What is the best material for a driveway? Should you go with Asphalt driveway vs concrete driveway? We’re here to help you weigh each material’s pros and cons so you can decide. That’s right, you’re hearing it right. It makes sense that you are hearing this: you are an aspiring realtor. And why are you so into developing your real estate business? Hmmmm. the money? The prestige of becoming an entrepreneur? Or is it the excitement of selling and buying houses?. Those thoughts could run through your mind whenever you visit this: “Why isn’t the homeowner hiring me to do this?” “Should I say anything?” “Argh! What should I do?” Let’s compare asphalt to concrete. Let’s dive right in!
Materials Composition
Concrete and asphalt are both made from cement, sand, and gravel. However, the materials that makeup asphalt are different than those of concrete. Asphalt is made from bitumen, which is a petroleum product. This difference has implications for both environmental impact and cost-effectiveness.
Concrete takes much longer to harden because it’s composed of natural materials that need time to cure before they can use as part of an infrastructure project like a driveway or sidewalk–or even poured into place as part of a new home foundation! Its high density makes it very strong, so you know your driveway will last if you use this material instead of asphalt.
Initial Cost
Asphalt is the cheaper option. Asphalt driveways are less expensive than concrete because they require less installation time and don’t require as much maintenance in the future. Concrete is more expensive since it requires much more labor, equipment, and materials during installation.
Maintenance
Asphalt is cheaper to maintain than concrete. Asphalt can be repaired by simply filling in cracks, whereas concrete must be replaced entirely if it’s damaged.
Concrete is more durable than asphalt. Concrete doesn’t chip or crack like asphalt, making it ideal for driveways that see heavy traffic or extreme weather conditions.
Durability
Concrete is more resistant to chemical damage, but asphalt is more durable overall. Asphalt is more resistant to cracking and damage from freezing and thawing, which can cause concrete to break apart over time. Additionally, asphalt does not absorb water as readily as concrete does; this makes it less prone to damage from water runoff or flooding during rainstorms.
Weather Resistance
While concrete is more resistant to UV radiation, asphalt is more resistant to weather. Asphalt is less susceptible to temperature changes and water/frost damage than concrete, which means it will last longer if you live in an area that experiences extreme temperatures or heavy rainfall.
Concrete also requires more maintenance than asphalt: concrete surfaces must be sealed every two years or so to prevent cracks from forming and causing further damage.
Environmental Impact
Concrete is a natural product, whereas asphalt is petroleum-based. Concrete has been used for thousands of years and can be made from local materials such as sand and gravel. Asphalt requires the extraction and processing of oil, which has an environmental impact in terms of air pollution, water pollution, and climate change.
Concrete also lasts longer than asphalt because it’s more durable; it resists cracking better than asphalt due to its chemical composition. Asphalt tends to break down over time due to UV exposure or damage from cars driving over it repeatedly at high speeds.
Conclusion
Asphalt driveways have been around for decades, but they’re not always the best choice for homeowners who want something durable and environmentally friendly. Concrete is an excellent alternative because it requires less maintenance over time and is more sustainable than asphalt or other pavement materials.
Toledo Paving Contractors will work with you to provide quality paving services for your project. We’ll walk you through the process of what to expect when hiring us, so that you can make an informed decision. Then please get in touch with us at 567 806-1933. We specialize in paving and driveway maintenance services in 335 N St Clair St, Toledo, OH 43604, United States, and the surrounding areas.
- Which is more cost-effective, an asphalt or concrete driveway?
Asphalt driveways are generally more cost-effective to install initially compared to concrete driveways. However, concrete may offer better long-term durability and potentially balancing the cost difference.
- How does the maintenance of an asphalt driveway differ from a concrete driveway?
Asphalt driveways typically require frequent maintenance, including regular sealing every few years and occasional repairs to address cracks and potholes. Concrete driveways generally have lower maintenance requirements but may also need sealing and repair.
- Which driveway surface is more durable?
Concrete driveways are stronger and can withstand heavy loads and harsh weather conditions better than asphalt driveways.
- Can you customize the presence of my driveway with either material?
Concrete driveways offer more customization options regarding color, texture, and decorative patterns. Asphalt driveways have a uniform black appearance.
- How does climate affect the choice between asphalt and concrete driveways?
Concrete driveways may be a better choice in areas with extreme temperature .Asphalt driveways may require more frequent repairs in such climates.