CONCRETE VS. ASPHALT: WHICH IS RIGHT FOR YOUR DRIVEWAY?

Your driveway is the first thing that every visitor sees when they pull up to your home, whether they are friends, family, clients or potential homebuyers. Investing in a brand-new driveway has benefits, from increasing the value of your property to creating an attractive entrance to your home. If your current driveway consists of weed-infested gravel or cracked paving stones, it may be time for an upgrade.

Both concrete and asphalt are popular materials for driveways, each with their own pros and cons, differences and similarities. Below, we have put together a guide to both materials to help you decide which material is right for your driveway.

What are concrete and asphalt made from?

Concrete and asphalt both have a gravel base and are essentially a mixture of sand and stone. However, different adhesives are used to hold the components together, which is where the main differences lie. Concrete is comprised of water, sand, cement and aggregates, whereas asphalt is comprised of crushed rock, sand, tar and gravel. The characteristics of these adhesives result in the differences between the two driveway surfaces. Below we look at these differences in some more detail.

Appearance and design

The appearance of your driveway plays an important part in your decision. After all, you want your driveway to suit the aesthetic of your home and look good.

Asphalt is known for its dark, textured look, options are limited to grey or black, this is because asphalt does not take well to stamping, etching, tinting or colouring. For a streamlined appearance that matches the street, asphalt is the ideal choice.

Concrete offers flexibility when it comes to appearance and design which often makes it the more desirable driveway option. Naturally, concrete offers a smooth, grey appearance, but concrete takes well to staining, etching, tinting, stamping and colouring for different patterns and textures, to just about any colour. This allows you to achieve the desired look that complements your home.

Cost

The cost of an asphalt driveway is cheaper than a concrete driveway. A concrete driveway costs around 45 to 50 percent more than an asphalt driveway. However, while asphalt is initially cheaper to purchase, it requires more frequent maintenance than concrete, therefore, in the long run concrete can be cheaper than asphalt. This leads us on to the next point.

Maintenance

Asphalt generally has a shorter lifespan than concrete and depending on how well asphalt is maintained, it often requires re-sealing around six months to one year after installation, from then on every three years to ensure that the surface is preserved in good condition.

Concrete, on the other hand, does not require sealing, although doing so can also help to preserve the finish.

Many homeowners find that, when asphalt is put down correctly and maintained well, it can hold up just as well as concrete and is cheaper to put down. With proper maintenance, expensive repairs can be avoided.

Durability

On average, an asphalt driveway has a lifespan of up to 20 years, whereas a concrete driveway can last up to 40 years with the correct maintenance. Concrete is the more durable material but when damages do occur, they are often more difficult and expensive to repair. Cracks and damages in asphalt are generally easier to repair than in concrete, with repaired areas blending in far better when in asphalt.

In hot weather, asphalt can become sticky or gooey and, once it cools down when the temperature drops, can crack. Concrete, on the other hand, can crack and buckle in cold temperatures. This is why it is important that you consider the climate that you live in when choosing the best driveway material for you.

Generally, concrete tends to show every spill and mark that it meets, meaning that it requires more regular cleaning and degreasing than asphalt. While concrete can look visually more appealing, the maintenance required to keep it looking bright and clean often puts people off. Your driveway, throughout the year, will endure all sorts of stains, from engine oil to rust and fuel drips. As asphalt has a dark, textured look and a matte finish, it hides stains and general wear and tear very well.

Installation

Following installation, both concrete and asphalt take time to cure before they can be driven on. Asphalt can take only a few hours to cure, it is recommend that you wait up to a week before driving on a concrete driveway. If parking on the street is a challenge or an issue where you live, it is worth considering an asphalt driveway to ensure that you can park your car on your driveway as soon as possible.

To summarise, both asphalt and concrete are popular options for driveways. Asphalt is cheaper to purchase, easier and less expensive to repair, and resistant to cold weather. In contrast, concrete is more expensive to purchase, however, it requires less maintenance and is generally more durable.

D McCarthy Brothers: asphalt driveways and asphalt repair

If you choose to install an asphalt driveway, the experienced and skilled team at D McCarthy Brothers can help you. Based in Lichfield, we understand the importance of a quality driveway, which is why we always go above and beyond to ensure that you receive the services and care that you need.

A poorly paved asphalt driveway will not only show cracks and signs of wear straight away, but it can also be dangerous and unsafe to drive and walk on. This is why it is essential that you always choose a reliable asphalt driveway pavers, like D McCarthy Brothers, to pave your driveway. With over three decades of experience, our professional team are equipped with the skills and knowledge to leave you with a driveway that will make your home look great.

Our professional teams are highly trained and educated to meet your asphalt driveway needs, from design installation through to repairs. If you would like to discuss your requirements, we will be more than happy to talk about your needs and what the work at your property will entail.

Our other services include block paving and patios. Simply visit our website for more information or get in touch with us to discuss your requirements.