Asphalt Vs. Concrete: Choosing the Right Material for Your Driveway

Asphalt Vs. Concrete: Choosing the Right Material for Your Driveway

With so many driveway choices on the market, it can be challenging to know which material is suitable for your home. Concrete and asphalt are both beautiful choices. They are smooth and durable. Which one best suits your home’s needs? Here are some answers.

Asphalt Driveways

What is Asphalt?

There are many benefits to asphalt. Why is this? What is it made of? Asphalt is a composite of sand, rocks, pebbles, and stone combined with the waste product from the processing of crude oil. It is very smooth and durable.

Advantages of Asphalt

Here are a few of the many advantages of asphalt driveways.

• Cost Effectiveness
  Asphalt driveways are affordable and provide a quick fix to the need for a durable, inexpensive driveway.
• Quick Installation and Rapid Curing
  Installing an asphalt driveway is a relatively quick job. The asphalt will typically cure within 24-48 hours and be ready for use after that time.
• Durability
  Asphalt driveways are highly durable. They can withstand a wide range of temperature fluctuations, which is a significant asset in climates with wide temperature ranges.
• Flexibility
  Asphalt driveways can withstand heavy impact because the material used is flexible. It is much more flexible than concrete and is less likely to crack under pressure.
• Recyclable
  One of the most recycled materials in the world, asphalt can be reused in new paving products. It is highly sustainable.
• Smooth
  An asphalt driveway has a smooth surface, which makes it ideal for the quiet handling of cars in this space.
• Weather Resistant
  Resistant to both UV rays and heavy downpours, asphalt provides an excellent surface that is weather resistant.

Disadvantages of Asphalt

There are several disadvantages to asphalt as well. Here are some of the less appealing qualities of asphalt.

• Maintenance Requirements
  Asphalt must be regularly maintained to remain a usable working surface. Proper cleaning and care are essential for its longevity.
• Relatively Short Lifespan
  An asphalt driveway will likely last 20-30 years, whereas a concrete driveway will endure for up to 40 years.
• Susceptibility to Heat
  An asphalt driveway will be most effective if it is “summarized” or sealed. In extremely warm temperatures, asphalt may soften, and ruts or indentations may form.
• Cracking and Damage
  Cracking may occur in climates prone to freezing. As water accumulates in these cracks, it may freeze and expand, causing cracks to grow over time.
• Environmental Concerns
  Though it is incredibly recyclable, asphalt is a derivative of petroleum-based materials. The crude oil from which it is made is a non-renewable resource, raising concerns about environmental issues. The production of asphalt produces greenhouse gases.

Concrete Driveways

Concrete driveways have many benefits as well. Here are some facts about concrete driveways.

What is Concrete?

Concrete, not unlike asphalt, is also a composite material made from three materials.

1. Cement
   This is a binding agent in this context. It is made from limestone, clay, and other finely ground materials. It hardens when mixed with water.
2. Aggregates
   Larger particles called aggregates cause a coarser bulk to the material, making it more durable.
3. Water
   The activation element in this mixture, water, is crucial to the composition of concrete.

Advantages of Concrete Driveways

There are many advantages when it comes to using concrete. Here are a few.

• Strength
  Concrete is a very strong material that offers strength to your home and driveway.
• Durability
  Concrete, with its aggregate and natural mineral material is a very durable surface and increases the value of your home.
• Longevity
  A concrete driveway could potentially last upwards of 40 years.
• Low Maintenance
  Aside from degreasing, concrete requires very little maintenance

Disadvantages of Concrete Driveways

While concrete driveways are durable and strong, there are some disadvantages to installing a concrete driveway at your residence.

• Less Flexible
  Because concrete is a less flexible material, it is more likely to crack during the winter months when temperatures are freezing.
• Lengthy installation process
  Concrete takes a very long time to dry, which can be a challenge when installing a concrete driveway.
• Costly to repair
  A repair made to a concrete driveway will likely be more expensive than a repair made to an asphalt driveway.

Comparison Factors

Durability and Longevity
Concrete is more durable than asphalt, but when damage does occur, concrete is quite costly to repair.

Cost Comparison
Asphalt is less expensive to install and maintain than concrete. However, the longevity of a concrete driveway may make it worth the cost.

Curb Appeal
Depending on personal preference, there may be an appeal to asphalt or concrete. Concrete is a lighter shade, while asphalt is black.

Maintenance Requirement
Asphalt requires resurfacing every 3-5 years or so. Concrete does not require resurfacing, but it can be done to create opportunities for patterns or colors to be added.

Time Taken for Installation
Asphalt is installed very quickly and cures rapidly. Concrete takes much longer to set and cure.

Environmental Impact
Both asphalt and concrete have significant environmental impacts. Obtaining raw materials like limestone and clay contributes to resource depletion in concrete production. In asphalt production, the refining of crude oil is part of the process, which means a substantial carbon footprint. However, both materials can be recycled.

Weather Resistance
Both concrete and asphalt are weather-resistant. Since asphalt stands up to cold weather, while concrete is more likely to crack in the cold, concrete may be a better choice for a warm climate, while asphalt is more conducive to a cold climate.

Conclusion

No matter what you choose, both asphalt and concrete are very durable materials that will stand the test of time. Though they may each have qualities that make them durable and long-lasting, they also both will require maintenance and care.

For more information about comparing asphalt to concrete driveways, look to the experts at Driveways 2Day in Frederick, MD, and the surrounding areas. From installation to proper care to helpful cleaning tips, our friendly staff is happy to talk to you about maintaining your driveway. We are here to help you make the best choice, a choice that improves the durability, price, and lifespan of your driveway. Now, it’s time to take care of your purchase. For more information or to talk to our knowledgeable staff, contact us or visit our website.