After completing your new home, you are now contemplating which driveway surface to go for. So, you ask yourself, which one is better – asphalt or concrete? With no experience, you start wondering which one will be ideal for your home. Read this Asphalt VS Concrete Driveway article to know the difference.
Asphalt and concrete surfaces have both similar and differing features. Thus, you need to understand these two in-depth before making the final decision. Some of the factors to consider include climate, cost, aesthetics, maintenance, finishes, and durability.
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These two surfaces are similar in that they are both made from the same material which is stone and sand. In addition, asphalt and concrete are required to have compacted bases of gravel before being installed. Also, they take time to cure with concrete taking several days, while asphalt just a few hours.
Comparison Chart: Asphalt vs Concrete Driveway
| Factor | Asphalt | Concrete |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $2.50 – $4.00 /sq.ft. | $4.00 – $6.00+ /sq. ft. |
| Weather Issues | Softens in high heat | Cracks in freezing temperatures |
| Drying Time | Can drive on immediately | Needs to cure for a week |
| Finishes | None | Multiple types |
| Climate |
|
|
| Maintenance and Repairs |
|
|
| Longevity | 20-25 years | 30-40 years |
| Aesthetic Appeal | Not as easy to personalize
Rough edges |
Easier to stamp, score, color or stain |
| Colors | Primarily black | Multiple color options |
| Wear and Tear |
|
|
| Resurfacing | Yes | No |
| Durability | Less durable | More durable |
| Weather Issues | Softens in high heat | Cracks in freezing temperatures |
Detail Feature Comparison: Asphalt VS Concrete Driveway
However, the major difference comes in their adhesive. Asphalt uses tar while concrete uses cement. Tar and cement give asphalt and concrete their peculiar features. Moreover, these substrates affect their cost, maintenance, and durability. Of the two, tar is cheaper and degrades faster than cement. But this can be altered if it is well-maintained.
Things you’ll learn in this post are:
- The vital things to consider before installing either asphalt or concrete
- The cost, maintenance, and durability of the two sealers
- Features of asphalt and concrete
- In which area you need to install either asphalt or concrete surfaces
Aesthetics
Since everyone’s view of beauty is different, some may have their driveway installed with asphalt while others may prefer to have concrete. Asphalt surface has limited options while concrete driveways have unlimited options when it comes to design, color, and finishes.
Cost
It is important that you compare the costs of these two surfaces before setting them up. Generally, asphalt is cheaper to install when compared to concrete. It is estimated that the cost per square foot for asphalt will go from around $2.50 to $4.00. On the other hand, the cost of concrete per sq. ft. is around $4.00 to $6.00. These prices are not fixed as in some situations they may cost more.
Maintenance
To begin with, asphalt surfaces should be sealed between 6 months and 1 year after being installed. Afterward, it should be sealed after every 3 years. When the driveway is properly sealed, it can last more than 20 years.
When it comes to concrete, these don’t need to be sealed yearly to last for more than 40 years. Nevertheless, sealing a concrete driveway will maintain the appearance and finish of the concrete surface. Concrete driveways get stained easily and you will need a degreaser to get rid of oils before sealing.
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Cracks in both asphalt and concrete surfaces can be repaired. But asphalt cracks are easier to repair when compared to concrete. Also, asphalt can be resurfaced at a very small cost leaving a brand new topcoat, while this is not possible for concrete. Concrete repairs are normal as a result of weathering.
Color and finishes
As a matter of fact, concrete is very easy to work with in order to get different designs, finishes, and colors. Concrete can be tinted or stained in a wide range of colors and can be stained differently in a single driveway to attain peculiar patterns. In addition, concrete can be stamped, etched, or even engraved to acquire various looks and it can possess different finishes like exposed aggregate or brushed.
On the other hand, asphalt is more limited. This is because it has to be rolled and compressed, so it is almost impossible to get a unique finish. So, you won’t have multiple colors or designs when you use asphalt.
Climate
The climate of your area plays a huge role in the type of surface that you install. If you live in very cold areas, installing an asphalt driveway will be a great idea. This is because concrete tends to crack and suffer from cold. Alternatively, asphalt does function well in hot climates as tar becomes soft and it deforms easily. That’s why you need to speak to a professional contractor before deciding to install the driveway in your home.
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Durability
If you want a surface that will last for many years, then concrete is the most ideal choice. Concrete driveways can last for more than 30 years if well maintained, while asphalt driveways can last for at least 20 years. But proper maintenance such as sealing them is key for their longevity.
Conclusion:
We have tried to explain everything in this Asphalt VS Concrete Driveway article that you need to know.
FAQ
Q. What’s the difference between Asphalt and Concrete Seal coating?
Ans. Asphalt sealers should be used on an Asphalt driveway while concrete sealants should be applied on concrete surfaces. Asphalt sealers function by providing a coat that protects the asphalt driveway from the sun and weather, while concrete sealers work by absorbing sealants into the porous surface.
Q. How long does it take for a Driveway sealer to dry?
Ans. This varies from one sealer to another. Some types dry very fast within 1 hour while others take more than 24 hours to dry.
Contents
I love that you mentioned that concrete driveways have a lot more flexibility in design and finishes. I’m considering to have my driveway paved later this year since my husband will be buying his first car. I’m sure that investing on a driveway would be worth the money if we can find the right concrete coating sealing that will ensure it to last a long time.