Asphalt vs. Concrete
When it comes to driveway paving, asphalt and concrete are by far the most popular materials used. They both have advantages and disadvantages, and both are relatively similar in terms of cost. The material that you ultimately choose to go with will depend on a number of factors, including the cost, the weather where you live, the way you want it to look and so on.
Factoring In Cost
Whilst there isn’t much difference between concrete and asphalt driveways, asphalt does tend to be the cheapest of the two. However, whilst they are cheaper to set up they generally require more maintenance and are not as durable as concrete. Around every four years you will need to get your asphalt driveway resealed. It is possible to carry out this job yourself, though it will inevitably cost you time and money. It also takes a few days to dry out before being able to use the driveway again.
When you first set up your driveway think about how long you want it to last for, and whether you are looking for a cheaper short-term option or a long-term investment. Concrete driveways will typically last longer than asphalt equivalents, though you can still expect asphalt driveways to last around 25 years. Both types will usually crack over time, but in many cases the cracks can be easier to repair on asphalt driveways.
The Look of the Driveway
Many people have requirements in mind when it comes to the way that their driveway looks. It is useful to know that not all asphalt driveways need be black, and concrete driveways can also come in a number of different colours. It is best to check with those doing the work what colour options are available, and bear in mind that different colour choices could add onto the original cost of the driveway.
Concrete driveways will come with further options for painting, adding in designs such as swirls or for making the surface glossy and so on. Generally when you get a quote for your driveway it will be related to each square foot. If going for these other designs of concrete then you should expect your cost per foot to be increased slightly. You should also check whether they are available through certain specialists.
Conclusion
The cost and look of your driveway are just some of the aspects you should be thinking about when considering whether to go with asphalt or concrete. It will also depend upon whether your driveway is based on a slope, how much space you have and so on. Ask specialists driveway contractors what options are available and try to get a number of quotes to give you some idea of what you can expect. It’s always a good idea to think in the long-term when it comes to getting your driveway paved – after all, you want to pick a design and material that will last as long as you need and with minimal necessary repairs.
