{"id":52,"date":"2018-09-27T08:18:06","date_gmt":"2018-09-27T02:18:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bestdrivewaysealers.org\/?page_id=52"},"modified":"2021-06-22T08:11:28","modified_gmt":"2021-06-22T02:11:28","slug":"asphalt-vs-concrete-driveway-which-is-better","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/bestdrivewaysealers.org\/asphalt-vs-concrete-driveway-which-is-better\/","title":{"rendered":"Asphalt VS Concrete Driveway: Which is Better?"},"content":{"rendered":"

After completing your new home, you are now contemplating which driveway surface to go for. So, you ask yourself, which one is better \u2013 asphalt<\/a> or concrete<\/a>? 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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Related: Best Driveway Sealer Reviews: Most Popular List<\/a><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Comparison Chart: Asphalt vs Concrete Driveway<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Factor<\/strong><\/th>\nAsphalt<\/b><\/th>\nConcrete<\/b><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n
Cost<\/strong><\/td>\n$2.50 – $4.00 \/sq.ft.<\/td>\n$4.00 – $6.00+ \/sq. ft.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Weather Issues<\/b><\/td>\nSoftens in high heat<\/td>\nCracks in freezing temperatures<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Drying Time<\/strong><\/td>\nCan drive on immediately<\/td>\nNeeds to cure for a week<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Finishes<\/b><\/td>\nNone<\/td>\nMultiple types<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Climate<\/strong><\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • Shrinks and expands with temperature fluctuations<\/li>\n
  • Heat can cause crumbling<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
\n
    \n
  • Cracks in extreme cold<\/li>\n
  • Salt\/de-icer can damage<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Maintenance and Repairs<\/strong><\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • Requires resealing six months after installation and then every three-to-five years<\/li>\n
  • Can patch repair<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
\n
    \n
  • Sealing not required, but done every five years can prolong life<\/li>\n
  • Repairs are costly<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Longevity<\/strong><\/td>\n20-25 years<\/td>\n30-40 years<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Aesthetic Appeal<\/strong><\/td>\nNot as easy to personalize<\/p>\n

Rough edges<\/td>\n

Easier to stamp, score, color or stain<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Colors<\/b><\/td>\nPrimarily black<\/td>\nMultiple color options<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Wear and Tear<\/strong><\/td>\n\n
    \n
  • Hides oil stains<\/li>\n
  • Gasoline can damage<\/li>\n
  • Deteriorates quicker<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
\n
    \n
  • Shows oil stains<\/li>\n
  • Subject to cracks, even in warm climates<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Resurfacing<\/b><\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Durability<\/b><\/td>\nLess durable<\/td>\nMore durable<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Weather Issues<\/b><\/td>\nSoftens in high heat<\/td>\nCracks in freezing temperatures<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Detail Feature Comparison: Asphalt VS Concrete Driveway<\/span><\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Things you\u2019ll learn in this post are:<\/em><\/span><\/h3>\n