ‘winner’ in the debate between concrete vs asphalt driveway. Consider all the factors listed above and choose the paving material that works best for you.
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