Concrete Versus Asphalt Driveways: Which Is Better?
Unless you built your new home from the ground up, you likely never had a choice in the construction of your existing driveway, and because of that, you haven’t given much thought to the types of materials you could use.
Driveways are commonly made from either asphalt or concrete. Both materials have advantages and disadvantages, which we’ll explore in this blog post.
Cost
While material prices fluctuate yearly, concrete is typically more expensive up front, at around $140 to $170 per cubic yard, versus asphalt’s $80 to $160 per cubic yard. Adding decorative elements, like stamping or staining, will further increase project costs (both for asphalt and concrete).
Installation Time & Process Complexity
Generally, concrete takes longer to install because its drying and curing time is longer than asphalt. Concrete takes two to five days to install and needs at least seven days to dry before light use and 28 days to fully cure before you can park or drive cars on it. In contrast, asphalt can be installed in a couple of days and can be driven on within 48 hours.
Concrete requires longer installation time because it requires more precise preparation and careful pouring. Environmental factors, like temperature and humidity, can also impact the installation process.
Lifespan
Asphalt typically lasts 20 to 25 years, while concrete lasts 30 to 40 years. The actual lifespan will be influenced by the installation quality, your environmental conditions, how the material is maintained, and how often the driveway is used.
Maintenance Needs
When considering costs, most people put too much emphasis on overhead costs but forget about maintenance. Overall, concrete will cost less to maintain, as it only needs sealing every three to five years and annual pressure washing to prevent discoloration and scaling. Comparatively, asphalt needs patching every three to five years, which is extremely labor-intensive, and sealing every two to three years.
Climate
Both materials can be damaged by the freeze-thaw cycle that Michigan homeowners experience each year. Asphalt is more flexible than concrete, so it can expand and contract during the freeze-thaw cycle without cracking as easily, and its dark color means it can absorb heat, which helps snow and ice melt faster. However, sealed concrete is more durable and can last longer than asphalt over time, especially when harsh de-icing agents and/or salt aren’t used in the winter, which can deteriorate concrete surfaces.
Appearance
Aesthetic is subjective. Asphalt has no real variations, but concrete can leave plenty of room for creativity. You can stamp and stain concrete to mimic the appearance of brick, wood, or cobblestone, but asphalt realistically can only be colored.
Schedule a Driveway Installation Today
If you’re considering a concrete driveway, ensure it’s installed by a professional contractor like G&G Concrete & Construction. Material quality is one thing, but inadequate installation has the biggest impact on a driveway’s lifespan. We’ve been installing concrete driveways throughout Michigan for over two decades and take pride in the durability of our work. You can view our portfolio to see some of our past projects or contact us today to request a free project quote.
