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When installing a new driveway, choosing the most appropriate driveway material for the job is essential. You have a wide variety of paving materials to choose from. Concrete and asphalt are the most widely used and trusted paving materials available on the market today.
Asphalt and concrete, on the other hand, each have their own set of benefits and drawbacks. The question is, what is the difference between asphalt vs. concrete driveway? What paving material can give you more benefits than headaches in the future?
The following are the five most significant distinctions between asphalt vs. concrete driveways that you need to look into to answer these questions.
Cost
Driveways made of asphalt are usually less costly than driveways made of concrete. The price of crude oil has an impact on the cost of asphalt. On the other hand, the cost of concrete installation may be influenced by the finishes, embellishments, and stains used in its construction. However, depending on the location, intricacy, and size of your driveway, the cost of both paving materials may vary significantly.
Asphalt is the most cost-effective choice if you have a restricted budget for your driveway repair or construction. A concrete driveway may cost almost twice as much as an asphalt driveway. However, when the two materials’ life-cycle costs are compared, concrete is the more cost-effective option. It offers a longer useful life and cheaper maintenance expenses than other options.
Maintenance and Repairs
Cracks may appear in both asphalt and concrete driveways, and these should be fixed as soon as possible. Asphalt cracks are less complicated to fix and will result in a more pleasing visual appearance. On the other hand, concrete fissures are more challenging to repair and may often be impossible to resurface.
Seal coating the asphalt driveways is suggested to preserve the asphalt’s oils and to avoid cracking and brittleness from occurring. The sealant will extend the driveway’s life. Concrete driveways, on the other hand, do not need as much sealing as asphalt driveways. Paving contractors may seal them to keep their look and attractiveness for a more extended period. Concrete driveways have more maintenance expenses than asphalt driveways, but degreasers are required to remove oil, gasoline, and chemical stains that accumulate over time.
Aesthetic and Design
Concrete driveways offer a distinct advantage over asphalt driveways. However, even if they are simple in design, they may enhance curb appeal and complement various architectural styles. Concrete driveways can be colored, etched, or embossed to create the desired aesthetic appearance. On the other hand, asphalt is rough, and asphalt is only available in two colors: grey and black. It is because asphalt cannot be tinted or colored as any homeowner would like.It may not be visually appealing, but it is acceptable for most people who prefer to have a simple-looking driveway.
Lifespan and Durability
Concrete driveways provide several distinct advantages. They have a lifespan that is twice as long as asphalt. The lifespan of a concrete driveway may last for around 40 years if it is built properly in a climate that is appropriate for it and well maintained. At the same time, asphalt driveways have an average lifespan of 20 to 30 years if sealcoating is applied suitably.
Drying and Curing Process
The paving contractors must install driveways made of concrete or asphalt over a subgrade that has been properly graded and compacted. It is to avoid possible damage due to poor land grading. Because an asphalt driveway may be used immediately after installation, it is usually used within two or three days after its installation. On the other hand, concrete driveways must be allowed to cure for seven days before they can be utilized by cars.
Conclusion
When you consider installing a driveway, the first question you should ask yourself is what kind of material you will be using. For your driveway, you have the option of using asphalt or concrete. When deciding between concrete driveways vs. asphalt driveways, there are many factors to take into consideration. Select a paving material that will not only save you time and money now but will also offer you extra advantages in the future, such as increased durability and convenience.
If you are still confused about the paving material to utilize on your driveway, it is time to consult with professionals in the paving business. Biondi Paving and Engineering is on hand to help you in any way they can. To learn more, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.
