Most people don’t consider their driveways when designing or renovating their homes. However, this is something that you shouldn’t underestimate, as your driveway plays a very big role in the overall appearance of your property. This is because it’s the first thing people will see when approaching your property. So, if your driveway is old and worn out, it can give a bad impression on your home, even if the rest of your property is well finished.
When planning to install a new driveway, you need to consider the paving material. If it’s your first time, you need to note that there are several paving materials. However, two of these materials—concrete and asphalt stand out from the rest because of their cost and durability. Both asphalt and concrete are made with similar ingredients. However, while asphalt is made from crushed rock, sand, gravel, and tar, concrete is made of sand, cement, water, and aggregates. These differences might be slight, but they have a significant effect on the durability of these two paving options.
So, which is material is stronger?
According to the experts from Jacksonville experts from CSG Sealcoating, concrete is stronger than asphalt. And this can be seen in their durability. While asphalt pavement can last for 20 years, concrete can last for up to 40 years. However, this alone shouldn’t be your determining factor in choosing the right paving material for your driveway. Asphalt is a dark bituminous substance, found in natural beds and could also be obtained as a residue in petroleum refining and chiefly hydrocarbons. You can visit Big Easy Asphalt and know more about it.
Now, let’s look into the pros and cons of asphalt and concrete to help you get a better idea of which paving material is better for your driveway.
Pros of asphalt
- Asphalt is cheaper than concrete. The cost of asphalt is about $2 to $5 per square foot. On the other hand, the cost of concrete is about $6 to $10 per square foot. So, if you’re working on a tight budget, asphalt can be a great option for your driveway.
- Asphalt can be installed quickly. It usually takes one or two days for an asphalt driveway to cure and be ready for use. On the other hand, a concrete driveway takes about three to five days to cure and be ready for use. So, if you need your driveway installed quickly, asphalt would be your best bet.
- Asphalt is easy to maintain. All you need to do is sweep it and apply a sealant every few years. This will help protect your driveway from the weather and extend its life.
- Asphalt is versatile. It can be used for driveways, parking lots, and even roads.
Cons of asphalt
- Asphalt is not as durable as concrete. An asphalt driveway usually lasts for about 20 years, while a concrete driveway lasts for about 40 years.
- Asphalt is not as aesthetically pleasing as concrete. Concrete has a smooth finish that gives a polished look. On the other hand, asphalt has a rough finish that can be less appealing to some people.
- Asphalt can be damaged by the sun. The ultraviolet rays from the sun can cause the asphalt to deteriorate and become brittle.
- Oil leaks can stain asphalt. If you have a car that leaks oil, it can stain your asphalt driveway, causing an unsightly appearance.
Pros of concrete
- Concrete is stronger and more durable than asphalt. As mentioned earlier, concrete usually lasts for about 40 years, while asphalt lasts for only 20 years. So, if you’re looking for a durable option, concrete would be your best bet.
- Concrete requires low maintenance. Once your concrete driveway is installed, you don’t need to do much to maintain it. All you need to do is sweep it and apply a sealant every few years.
- Concrete can be stained by oil leaks. Like asphalt, if you have a car that leaks oil, it can stain your concrete driveway.
- Concrete is versatile. It can be used for driveways, parking lots, and even roads.
Cons of concrete
- Concrete is more expensive than asphalt. The cost of concrete is about $6 to $10 per square foot, while the cost of asphalt is about $2 to $5 per square foot. So, if you’re working on a tight budget, asphalt would be a better option for you.
- Concrete takes longer to install than asphalt. It usually takes three to five days for a concrete driveway to cure and be ready for use. On the other hand, an asphalt driveway takes about one or two days to cure and be ready for use.
- Concrete is more susceptible to weather damage than asphalt. Concrete can crack in cold weather while asphalt does not. So, if you live in an area that experiences cold weather, concrete would not be the best option for you.
So, what’s the verdict?
While both asphalt and concrete have their pros and cons, concrete is a better option than asphalt. It’s stronger and more durable, meaning it will last longer. It’s also low maintenance – all you need to do is sweep it and apply a sealant every few years. And, if you’re looking for a long-lasting driveway, concrete is the way to go.
