Which Costs More, An Asphalt Or A Concrete Driveway?

If you’re considering selling your house, you might be considering ways to increase its curb appeal. Houses with more curb appeal are more likely to sell for a higher profit. Homes that are attractive from the street are often less likely to be targeted by criminals.

When it comes to sprucing up the outside of your house, the driveway is one area that always gets overlooked.

If you’re replacing an asphalt driveway or converting from dirt, you might be wondering which material is better. Is it better to get an asphalt or concrete driveway?

Choosing the correct driveway material is critical when you’re constructing a new home or merely updating elements of the existing one. Concrete and asphalt are the two most popular paving products used for driveways. Some people wonder, “What is the difference between an asphalt and a concrete driveway?”

Which is the less expensive option?

Key Differences Between Asphalt and Concrete

Asphalt and concrete, surprisingly, have a lot in common. Aggregate, such as sand and asphalt, is used in both. The binding agent, which holds all of the particles together, is the most significant distinction.

Bitumen is the binding agent of asphalt. That’s what makes it its distinctive hue. Cement is used to bring everything together in concrete.

In the grand scale of things, this can seem to be a slight distinction. It distinguishes the two in a variety of ways, including how they withstand the elements. 

Climate Factors to Consider When Choosing an Asphalt vs. Concrete Driveway

One of the most significant factors to consider is the location of your home. The weather has a major impact on how long every driveway content lasts.

You should check the average temperature in your area of the planet. Concrete driveways do not do well in areas with freezing temperatures and cold winters. If you live in a hot climate, an asphalt driveway might not be the right option for you.

Since asphalt is smoother than concrete, it is more flexible. The bitumen binder makes it easier to stretch and contract. That means your driveway is less likely to break and heave as the temperature drops.

In the same conditions, concrete is much more likely to break.

However, in hot weather, those same characteristics harm asphalt’s results. Bitumen has the potential to liquefy, making your driveway so brittle in the summer. In these conditions, asphalt is more easily damaged.

And as the mercury soars, concrete is likely to remain as cold as a cucumber.

You should also consider the scenery of your specific house. In the season, where there is no shelter near the driveway, the temperature would be at least a few degrees higher.

For the warmest temperatures in the United States, a concrete driveway is always the safest option.

Driveway Maintenance

The next factor to remember for homeowners considering a driveway replacement is upkeep.

You’ve already heard about driveway sealing. Asphalt driveway owners can do this on a daily basis. One year after installation, an asphalt driveway should be sealed.

The driveway would need to be resealed every three to five years after that. This contributes to the driveway’s lifespan. It will aid in the prevention of unsightly cracks and potholes.

The good news is that sealing is a straightforward procedure. You don’t need any special equipment. To properly defend your driveway, it’s a smart thing to leave it to the pros.

Concrete needs less upkeep. A concrete driveway doesn’t need much maintenance other than cleaning every now and then. Oil traces and other markings on asphalt can be more difficult to remove.

Asphalt and Concrete Repair

Asphalt needs further cleaning, but it is often easier to carry out. It’s much less difficult to fix than concrete. It is possible to cover and seal cracks and gaps.

Another alternative is resurfacing.

Repairing concrete is more complex. While cracks may be sealed and patches added, many people dislike the appearance of these repairs. Some experts can also advise that replacing the whole driveway is the best option.

How Long Can Different Driveways Last?

Both asphalt and concrete have a long service life. Your driveway can last anywhere from 20 to 30 years if it is made of asphalt. You’ll be able to extend its longevity if you take care of it.

Concrete is the same way. The typical estimate is between 30 and 40 years. While less upkeep is needed, caring for your concrete driveway will make it last longer.

If you just want to do the driveway once, a concrete driveway might be the best option.

What are the costs?

Concrete is more expensive than asphalt. The cost of asphalt starts at about $3 per square foot. The highest price per square foot is normally about $6.

A concrete driveway, on the other hand, is a much bigger investment. Concrete is more expensive, normally costing about $7 a square foot. You will have to pay $10 or more per square foot for certain personalized concrete forms.

Many people consider their budget as well as the prices of asphalt vs. concrete. They’ll look for another choice if the dollar amounts don’t fit.

These people overlook the importance of value. In the beginning, a concrete driveway will be more costly than an asphalt driveway. In the long term, it can also have more benefits.

What’s up with that? Keep in mind that concrete usually lasts longer and needs less maintenance. Paving the driveway with asphalt today could be less expensive. Over the lifetime of your property ownership, you will potentially invest more.

A concrete driveway can provide you with a higher value in this regard. Even if the price is a little higher, it may be the best option.