Concrete Vs Asphalt Driveway

This debate has raged on for years. There are a few reasons why some folks champion one side over the other. More often than not, though, the specific situation of the terrain and even the size of the project, and its usage rate, is what’s going to determine the best option for you. We’re here to help you determine which type of material will work best for your needs. At the same time, we’ll hopefully be able to dispel some of the misinformation that’s out there. More often than not, this misinformation is promoted by either asphalt or concrete contractors who want to boost their particular product.

Is The Added Cost of a Concrete Driveway Worth It? 

In general, concrete paving is going to be considerably more expensive than asphalt. Is that price difference worth it? It can be for heavy-duty commercial use where you’re looking for a much sturdier surface. When it comes to driveways and smaller parking lots, you’re actually not going to be able to reap many of the benefits associated with concrete surfaces. You’re offered added durability with mostly no guarantees, and does it really matter to you today what the area is going to look like in 20 to 25 years, which is when asphalt can begin to crack in mild-use surfaces?

Are Concrete Driveways More Customizable Than Asphalt Ones?

It really comes down to the type of design that you’re looking to implement. With asphalt seal, you can obtain a ton of looks that are very similar to what you could get from concrete. At this point, you could very well find an asphalt company that allows you to be creative. That could help negate some of those differences in that department. This would give you a win-win scenario because you’ll get the low cost of asphalt plus the design that you wanted in the first place.

Concrete Vs Asphalt Driveway - Is Durability Really An Issue?

One of the things that concrete driveways have over asphalt ones is durability. Concrete is generally much more durable, with some companies guaranteeing it will last 50+ years. That’s where things get dicey for the current consumer. If asphalt can last 20 years or 15, would you need to worry about issues beyond that? Maybe it can be a great asset when purchasing a house, but if you’re the one in charge of the installation, the added durability combined with the added price tag may not be represented in the overall home value, which is actually quite a bummer! 

What Will Work Best for You?

At the end of the day, both options are still in use for a reason. The most powerful of those, actually a multitude of reasons, is that each material could work best for a particular need. If you don’t know where you fall, then the best way forward would be to give us a call or contact us. Let us know a little bit about your situation. More often than not, we’ll be able to point you in the right direction.