If you are considering renovating your driveway and you narrowed your material choice to concrete and asphalt, this post is for you. Both materials are popular because of their durability, but the difference in the adhesive creates pros and cons on each side.
Depending on your design ideas, budget, and traffic, you might benefit more from an asphalt driveway than concrete. But, let’s present all the facts, and then you can make an educated decision.
Concrete VS Asphalt Driveway, Cost and Installation
With an average approach, asphalt driveways are cheaper than concrete. Concrete driveway prices range from $5 to $10 per square foot while asphalt will cost you between $2 to 5$ per square foot.
Also, concrete has a more complicated and lengthier installation process. While they both require the same gravel base, concrete driveways require a little more digging and, on average, take around a week to completely dry. On the other hand, an asphalt driveway can be ready in three to four days.
Durability and Maintenance
While both concrete and asphalt driveways are durable and relatively inexpensive to maintain, you can notice issues faster with asphalt driveways.
Concrete driveways tend to have fewer problems over time, and they can last you a lifetime with proper but minimal maintenance. However, the largest difference between them comes in the form of repair.
Asphalt driveways require regular resurfacing and sealing every three to five years making maintenance much more expensive. On the other hand, to repair potholes, cracks, and other issues, an asphalt driveway only needs another layer of asphalt. While concrete might need complete renovation in the same circumstances.
Weather Against Concrete and Asphalt Driveways
You are probably aware weather can become a significant problem for wooden patios or gravel driveways. Heavy rain can damage the wood or wash the gravel, and gravel can get out of place during snowstorms.
When we look at concrete and asphalt driveways we can see weather plays a big role with them too. Concrete is not a great winter material as it can’t stand the freezing and thawing cycles. Also, road salt and snowploughs can damage its surface reducing its longevity.
On the other hand, asphalt is not a great choice for extremely hot temperatures. It absorbs heat and becomes almost unbearable during hot summer days. What’s more, if the temperature rises above 120 degrees Fahrenheit, asphalt becomes gooey and sticky.
Which is Better, a Concrete or an Asphalt Driveway?
In the end, you have to look at your preferences and climate conditions. New Jersey rarely gets temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and while 80 is hot, it is manageable. Winters, on the other hand, can be freezing and that can damage a concrete driveway.
Although with proper maintenance and coating, concrete can hold its own during our winters, considering the weather, you would be better off with an asphalt driveway in New Jersey.
If you would agree, you can get in touch with us on +1 732 402 7902 or send us an email at info@rightpricepavingnj.com and be one step closer to a new driveway!