They are best utilized for their construction bearing their own advantages and disadvantages. So, which material will you go ahead to choose for the driveway at your property? We will discuss all the pros and cons as well as materialistic matters to find about each.

This way you can add a lot of curb appeal of your home improvising and raising bar or your neighbors. You are also adding a lot of value to your home this way. Both concrete and asphalt form a traditional choice especially when it comes to the harder surfaces.

There are several differences that are underlying within it that you need to consider while going ahead with a decision here. You also need to weigh down on the things when it comes to choosing the one between them.

If you wish to have the roadwork done in a tough manner with the climate in concern you need to choose the one that is both cost-effective and easy to maintain.

Appearance and Design Options

When compared to asphalt, concrete has enough of decorative options and prospects of designing within it. It can form ideal options as well as hold on to some colorful patterns here as it can also be tinted with several colors.

You can also get in some new and unique designs herein. You can easily give off different kinds of finishes to that of concrete on top of all.

It is known that the concrete has a decorative option within it that is not at all present in asphalt. It can be rolled over and compressed on for making the surface even but not always you can expect it to have a smoother touch to that of concrete.

Weathering and Climate Compatibility

Whether or not to head for asphalt or concrete driveways for an aesthetic appeal of your property, the weather plays the most crucial role behind it. If you think in terms of the maintenance factors then you need not worry a bit as the asphalt laying services are always there for you to aid up at your rescue.

Regions with hot climates:

In particular, regions where the weather tends to be very hot than that of the asphalt driveways, the concrete ones are much more suitable. The driveways constructed with asphalt are usually prone to further cracks and grooves as the tar softens in the warmer temperatures very easily.

Regions with colder climates:

In the colder weather, the asphalt driveways are usually very suitable than that of the concrete ones. Mainly due to the frost heave the cracks are formed in the driveways that are constructed with concrete.

Asphalt is usually very resistant to salt similar to that of the salt that is used on the roads to fight off the ice and snow affecting the concrete in a negative manner. Asphalt can readily absorb heat due to the physical aspect of color that is darker in nature. This allows the ice to melt rapidly.

Potholes and root growth:

When compared to its concrete counterpart, concrete is more resistant to potholes mainly due to its rigidness and hardness.

The change in climates:

In some regions where the weather is frequently changing, concrete can be a better option compared to asphalt for driveways. The edges in the concrete driveways usually can stand up well against the wreathing with that of the asphalt driveways. 

Maintenance and Repairing

Sealing:

It is to be noted here that the asphalt driveways requires to be seal coated after every 8 months from the day of their installation. This is done as they will still be softer in nature.

They also require to be resealed again In the upcoming 4 to 5 years after their first sealing. In the case of concrete driveways, if they are sealed once then they do not need to be sealed for about 50 years.

Stains:

Stains in concrete driveways are easily visible because of their light coloring while asphalt does not get stained as easily as concrete. However, sealing can help in reducing staining too.

Cracks:

The cracks on both the concrete and the asphalt driveways will be infected through the early weathering and the aging signs. However, cracks on asphalt are easier to mend than the cracks on concrete. The maintenance fee is quite smaller here in for the asphalt than that of the concrete ones.

Lifespan:

The lifespan of the driveway really depends on the climatic conditions of the place and the foundation structure of the driveway itself. It is a well-known fact that the concrete driveways are longer lasting over the years than that of the asphalt and this all depends on how well it is maintained.

Price:

Constructing asphalt driveways is much more economical than constructing concrete driveways. Your average asphalt driveways usually cost about $3 to $4 per square foot while for concrete driveways can cost from $10 to $15 per square foot. The prices, however, will vary from state to state as each state has its own pricing.