Concrete Vs. Blacktop Driveways

Cost

• Costs for driveways can be drastically different from place to place. One thing that is always a constant is the difference in price between asphalt and concrete driveway materials and construction; asphalt is substantially less expensive than concrete. The hidden cost behind asphalt is the amount of time that needs to be put into its installation; it does require more time than an average concrete driveway.

Life Span

• When properly maintained, both types of materials will last a substantial amount of time. Asphalt, however, typically has a shorter life span of about 20 years, where concrete can last up to 25 or 30 years. The life spans may vary depending on location and climate. Another variable to consider is the condition of the soil base for the driveway; properly prepared ground can prevent cracking and sinking.

Durability

• Both asphalt and concrete are reasonably durable under varying conditions. In hot climates, concrete will outperform asphalt, as asphalt tends to get soft at high temperatures and will bulge and sink over time. On the other side of the climate spectrum, in cold climates asphalt will outperform concrete. Under cold conditions concrete tends to crack because of expansion and contraction; asphalt will not because it is able to stretch and shrink with the temperature.

Maintenance

• Concrete driveways require much less maintenance than asphalt. Aside from occasional cleaning, concrete needs almost no attention. Asphalt, however, needs to be sealed every four to five years to prevent severe cracking and deterioration. If for some reason either type goes without maintenance, they are both relatively easy and cheap to repair.

Appearance

• All variables aside, the choice of which material to use is likely to come down to what looks best with the house the driveway leads to. Concrete is a common choice because its neutral color fits in with almost any structure, or it can be stained to match without altering the integrity of the concrete. Asphalt, on the other hand, typically comes in black. This material is available in earthy tones of red and green, but these colors tend to wear rapidly.