Concrete Or Asphalt Driveway Installation, Which Is Better?

When considering a new driveway installation, one of the first considerations that you have to decide, is whether you want a concrete driveway or an asphalt driveway. There are definitely pluses and minuses to each, and it does depend on where you live, how much money you have, and what look you desire in the front of your home. So,let’s take a look at some of the disadvantages and advantages of concrete driveways versus asphalt driveways now.

Concrete Is Stronger And Holds Up Better Under Heat.

A concrete driveway can hold much more weight than an asphalt driveway can, but it depends on how much weight you need to put on it, are you going to be driving construction equipment on your driveway? A concrete driveway will also withstand much higher temperatures in the hot sun, if you live in a hot climate, it would be a better choice to go with concrete. Also, if well taken care of, a concrete driveway could last 80-100 years, which you would never get out of an asphalt driveway. You can also pressure wash a concrete driveway to clean off oil spills and stains without a problem or worry.

Asphalt Is Much Cheaper, And Easier To Fix.

If you check their prices, you’ll see that an asphalt driveway is by far the cheapest way to go, and is much less work for the do-it-yourselfer to install, as there are no forms to build, or foundation to lay, you just call up the crew and they come do it in several hours. Asphalt is also much easier to repair cracks in than concrete, all one needs to do is apply more asphalt with gravel in the crack and you’re good to go. As far as maintenance goes, working on cars that leak a lot of oil and gas on an asphalt driveway can be detrimental, as it melts the asphalt and leaves you with the pile of gravel. You can however, apply seal coat to your driveway that helps protect it from solvents, keeps it from drying out in the hot sun, and seals up cracks and crevices as well. Adding a seal coat to your driveway about every three years makes it last quite a bit longer, up to 30 years, than if you allow it to become dry and cracked.

If Having A Decorative Color Driveway Is Important, Then Concrete Is Better.

Both asphalt and concrete can be colored to a certain extent, however concrete stains come in a huge variety of different colors and types to match almost any decor imaginable. Asphalt on the other hand, can only come in a couple different, dark colors that don’t hold up well long-term, or the hot sun. So if being able to stain your driveway to match your house is something you desire, then you should go with the concrete driveway.

Neither an asphalt or concrete driveway installation is 100% the best in every situation. However, for most applications concrete holds up better and lasts longer than asphalt. While you pay more for the concrete driveway installation, it pays for itself in the long run. Construction & building consultant www.kaleidoscopensw.com.au/