Asphalt vs Concrete Driveways
Paving driveways with asphalt or concrete is the most prevalent type of driveway paving material. Driveways made of asphalt and concrete each have their own set of advantages and disadvantages. You should prepare the driveway's base in advance if you live in a cold climate and plan to install a concrete driveway. This includes covering the driveway's base with gravel and compacting it. In any other case, frost heaves could cause the driveway to crack and crumble away. Also of note is the fact that concrete, a material that is often used on roads in cold weather sections of the country, is sensitive to salt corrosion. For those who live in warm or hot climates, and who are considering asphalt paving, it is important to keep in mind that the asphalt can become soft in the sun, making it more vulnerable to rutting.
When compared to concrete driveways, asphalt driveways are typically less expensive to install. On the other side, asphalt paved driveways require a great deal more upkeep over time to ensure that they are completely safe. Asphalt-surfaced driveways should be sealed at least once every 3-5 years, if not more frequently. Despite the fact that a do-it-yourself homeowner can easily do each sealing task, it will cost money and time. Furthermore, the sealer must be allowed to dry for at least two days before a vehicle may be parked on it. Furthermore, a freshly asphalted driveway should not be sealed for at least 6-9 months after installation since the light oils associated with the asphalt must first disperse before the driveway may be sealed. In the event that you seal an asphalt driveway too quickly, it will remain soft for an endless period of time.
Asphalt driveways do not have to be completely black all of the time, and concrete driveways do not have to be completely off-white all of the time, as is often the case. Asphalt and concrete driveways can be painted in a number of colors to match the rest of the house. First and foremost, inquire with your possible paving contractors about the color possibilities available for your driveway project.
Unless they are damaged, asphalt driveways can last for 25 to 30 years with regular maintenance. Concrete driveways have the ability to last even longer than asphalt driveways do. Both, on the other hand, demand the building of a solid foundation. Both will crack over time if they are not built on a solid basis, which is especially true in colder areas. It is more difficult to repair concrete driveway fractures than it is to fix asphalt cracks.
Concrete driveways should be designed with the slope of the driveway in mind while planning a concrete driveway design. Over time, concrete driveways can become separated from the foundation on which they were constructed, resulting in unsightly fractures.
When compared to concrete driveways, asphalt driveways are typically less expensive to install. On the other side, asphalt paved driveways require a great deal more upkeep over time to ensure that they are completely safe. Asphalt-surfaced driveways should be sealed at least once every 3-5 years, if not more frequently. Despite the fact that a do-it-yourself homeowner can easily do each sealing task, it will cost money and time. Furthermore, the sealer must be allowed to dry for at least two days before a vehicle may be parked on it. Furthermore, a freshly asphalted driveway should not be sealed for at least 6-9 months after installation since the light oils associated with the asphalt must first disperse before the driveway may be sealed. In the event that you seal an asphalt driveway too quickly, it will remain soft for an endless period of time.
Asphalt driveways do not have to be completely black all of the time, and concrete driveways do not have to be completely off-white all of the time, as is often the case. Asphalt and concrete driveways can be painted in a number of colors to match the rest of the house. First and foremost, inquire with your possible paving contractors about the color possibilities available for your driveway project.
Unless they are damaged, asphalt driveways can last for 25 to 30 years with regular maintenance. Concrete driveways have the ability to last even longer than asphalt driveways do. Both, on the other hand, demand the building of a solid foundation. Both will crack over time if they are not built on a solid basis, which is especially true in colder areas. It is more difficult to repair concrete driveway fractures than it is to fix asphalt cracks.
Concrete driveways should be designed with the slope of the driveway in mind while planning a concrete driveway design. Over time, concrete driveways can become separated from the foundation on which they were constructed, resulting in unsightly fractures.
