Asphalt Vs. Concrete Driveway- The Pros and Cons
Summer is here and you may be spending a large amount of your time working on outdoor projects. From the flower beds to styling your front porch, you certainly want the best curb appeal on the block. But have you considered if your driveway is holding your home back from its full potential? Having a cracked, uneven driveway may be an eyesore for you or others passing by, taking away from the hard work you’ve put in on the rest of your yard. Replacing your driveway is a hard decision, but picking what type of material might be even more difficult. Should you go with a concrete driveway? Or maybe an asphalt driveway? We’re here to answer those questions by giving you the pros and the cons of both major types of driveways: concrete and asphalt.
Concrete Driveway Pros and Cons
Concrete driveways are a wonderful addition to any home. They offer a beautiful, welcoming entrance to your home, and can be designed in many different ways. But there are a couple drawbacks as well. Here are a few of the biggest pros and cons to choosing a concrete driveway.
Pros of a Concrete Driveway
- Long lifespan – Concrete driveways tend to have a very long lifespan if they are well maintained. With the proper care, you can expect your concrete driveway to last up to 50 years. You’ll want to inspect the concrete for any major signs of wear and address it promptly. This can include stress cracks, chips, or potholes. Addressing these issues as they arise is key to maintaining your concrete driveway and prolonging its lifespan.
- Design versatility – A variety of style and design options for concrete make this type of driveway very appealing to homebuyers. If you want to add more sophistication to your driveway, opting for stamped concrete is a good option. It can replicate stone, tile, or brick, just to name a few. Sundek Houston lays out some of the many patterns of stamped concrete. Adding this extra touch will greatly improve your home’s curb appeal.
- Higher weight-bearing capacity – Concrete driveways are not flexible, whereas asphalt driveways can be. Even if you never plan to own oversized vehicles or machinery, you never know when a situation may arise where a heavy vehicle is on your driveway (such as a tree removal company, pool water delivery truck, etc.) Preparing for potential situations is important to the lifespan of your driveway.
- More environmentally friendly – When compared to asphalt, concrete driveways are more environmentally friendly. Overall, concrete requires less heat and energy to make and less energy is used to recycle the product at the end of its lifespan.
Cons of a Concrete Driveway
- Higher upfront cost – Concrete driveways are more expensive than asphalt driveways. But if you have a generous budget for your new driveway, choosing concrete will pay for itself over time due to its longer lifespan.
- Stains easily – Concrete driveways are porous and tend to stain easily. You’ll want to avoid driving or parking any leaky cars or machinery on your concrete. If spills or leaves get on to your driveway, you’ll want to quickly remove them. Sealing your concrete driveway with a durable concrete sealer will help keep the concrete from absorbing the staining material.
Asphalt Driveway Pros and Cons
Asphalt is another popular driveway material for homeowners. Asphalt tends to be popular for its affordable price. But beware, if you live in a state with major weather fluctuations, asphalt may not be the best option. Here are the major pros and cons of an asphalt driveway.
Pros of an Asphalt Driveway
- More affordable – Asphalt driveways tend to have a lower upfront cost. For homeowner’s on a tight budget, this may be an important benefit.
- Cures faster – Asphalt cures much faster than concrete does. You can generally drive on asphalt after 2 days, whereas concrete takes about 10 days to cure.
Cons of an Asphalt Driveway
- Requires more maintenance – To get the most out of your asphalt driveway, proper maintenance is required. It recommended that you clean the driveway at least twice a year and seal it every 3-5 years. It also doesn’t handle temperature fluctuations well, and harsh winter conditions can cause contraction and major cracking.
- Messy surface after installation – Sticky, oily material can seep out of your asphalt driveway after insulation. This can cause damage to your shoes or your house, if tracked inside. With concrete, there are no materials that will seep out after it has cured.
- Shorter lifespan – The lifespan of an asphalt driveway is shorter than a concrete driveway. If properly maintained, you can expect an asphalt driveway to last around 25-30 years. UV light, cracks, and water infiltration can significantly shorten this lifespan.
- Not as environmentally friendly – Creating asphalt requires large amounts of heat and energy. The sealing product used to periodically seal the asphalt contains a lot of petroleum, which is not conducive to conserving Earth’s natural resources. On the bright side, asphalt is recyclable at the end of its lifespan.
Choosing the Right Material
Both types of driveway materials have pros and cons. At the end of the day, it all depends on what your needs and budget allow. If you have a generous driveway budget, opting for a concrete driveway is likely the superior choice. Not only will it last significantly longer, but the versatility it offers with style and design can’t be beat. Check out some of the beautiful stamped concrete work we’ve completed in the past to get an idea of how versatile it is.
However, if you’re a homeowner on a tight budget, choosing an asphalt driveway may be the better option. But no matter which material you choose, proper maintenance and care is required to prolong the life of your beautiful new driveway.
Call Anchor Crete for your Concrete Driveway Needs
Anchor Crete concrete professionals specialize in concrete driveways of all varieties, which means the installation is efficient, professional, and will help your driveway last longer. For concrete driveway needs in Sugarcreek, Cuyahoga Falls, Akron, Canton, Massillon, and surrounding Ohio areas, contact Anchor Crete.
Whether it is a commercial parking lot, personal driveway, or a decorative patio, we are committed to providing you with quality workmanship at an affordable price. Quality materials and attention to detail are a way of life at Anchor Crete – no shortcuts!
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