{"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 Rough edges<\/td>\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 Since everyone\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n When it comes to concrete, these don\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n Related: Siloxane vs Silane Sealers<\/a><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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<\/a> 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<\/a>, etched, or even engraved to acquire various looks and it can possess different finishes like exposed aggregate or brushed.<\/p>\n 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\u2019t have multiple colors or designs when you use asphalt.<\/p>\n 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\u2019s why you need to speak to a professional contractor before deciding to install the driveway in your home.<\/p>\nComparison Chart: Asphalt vs Concrete Driveway<\/span><\/h2>\n
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\n Factor<\/strong><\/th>\n Asphalt<\/b><\/th>\n Concrete<\/b><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n\n \n Cost<\/strong><\/td>\n $2.50 – $4.00 \/sq.ft.<\/td>\n $4.00 – $6.00+ \/sq. ft.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Weather Issues<\/b><\/td>\n Softens in high heat<\/td>\n Cracks in freezing temperatures<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Drying Time<\/strong><\/td>\n Can drive on immediately<\/td>\n Needs to cure for a week<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Finishes<\/b><\/td>\n None<\/td>\n Multiple types<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Climate<\/strong><\/td>\n \n \n
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\n Maintenance and Repairs<\/strong><\/td>\n \n \n
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\n Longevity<\/strong><\/td>\n 20-25 years<\/td>\n 30-40 years<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Aesthetic Appeal<\/strong><\/td>\n Not as easy to personalize<\/p>\n Easier to stamp, score, color or stain<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Colors<\/b><\/td>\n Primarily black<\/td>\n Multiple color options<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Wear and Tear<\/strong><\/td>\n \n \n
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\n Resurfacing<\/b><\/td>\n Yes<\/td>\n No<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Durability<\/b><\/td>\n Less durable<\/td>\n More durable<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Weather Issues<\/b><\/td>\n Softens in high heat<\/td>\n Cracks in freezing temperatures<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n Detail Feature Comparison: Asphalt VS Concrete Driveway<\/span><\/h2>\n
Things you\u2019ll learn in this post are:<\/em><\/span><\/h3>\n
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Aesthetics<\/span><\/h3>\n
Cost<\/span><\/h3>\n
Maintenance<\/span><\/h3>\n
Color and finishes<\/span><\/h3>\n
Climate<\/span><\/h3>\n