While asphalt will cost you between 2 and 4 dollars per square foot, you will need to part with between 4 and 6 dollars for a concrete driveway. In most cases, the price of asphalt will depend on the cost of crude oil. But looking at the value of your money in the long run, a concrete driveway will be cheaper.
Is asphalt better than concrete?
Then there is asphalt, which requires a little more maintenance than concrete, is not as customizable, and doesn’t have as large a lifespan as concrete. But it is the better choice of hard surface, and here’s why: An asphalt driveway can cost about $2-$5 a square foot, and $1,200 – $3,000 for a 12’x50′ single-car driveway.
Which is better cement or concrete?
- Appearance. Pavers are usually more visually appealing than concrete slabs 1 because you can manipulate the pavers and create designs, and they come in a variety of colors.
- Costs. ...
- Durability. ...
- Safety. ...
Is Blacktop cheaper than concrete?
Most driveways are made of Asphalt as it is cheaper compared to concrete. It is also known as blacktop due to its color, asphalt is a mixture of stones and sand, bound together with materials left over during the production of Petrochemicals such as Pertol, Diesel and Gasoline.
How does asphalt compare to concrete?
The purpose of the asphalt in this situation is to:
- Provide a leveling course,
- Manage concrete quantities by preventing the concrete from going through the voids in the base.
- Make it easier to set dowels (dowel baskets).
Is it cheaper to pour concrete or asphalt?
Cost. The cost of an asphalt driveway is typically cheaper than concrete, costing $2.00 – $4.00 per square foot. Asphalt prices tend to fluctuate with fluctuations in crude oil prices. In contrast, a concrete driveway costs between $4.00 – $6.00 per square foot for a standard installation.
Is it better to have a concrete or asphalt driveway?
Concrete driveways normally last longer than asphalt. In general, if installed properly in a suitable climate and maintained regularly, your concrete driveway should last 30 to 40 years, while an asphalt driveway is generally good for 20 to 30 years.
Why is concrete better than asphalt?
Durability. Concrete lasts for 50 years or more with the proper maintenance and weather conditions. Plus, concrete can handle heavier loads than asphalt, making it a great choice for trucks and RVs in the driveway.
What type of driveway is best?
Concrete. Among the most durable options on the market is a concrete driveway surface. Although it provides a hard and stable surface, that is highly dependant on professional installation, high upfront costs, maintenance, and weather conditions.
What type of driveway lasts the longest?
ConcreteConcrete is the old standby for driveways. Most suburban homes opt for this material for two big reasons: Concrete is typically the longest-lasting driveway surface, and, if installed properly, it is practically maintenance-free.
Which is hotter concrete or asphalt?
Lower Temperatures White surfaces reflect light while black surfaces absorb them, which means concrete parking lots and parked cars in those lots can be up to 20 degrees cooler than they would on an asphalt surface.
How thick should asphalt driveway be?
Residential driveways typically use 2 to 3 inches of asphalt with 3 being suitable for occasional large trucks or heavy equipment. Underneath the asphalt you should have 6 to 8 inches of granular base aggregate. Underneath this you have soil.
Can asphalt be put over concrete?
If the question is "CAN I lay asphalt over concrete?" then the answer is "Yes." This is absolutely possible if elevations allow for it, and we're happy to lay asphalt driveways over concrete if that's what you want. It's also the cheaper option since heavy equipment is required to dig up an existing concrete slab.
How much does it cost to install asphalt?
How Much Does an Asphalt Driveway Cost? A basic asphalt driveway costs about $2 to $6 per square foot, including installation. That provides you with a base and a top coat.
How long does asphalt last?
The lifespan is generally about 15 to 20 years - half that of concrete. More maintenance required - Asphalt needs to be resealed every three to five years, particularly if you want it to last. Oily texture - Asphalt has an oily texture that softens in heat or direct sunlight.
How long does concrete last?
Long lasting - Concrete has a long life expectancy. Properly maintained, it can last 30 to 40 years. Low maintenance - Concrete driveways don’t need to be resealed as often, particularly in mild climates. Better in warm climates - Unlike asphalt, concrete will not soften in hot weather.
What is asphalt driveway?
Asphalt Driveway Overview. Asphalt is one of the most common materials for driveways. Also referred to as blacktop for its coloring, asphalt is made using a combination of stones and sand, bound together with materials left over from the production of fuels like gasoline, diesel and kerosene.
How much does it cost to remove a driveway?
Removal of an existing driveway usually runs $50 to $60 per hour.
Is asphalt driveway better than concrete?
Asphalt Driveway Pros. Price - Asphalt is considerably less expensive than concrete. In some cases, it’s about half the price. Better in cold climates - Asphalt is less likely to crack in cold weather. It performs better than concrete in very harsh or snowy climates. Snow removal is also easier with asphalt.
Can concrete crack in cold climates?
Prone to cracking - Due to frost heaves, concrete will eventually crack in cold climates. It is also susceptible to salt damage. Unlike asphalt, damage to a concrete driveway is difficult - if not impossible - to repair. The driveway usually needs to be replaced.
The Great Debate: Should You Get an Asphalt or Concrete Driveway?
So you have an ugly old, cracked driveway. After being pestered to get it fixed, it’s time to replace the whole thing. You love the look of concrete, but you’ve heard it’s too expensive, and not the right choice for your location.
Asphalt vs Concrete: Key Differences
Before you compare asphalt and concrete, it helps to understand what each is.
Climate Considerations for Asphalt vs Concrete Driveways
One of the most important things you need to think about is where your house is located. The weather plays an important role in how any driveway material will hold up.
How Soon Can You Use it?
One consideration that may crop up is how soon you can use the driveway. This is a very important consideration for some people:
Maintenance
The next consideration for homeowners thinking about replacing their driveway is maintenance.
How Long Does Each Type of Driveway Last?
Another key consideration for homeowners is how long the driveway will last. After all, repaving your driveway isn’t something you want to be doing every year.
Price
When considering which material to use for their driveway, most homeowners and business people suggest price is a key factor. Gravel is usually the lowest-priced material you can get, but it tends to be difficult to maintain. It also lowers the curb appeal of a home.
What is the difference between asphalt and concrete?
Both asphalt 1 and concrete have the basic ingredients of stone and sand in their composition. The difference is in the adhesive element that binds these ingredients together. For asphalt, this adhesive is tar, a byproduct of gasoline, kerosene, and diesel production, whereas the adhesive for concrete is cement.
How much does it cost to install an asphalt driveway?
The average asphalt driveway will cost from $2 to $6 per square foot. For example, laying a 600-square-foot driveway will cost approximately $283 in materials.
How long does it take for asphalt to cure?
Because asphalt sets and hardens more quickly, it cures in a few days and can be driven on in three to five days. Due to the high moisture content in new concrete, a freshly poured driveway must cure for seven days before it can withstand the weight of a vehicle.
How long does an asphalt driveway last?
With proper maintenance, an asphalt driveway can last about 30 years. Without maintenance, the driveway can be unsightly and perhaps unusable after only five years. Even with a good maintenance record, the durability of asphalt cannot match that of concrete. A concrete driveway, which can last 50 years or more, ...
How much does it cost to build a concrete driveway?
Installing a concrete driveway, on the other hand, will cost $4 to $10 per square foot. Building a 600-square-foot driveway will cost approximately $868 in materials and about $2,126 in labor for a total of $2,994, an overall cost of $4.99 per square foot.
Do you need a foundation for asphalt driveway?
Professional installation is required for both asphalt and concrete driveways due to the labor and specialized equipment required. Also, both types need a strong foundation of gravel before the surface material is spread. The method of applying asphalt, rolling and compressing, limits personalization.
Is concrete or asphalt darker?
Also called blacktop, asphalt tends to be dark, although some stains and specialized finishes are available. Asphalt driveways are, therefore, color limited. Concrete, on the other hand, tends to be light in color and offers more flexibility in design than asphalt driveways.
What is the difference between concrete and asphalt?
Concrete and asphalt are both mixtures of sand and crushed stone called aggregate. The difference is what binds the aggregate together . In concrete, cement binds the mixture and gives it a light gray appearance. Asphalt is bound with a black, viscous petroleum-based substance. Both come in assorted colors, stained or stamped for a decorative effect.
Why are parking lots asphalt?
Budget, time to rehab and climate are significant factors when selecting a material for parking lots. Many are asphalt since it’s easier to repair, cheaper and not subject to temperature variations.
How much does a gravel driveway cost?
The cost of a gravel driveway is the cheapest at $1,500. Concrete driveways cost $3,900 on average and asphalt costs $4,500.
How much does it cost to install a driveway heating system?
You can install a driveway heating system under either type of material. The average cost to install under asphalt is just under $9,000. The average cost to install under concrete is just under $8,000.
What is concrete driveway?
Concrete or Cement Driveways. Often used interchangeably, concrete is a composite material held together with cement. Concrete is a mixture of crushed stone, sand and cement. Cement is a mixture of water, powdered rock and clay. Pros pour the cold mixture onto a prepared gravel surface and level it. After several days of curing, the surface is ...
How thick is concrete?
Concrete. A minimum thickness of four inches is necessary. An additional inch will increase load carrying capacity by 50 percent, but it will increase cost by 20 percent. It’s easier to determine load capacity for concrete.
What is asphalt driveway called?
Colloquially, people refer to asphalt driveways as “blacktop” and call roads, airplane runways or parking lots “pavement.”.
How much does asphalt cost per square foot?
Asphalt, meanwhile, carries a per square foot cost of 2 to 5 dollars. That said, the cost of asphalt is prone to fluctuations in the petroleum market, so prices may vary. The differences in asphalt and concrete costs reflect the fact that installing a concrete surface requires more preparation and time. Wooden forms must be erected ...
How long does asphalt pavement last?
The average asphalt pavement, by contrast, usually lasts between 12 and 20 years. Of course, numerous factors will affect the lifespan of either type of pavement. The service life of concrete can vary significantly as the result of differences in the particular make-up of the mix, for instance the size of the aggregate used, ...
What is the most recycled construction material?
Environmental Impact. Asphalt and concrete are the most recycled construction materials on the planet. Excess materials from each job site are always dumped at a materials plant to be recycled for later use. You can rest easy knowing that regardless of your choice of building material, asphalt or concrete, the environmental impact will be the same.
How long does concrete last?
Generally speaking, a concrete surface will outlast an asphalt surface. Most concrete pavements have lifespans of between 30 and 50 years. The average asphalt pavement, by contrast, ...
Why is it important to maintain asphalt?
In general, asphalt requires more frequent maintenance —usually in the form of sealcoating — in order to protect against potholes, cracks, and other problems.
What is the best way to repair asphalt?
Asphalt repair techniques tend to fall into three main categories: Surface patching is best for treating small areas of damage. Once any debris has been cleared away, and the inside of the damaged area carefully cleaned, a patching substance is used to restore a level surface to the pavement.
How long does it take for asphalt to cure?
Both types of material need time to cure before they can bear the weight of vehicles. Yet asphalt should be safe for driving after about three days, whereas concrete can take seven days (or more, depending on the weather) before it will be hard enough for driving.