If you are in the process of replacing your driveway, you are probably trying to decide between asphalt and concrete. Both paving materials have pros and cons, which is why it’s important to do your research. Let’s take a closer look at the differences between asphalt vs concrete and if asphalt paving is better than concrete.
What Are Asphalt And Concrete Made Of?
Before going into the advantages and disadvantages of concrete and asphalt, it is important to understand how they are made.
Asphalt uses a mixture of aggregates (various minerals), binders, and fillers to create a flexible yet durable paving substance. On the other hand, concrete combines a paste of cement and water with various aggregates. Typically, concrete is paved with fine lines to provide a better grip for shoes and wheels.
Pros And Cons Of Asphalt
Let’s take a look at some of the advantages of asphalt.
Lower Installation Cost
One of the primary benefits of asphalt vs. concrete is that it is more affordable to purchase and install. Asphalt driveways clock in at around $4,000, whereas concrete can be as expensive as $6,000.
Easy Repairs
While repairing broken concrete is difficult and expensive, repairing asphalt is as easy as investing in the right products. Potholes, crumbling, and cracks occasionally occur where the sealcoating has weakened, but you or a professional can easily make the repairs.
Durability
Asphalt’s natural durability stems from a strong blend of aggregates, often including sand, gravel, and slag. Because of this, it can withstand a lot in the way of force. Standard ones can handle around 8,000 pounds.
Flexibility
Additionally, asphalt is naturally flexible, which allows it to support the weight of people and vehicles without becoming so brittle that it breaks. This means that there will be instances in which it can handle its weight more efficiently than concrete.
Like everything else in life, asphalt does have a few disadvantages.
Regular Maintenance
Although asphalt is cheaper to install and much more durable, it requires more maintenance than concrete. Concrete usually lasts a long time unless ruined by a bad product. Asphalt requires a few repairs along the way, as well as the occasional resurfacing.
Shorter Lifespan Than Concrete
Left unmaintained, concrete lasts longer than asphalt. However, with maintenance, asphalt is not only cheaper, but it can also last just as long as concrete. You can expect asphalt to stick around for at least 25 years.
Pros And Cons Of Concrete
Now, let’s consider some of the advantages of concrete.
Long-Lasting
Left on its own, concrete has a fairly long lifespan. It lasts 25-30 years which may sound like a minuscule difference; however, you should keep in mind that this is with next to no resources put into its upkeep. Of course, deterioration is still bound to happen, but not to the same degree as what asphalt experiences.
Wider Choice Of Color
Concrete stains are much better than asphalt, making it possible to match your driveway’s color or style to your home. Typically, asphalt is dark gray or black and matches the street rather than the home. If you are someone who emphasizes your driveway look as opposed to its feel, then concrete may be the way to go.
You might experience the following disadvantages if you go with a concrete driveway.
Higher Installation Cost
Generally speaking, concrete driveways cost around $5-$10 per square foot. This cost increases if you invest in a special style or color. Because of this, pricing leans on the larger side. If you are paving on a budget, a concrete driveway might not be doable.
Tough To Repair
While concrete driveways might not need as many repairs as asphalt, the repairs are tougher to complete. This drives up the repair cost, meaning you will need to put in extra time and money to address cracks and potholes.
Possible Product Damage
Be careful to use the proper cleaning and de-icing products on your concrete driveway, or it may cause expensive damage. Although asphalt can experience this, too, it is important to note that concrete is more susceptible to on-the-market options. With that being said, this is an easily avoidable issue if you take the time to handle everything with care.
Easy To Stain
One major disadvantage of concrete is that it stains easily. Oil drips, product spills, etc., cause dark stains, which is something you don’t have to worry about as much with asphalt due to its natural color.
Asphalt Vs Concrete: Which One Is Right For You?
Ultimately, you should consider your needs and desires as a homeowner. However, as long as you properly care for and maintain your asphalt driveway, it provides an affordable alternative to concrete. With the help of sealcoating and preventive maintenance, asphalt is durable and long-lasting, saving you money in the long run. Because of this, asphalt is a safe and popular choice for many homes.
How Long Will Asphalt Paving Last?
The first thing you should know is how long your asphalt pavement will last before you need to do it again. While asphalt does have a shorter lifespan than concrete, it will still last you an impressive 20 to 30 years. This means with proper maintenance, you aren’t going to need to worry about your driveway for quite some time.
Concrete has a little longer lifespan but will require more repairs over time. This is an important factor because upkeep and maintenance cost money and time. So you need to decide if you want to regularly maintain your concrete, or enjoy 20+ years of relatively easy asphalt maintenance.
Is Asphalt Stronger Than Concrete?
An important aspect of any driveway is getting a strong, flexible material that can withstand heavy use without wearing it out. Asphalt paving is overall less durable than concrete and requires more repairs. However, it is by no means weak.
Additionally, asphalt also becomes far more durable when Sealcoated, which creates an extra layer of protection, keeping the asphalt sturdy. That all being said, concrete also requires many repairs and is much harder to fix than asphalt whenever it wears down.
Price Comparison
So how do asphalt and concrete differ pricing-wise? Asphalt paving is much cheaper than concrete. The initial cost of concrete can cost $5 to $10 per square foot and, as mentioned before, concrete is a tough repair job which makes it cost even more in the long run.
Alternatively, asphalt paving is both inexpensive to install as well as quick and easy to fix. This saves a lot of money over time, as weather and regular wear will affect your asphalt paving project less.
Have More Questions?
You can count on Walt’s Paving to complete your residential or commercial paving project in an efficient and timely manner. We have over 40 years of experience paving asphalt driveways, making asphalt repairs, and seal coating asphalt. We are located in Osceola IN and service homeowners and businesses within 50 miles of Elkhart IN. If you have any further questions regarding our services, do not hesitate to contact us today.
