asphalt vs concrete 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.

Full Answer

Which is better concrete or asphalt driveway?

Pros of Concrete Driveways

• Longevity. Concrete driveways last 33% longer than equivalent asphalt ones. ...
• Fewer Repairs and Maintenance. Concrete driveways are less likely to require repairs. ...
• Can Withstand the Elements and Fluid Exposure. ...
• Can Be Painted Over. ...

Which is cheaper concrete or asphalt?

Which is Cheaper Asphalt or Concrete? Because asphalt uses tar, instead of cement as its adhesive, asphalt is cheaper. In general, the average costs to install asphalt is between $2.50 to $4.00 per square foot. This is an estimation as the costs of tar depend completely on the fluctuation of crude oil prices. However, concrete typically runs ...

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 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.

Is it better to have a concrete or asphalt driveway?

Overall, asphalt is less durable than concrete. With proper maintenance, it can last 30 years. Alternatively, concrete provides a sturdy, long-lasting option and can last homeowners 50+ years with occasional repairs and degreasing.

Is it cheaper to pour concrete or asphalt?

Lower upfront cost: Asphalt is less expensive than concrete to install. It could be about half the price per square foot to install asphalt. When installing an asphalt driveway, all you need to do to replace it is add a new layer instead of reconstructing the existing base.

Is it cheaper to pave or concrete a driveway?

As far as installation costs and concrete costs go, poured concrete is technically the most affordable per square foot. However, even though the upfront cost of pavers is higher, concrete pavers offer greater value and durability than poured concrete and stamped concrete.

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.

How much does it cost to pour a 24x24 slab of concrete?

A typical 24x24 garage slab costs between $3,057 and $5,944 with prices ranging from $5.31 to $8.31 per square foot for a 4” reinforced slab of concrete, and $6.83 to $10.32 per square foot for a 6” slab of reinforced concrete.

What is the cheapest type of driveway?

Aggregate, or gravel, is the cheapest and most durable of these four common driveway materials.

Is a concrete driveway a good investment?

In almost every case, it's worth the investment. A new driveway can increase your home's value while improving the aesthetics of your house and your neighborhood. Learn more about the benefits of a concrete driveway and how it enhances your home's curb appeal.

Concrete Offers More Visual Options.

In their most basic forms, asphalt is dark gray to black—hence its common name of “blacktop”—and concrete is pale gray. Unlike asphalt, though, con...

Asphalt Can Suffer in The High Heat, While Concrete Performs Poorly in Extreme cold.

Climate is a major consideration when choosing between asphalt and concrete. If you live in an area with very hot summers, you might find an asphal...

Asphalt Requires Sealing Every Few Years, but Concrete Stains More Easily.

A few months after installation to allow for full curing, your asphalt driveway will need to be sealed to protect the surface and lengthen its life...

Asphalt Is Easier to Repair Than Concrete but Needs It More frequently.

While both asphalt and concrete crack, asphalt tends to deteriorate faster due to its softer consistency. However, it’s fairly easy to repair crack...

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 aspha...

You Can Drive on Asphalt Fairly Quickly but Must Wait For Concrete to Cure.

You can normally use an asphalt driveway within a couple of days of installation. With concrete, you’ll wait at least a week before it fully cures...

Concrete Costs A Lot More Than Asphalt.

As a rough rule of thumb, a concrete driveway costs around 45 to 50 percent more than an asphalt driveway. According to price site CostHelper, home...

How Long Does A Concrete Driveway Last?

Concrete can last 30 years with the proper maintenance, as long as there are no cracks. It’s more durable than asphalt because it’s more resistant...

Are Concrete Driveways Expensive?

The price to install concrete might be double what you would pay for an asphalt driveway.

Are Concrete Driveways Hard to Repair?

Even though concrete is more durable overall, when damages do occur, repairing it could be more complicated and costlier than fixing cracks on asph...

Are Asphalt Driveways Affordable?

Asphalt is less expensive than concrete to install. It could be about half the price per square foot to install asphalt.

Are Asphalt Driveways Easy to Repair?

Asphalt is a softer material, so it deteriorates faster and easier than concrete repairs. Although it requires more repairs than concrete, asphalt...

How Long Do Asphalt Driveways Last?

Asphalt can last an average of 15 to 20 years but can last even longer with the proper maintenance.

How Often Should Asphalt Driveways Be Resealed?

With proper, extensive upkeep, you can avoid costly repairs in the future. Asphalt driveways need resurfacing and resealing every three to five yea...

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.

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 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.

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 long does it take to drive on asphalt?

Pros pour the hot mixture over a level, gravel base before pressing and smoothing it with a steamroller. You can park or drive a car on it within 24 hours.

What is the difference between concrete and asphalt?

Concrete offers more visual options. In their most basic forms, asphalt is dark gray to black—hence its common name of “blacktop”—and concrete is pale gray. Unlike asphalt, though, concrete takes well to staining or tinting to just about any color you fancy. You can also stamp patterns into concrete or brush it for a textured finish.

How long does a concrete driveway last?

In general, if installed properly in a suitable climate and maintained regularly, your concrete drive way should last 30 to 40 years, while an asphalt driveway is generally good for 20 to 30 years. Neglect to install without an even, stable substrate of gravel —or be careless about proper maintenance—and either type of driveway can fail within a few years.

Why is my driveway sticky?

Climate is a major consideration when choosing between asphalt and concrete. If you live in an area with very hot summers, you might find an asphalt driveway becomes gooey or sticky when the temperature soars. The cycle of softening in high heat, then re-hardening once things cool down, can cause asphalt to crack or sag.

How long does it take for an asphalt driveway to cure?

You can normally use an asphalt driveway within a couple of days of installation. With concrete, you’ll wait at least a week before it fully cures enough for you to drive on it—something to keep it in mind if street parking is a challenge in your neighborhood!

Can you put a new top coat on asphalt?

It’s also relatively easy to apply a new topcoat of asphalt if the surface is heavily marred or showing its age. Concrete is tougher to repair, and patched spots are usually fairly obvious unless you plan on resurfacing the whole driveway. Photo: istockphoto.com.

Is it a must to seal a concrete driveway?

While it’s not a must-do for concrete driveways, sealing concrete helps cut down on fading—an important protective measure for a tinted driveway. Advertisement. When it comes to engine oil, gas drips, rust, and the rugged use driveways typically endure, the dark surface and matte finish of asphalt hides most stains and wear very well.

Is there a winner in the battle between asphalt and concrete?

There is no definite “winner” in the battle between asphalt and concrete; the decision comes down to which is best for your climate, your budget, and your tolerance for maintenance needs.

What is the difference between asphalt and concrete?

Asphalt vs. Concrete Driveway. Asphalt and concrete both feature a mixture of stone with various other substances to give each of them differing durability and aesthetics. While concrete is conventional as a sidewalk or patio, pavers use asphalt to create roads and lots. Despite their differences, both materials make excellent driveways.

What happens if you hire a contractor to install an asphalt driveway?

When you hire a reliable contractor, your asphalt driveway will be able to withstand wear and tear with the proper installation and maintenance. Drainage issues: If a previous contractor incorrectly installed your driveway, the driveway might have problems controlling the flow of rainwater into the street.

Why is asphalt important?

An asphalt driveway can enhance the overall value of your property for the following reasons: Lower upfront cost: Asphalt is less expensive than concrete to install.

How long does a concrete driveway last?

Long-lasting driveway: Concrete can last 30 years with the proper maintenance, as long as there are no cracks. It’s more durable than asphalt because it’s more resistant to disintegration and distortion due to exposure to the elements.

What factors affect the cost of a driveway?

The following factors affect the cost of your driveway installation: Availability of materials: Contractors determine the price of your supplies based on how readily they can order and manufacture it. Concrete and asphalt are both common materials, and they won’t be as expensive as other driveway options.

Why is it important to have a long lasting driveway?

A long-lasting driveway can remove the stagnant water around your property that invites insects and other pests near your living space and reduces the aesthetic appeal of your house. Sunken areas: If the land under your concrete driveway starts to sink or shift, you might notice cracks on the surface.

Why do contractors charge more for driveways?

If the content is dense and challenging to install, or it’s not common in your neighborhood , your contractor may charge more money because they’ll need more equipment and workers to do the job. Property size: Typically, contractors consider the square footage of your driveway in the price on your estimate.

The similarities and main difference between asphalt and concrete

In fact, concrete and asphalt are somewhat similar, being heterogeneous and composed of aggregates bound together with a binding material. However, the main difference in their composition lies in the binder. In concrete, the binder is generally cement and water.

The seven key factors for comparing concrete vs asphalt driveways

The major comparison factors include cost, curing time, lifespan, aesthetics, frequent maintenance, repairs, and durability.

Cost of concrete vs asphalt driveways: is asphalt or concrete cheaper?

The cost of concrete or asphalt driveways per square foot can have a wide range, due to various controlling factors such as the location, size, surface preparation, thickness, exposure conditions, borders, colors, staining, stamping, sealing, and others.

Curing time: and when can you drive over new concrete and new asphalt?

It is generally recommended to wait at least 7 days before driving over new concrete, and preferably 10 to 14 days before parking a vehicle. In fact, normal concrete reaches about 65% of its strength after seven days of curing, and about 85-90% after 14 days.

Lifespan: how long does a driveway last?

A concrete driveway should last from 25 to 40 years on average with proper maintenance. In fact, there are many factors that can influence its lifespan, including ground preparation, quality of the mixture, design, exposure conditions, maintenance, and others.

Aesthetics

Concrete driveways can have a wide range of customizations. For example, one go for stamped concrete, with an almost endless variety of colors, patterns, and textures. Also, concrete can be stenciled, stained, etched, painted, brushed, and much more. Hence, concrete can be customized in many ways to add a unique decorative touch to a driveway.

Maintenance

Concrete driveways usually require routine maintenance, such as cleaning and sealing. When it comes to sealing, it is important to choose the adequate type of sealer with the required properties for your project.

What is the difference between concrete and asphalt?

Concrete uses cement as a binding agent, while asphalt uses bitumen, an oil-based material that also gives asphalt its dark coloring. When choosing between concrete and asphalt, the decision ultimately comes down to cost and how your particular climate will affect the look and durability of the driveway.

How thick is a concrete driveway?

Concrete is very durable and will last a long time, giving it the edge in longevity. According to Everything About Concrete, a concrete driveway is 5 to 6 inches thick, making it stronger and more durable than an asphalt driveway, which is only 2 to 3 inches thick.

How long does it take to install a concrete driveway?

A concrete driveway may take one to three days to install, while an asphalt one can usually be completed within a few hours once the gravel base is installed. A newly installed concrete driveway also takes a long time to set.

How long does a concrete driveway last?

An asphalt driveway, while still lasting a long time, has a shorter life span than a concrete driveway, usually lasting about 15 to 20 years. Several factors can affect this, ...

What is the best material for a driveway?

Though there are other materials available for driveways, concrete and asphalt are by far the most popular driveway materials used for solid driveways. And although the aesthetics are completely different, concrete and asphalt are both made of the same primary materials: sand and stone or gravel. Advertisement.

Can you fix cracks in concrete?

Damage to an asphalt driveway can be patched, cracks can be fixed with a rubber sealer and the repair is often unnoticeable. When concrete cracks, it is more difficult to repair than asphalt, and repaired areas tend to stand out because it's difficult, if not impossible, to match the color when repairing concrete.

Does asphalt crack in winter?

An asphalt driveway will crack more often than concrete but is less likely to crack during cold winters and is relatively easy to repair.

What are the advantages of asphalt?

Potentially the biggest advantage of asphalt is it’s cost effective nature! When you’re trying to stick to a functional yet cost effective budget, this is one of the best choices.

Can you drive on asphalt after it's been laid?

After the asphalt is laid onto your driveway, you are allowed to drive on it almost immediately. This makes it a fast option that won’t make you park your car on the street for a week so that the material can cure.

Is concrete good for driveways?

Concrete is a great option for a driveway for multiple reasons, but the first is that it is a cost-effective option when you consider how long it will last. Because of the longevity of this material, the initial cost – though it can be high – is worth the price since you will only have to repave it once during the time that you own the home.

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, ...

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 ...

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.