Concrete Vs Asphalt Driveway

Concrete and asphalt are two of the most widely used paving materials in the construction industry. Asphalt is a mixture of bitumen, a petroleum product, and aggregates like sand and stone. It’s heated and mixed before being laid as a driveway surface over a compacted base. Concrete is a mixture of cement, sand and gravel mixed with water. It’s poured into forms on a compacted base and allowed to cure before it’s used as a driveway. Both materials are laid over a base of compacted gravel and both are primarily a mixture of sand and stone.

A big difference comes in the adhesive that binds the mixture together. Bitumen is used to make asphalt vs cement used to make concrete.

Both asphalt and concrete can be used to create an attractive and durable driveway that can handle the weight of cars and trucks. But there’s a big difference in terms of price and maintenance.

The cost of an asphalt driveway is much cheaper than concrete at just $2.00 to $4.00 per square foot. But asphalt prices fluctuate with crude oil prices because it’s petroleum based. In contrast, a concrete driveway costs between $8.00 and $15.00 per square foot for a standard installation. But finishes, details, borders, stamps and stains can increase the price tag to over $20.00 per square foot.

Asphalt can be installed and used faster than concrete. When asphalt needs maintenance or replacement, usually only the top layer is repaved. The base and middle layer are considered permanent and can typically be reused. This makes it cheaper to both install and maintain asphalt vs concrete.

In this article we’ll discuss the differences between a concrete and asphalt driveway.

Properties Of Concrete

Concrete is a mixture of cement, water, and aggregates such as sand and gravel. Cement acts as the binder that holds the mixture together. Stone and sand are what gives concrete it’s strength and durability. Water activates the cement and causes a chemical reaction called hydration. It takes 28 days for concrete to dry out and reach its maximum strength. This is called curing. But it can typically be driven on in a few days.

The production process for concrete involves mixing the ingredients in a large mixing truck or at a batching plant. The mixture is then transported to the job site and poured into forms where it’s smoothed and leveled.

The concrete then cures, or hardens, for several days before it can be used as a driveway surface.

Concrete is known for its high durability and longevity. When properly installed and maintained, concrete can last for decades. It’s resistant to wear and tear and can withstand heavy loads and intense weather conditions.

The downside to concrete is that it’s prone to cracking. This is usually caused when the ground beneath the concrete shifts or settles.

The cost of a concrete driveway is considerably more expensive than asphalt. This is die to the higher cost of the concrete itself and the reinforcement it needs. This can include rebar, wire mesh or additives like fiber.

The maintenance requirements for a concrete driveway includes regular cleaning and sealing to protect it from water damage. Repairs will be needed if the concrete cracks or becomes damaged.

Overall, the installation and repair costs of a concrete driveway are more expensive than asphalt. But it doesn’t need much maintenance other than a cheap sealer.

Properties Of Asphalt

Asphalt is a mixture of bitumen, a petroleum product, and aggregates such as sand and gravel. Bitumen acts as a binder which holds the mixture together providing both flexibility and durability. Asphalt is produced by heating bitumen in a large facility and then mixing it with the aggregates. The mixture is then transported by truck to the job site and spread over a prepared base by a paving machine. It’s then compacted using a roller to create a smooth surface.

Asphalt is known for its flexibility and ability to withstand heavy traffic. When properly installed and maintained, it can last for several decades. However, it’s more susceptible to damage from water and UV rays that concrete. This can cause it to crack, fade and become brittle over time.

The cost of an asphalt driveway is less expensive than concrete. It’s easier and faster to install, the material is cheaper and it doesn’t require reinforcement like rebar or wire.

Maintaining an asphalt driveway is cheaper than concrete.

• It needs regular cleaning and sealing to protect it from damage caused by water and UV rays.
• Repairs are needed if the asphalt cracks or becomes damaged. But you can do small spot repairs instead of having to replace entire sections like when concrete driveways crack.
• Asphalt surfaces need to be resurfaced or repaved every 10-20 years depending on usage.

Overall, an asphalt driveway is less expensive to install, and repair vs concrete but it costs more to maintain because it generally needs resurfacing every 10 to 20 years.

Comparison Of Concrete Vs Asphalt

Both concrete and asphalt have an impact on the environment. Concrete production is energy-intensive and cement is a significant source of carbon dioxide emissions. However, concrete can be made using fly ash, slag cement, or other supplementary cementing materials which can lower the environmental impact. On the other hand, asphalt production involves the use of fossil fuels like crude oil which can also have a negative impact on the environment.

The maintenance and repair of both materials also has an impact on the environment as it involves the use of heavy machinery and equipment.

Both concrete and asphalt perform well in different weather conditions. Concrete is known for its resistance to the freeze thaw cycle which makes it a good option for areas with harsh winters. Asphalt, on the other hand, is more flexible and can withstand heavy traffic and temperature changes. However, it can become brittle and crack in extremely cold temperatures.

Concrete offers a wide range of design options, including different colors, textures, and patterns. It can be stamped, stained, or polished to create unique and decorative surfaces. Asphalt is black and has limited design choices.

The cost of concrete is higher than asphalt to install and repair. But it has a longer lifespan and doesn’t need much maintenance. It’s important to consider the lifetime cost which includes installation, maintenance, and repair. While the initial cost of asphalt may be less and repairs are cheap, it will need to be repaved every 10 to 20 years. This will increase the overall cost and may put it on par with concrete.

Concrete Vs Asphalt Driveway: Climate Is A Factor

You should consider the climate before choosing concrete or asphalt for your driveway. Both materials can handle weather, rain, snow, ice and heat. But there are a few big difference between the two materials.

• Concrete is stronger and better able to deal with the freeze thaw cycle. A concrete driveway rarely cracks do to temperature change when properly built. Asphalt is more likely to develop cracks from temperature changes.
• Concrete deteriorates from salt which is spread on roadways during Winter. But asphalt isn’t effected by salt.
• Asphalt pavement is black and absorbs more heat than concrete. This can be a benefit in Winter because it helps melt snow and ice faster. But in Summer an asphalt driveway can get very hot.

While concrete and asphalt are fairly equal in cold weather, the opposite is true for warmer climates.

Asphalt pavement absorbs more heat than concrete and can soften in extreme heat which makes it oily. If you live in an extremely hot area, concrete is a better choice.

Is Concrete Cheaper Than Asphalt?

The cost of a concrete driveway is more expensive to install vs asphalt. The site work is the same price and they both install over a compacted gravel base. But the cost of concrete is more expensive, it takes more labor and requires reinforcement like rebar, wire mesh or fiber. Then there are lots of expensive finishing options to consider like colors, stamps and textures. In comparison, asphalt is always black and doesn’t have any finishing option to drive the cost up.

The cost of a concrete driveway varies depending on factors like the design, depth and size, but it generally ranges from $8 to $14 per square foot. Then you have all the extras to consider. On the other hand, the cost of an asphalt driveway ranges from $2 to $5 per square foot.

However, it’s important to consider the long term cost of the project which includes installation, maintenance, and repair. While the initial cost of asphalt is cheaper, it needs to be repaved every 10 to 20 years on average Concrete has a longer lifespan and requires almost no maintenance.

When it comes to repairs, concrete costs more. Asphalt can be repaired in small section when it cracks. But when concrete cracks the entire section needs to be cut out and replaced. It’s much harder and more expensive to repair cracked concrete vs asphalt. However, concrete is much more durable than asphalt, harder to crack and generally needs less repair.

Why Use Asphalt Instead Of Concrete

There are several reasons why someone may choose to use asphalt instead of concrete for their driveway. Asphalt is quite a bit less expensive than concrete to install and repair. But it’s faster to install, flexible, durable, weather resistant and easier to repair. It’s can be poured into any shape and the deep black color is very attractive when new.

• Installation time: Asphalt can be installed quicker than concrete. It can be poured and compacted on the same day while concrete needs time to cure before it can be used.
• Flexibility: Asphalt is more flexible than concrete, so it can withstand the natural expansion and contraction caused by changes in temperature better than concrete. This makes it less prone to cracking when the temperature changes which an issue with concrete.
• Weather Resistance: Asphalt can handle heavy traffic and temperature changes as well as or better than concrete. It’s also more resistant to water and UV rays, both of which can cause damage to concrete over time.
• Repairs: Asphalt is easier and less expensive to repair than concrete. Small cracks and damage can be quickly filled in with new asphalt. Concrete repairs often require cutting and replacing entire sections.
• Design options: Asphalt is black and has limited design options. But it’s deep jet-black color is something you can’t get from concrete.

Asphalt and concrete are the two most popular options for a driveway. They’re both durable, weather resistant and attractive surfaces. But the fact is asphalt is substantially less expensive to install and repair vs concrete. If you like its deep black color and want to save some money up front, asphalt is the better choice.

Why Use Concrete Instead Of Asphalt

There are several reasons why someone may choose to install a concrete driveway instead of asphalt. Concrete is known for its extreme strength and durability. When properly installed and maintained, a concrete driveway can last for decades. It’s resistant to weather, wear and tear, and can withstand heavy loads. It’s more expensive to install and repair vs asphalt, but it requires almost no maintenance.

• Low Maintenance: Concrete requires less maintenance than asphalt. It’s less likely to crack and can maintain its appearance and strength for longer periods of time.
• Weather resistance: Concrete is more resistant to the freeze thaw cycle which makes it better in cold climates.
• Aesthetics: Concrete offers a wide range of design options. These include different colors, textures, and patterns. It can be stamped, stained, or polished to create unique and decorative surfaces. But asphalt is only available in black.
• Environmentally friendly: Concrete can be made using fly ash, slag cement, or other supplementary cementing materials. This can lower the environmental impact of producing it.
• Durability: The initial cost of a concrete driveway may be higher than asphalt, but it has a longer lifespan and requires less maintenance,. This can make it more cost-effective than asphalt in the long run.
• Customization: Concrete offers more customization options than asphalt. This include reinforcement materials like rebar and wire mesh.

Concrete and asphalt are the two most popular options for a driveway. They’re both durable, weather resistant and attractive materials. But concrete is stronger, more durable and requires less maintenance. Even though a concrete driveway is more expensive up front, when you consider how little maintenance it requires, it may be the more cost effective option.

How Long Does Asphalt Last?

Asphalt can last for several decades when properly installed and maintained. However it generally needs resurfacing every 10 to 20 years and periodic small crack repairs. The lifespan of an asphalt driveway depends on a variety of factors such as the quality of the installation, the amount of traffic it receives, and the weather conditions in the area. How thick the top layer of asphalt is poured also makes a big difference. If you decide to install an asphalt driveway, make sure you get 6 to 8 inches of compacted base with 2 to 3 inches of asphalt.

A well-built and maintained asphalt driveway typically needs resurfacing every 10 to 20 years. But that time-frame could be much faster if the installation or materials are poor and the driveway isn’t maintained. Other factors like traffic and weather conditions also play a role. But overall, asphalt doesn’t last as long as concrete even when maintained and repaired.

Regular maintenance and repairs are necessary to prolong the life of an asphalt driveway. This includes regular cleaning, sealing, filling in cracks or potholes and resurfacing. This helps prevent water and other elements from penetrating the surface and causing damage.

When well maintained, an asphalt driveway can last over 20 years. But it requires regular maintenance and periodic resurfacing to do it. When not properly maintained, asphalt driveways may only last a decade or so.

Which Is Easier To Stain?

Concrete is much easier to stain than asphalt. Because asphalt is back, it’s very hard to see most stains. And when an asphalt driveway does become stained, it’s easy to resurface. Concrete is light in color so every stain is highly visible. And because it’s porous, it absorbs oils and grease like a sponge. It’s very hard to remove stains from a concrete driveway. When they happen there’s no quick or easy fix.

Both concrete and asphalt can be stained, but when stains occur there’s a remedy with asphalt. You can clean it or go over the stain with a resurfacing. However, concrete is very hard to clean and you can’t simply resurface it. To get a concrete driveway looking like new involves grinding off the top layer and pouring another few inches of concrete on top. Or you can cut out the stain and poor a new section. Both of these options are expensive and hard to do.

The final way to remove a stain from concrete is to cover it up with an epoxy. This is a good solution in a garage but not a driveway.

Concrete Driveways Last Longer Than Asphalt

When properly built in a fair climate and well maintained, a concrete driveway can last 50 years. And during that time the maintenance is very minimal usually involving a sealant or cleanings. Contrast that with an asphalt driveway that normally lasts 20 to 30 years with a resurfacing about every 10 years, maintenance and repairs.

Overall, a concrete driveway requires a lot less maintenance and repair work vs asphalt and lasts a lot longer. It costs more to build one but in the long run, when you consider the cost of maintenance and repairs, they may actually be more cost effective.

You Can Drive On Asphalt Sooner Than Concrete

An asphalt driveway can typically be driven on the day after installation. It dries and hardens strong enough to hold the weight of a car very quickly. However with concrete, you should wait up to a week for the concrete to cure strong enough to support the weight of a car. In the event that you drive on an asphalt driveway too soon, the repairs are simple and easy to make. However, if you crack a concrete driveway by driving on it to soon, the entire section would need to be replaced.

Asphalt Is Easier To Repair Than Concrete

Asphalt and concrete driveways can both crack, but concrete is much stronger and cracks less often. It’s a far more dense and durable material vs asphalt when the driveway is properly built. Asphalt deteriorates much faster and cracks easier because its a softer. In fact, when asphalt heats up it can become soft and oily. This isn’t something that happens with concrete. The good news is that asphalt is very easy to repair vs concrete and the repairs blend in well with the rest of the driveway.

It’s easy to apply a new topcoat of asphalt if the surface is becoming warn. But concrete is very hard and expensive to repair and patched spots are obvious unless you resurface the entire driveway or replace large sections, which are both very expensive to do.

Summary: Concrete Vs Asphalt Driveway

Concrete and asphalt are two of the most widely used paving materials in the construction industry. Asphalt is a mixture of bitumen, a petroleum product, and aggregates like sand and stone. It’s heated and mixed before being laid as a driveway surface over a compacted base. Concrete is a mixture of cement, sand and gravel mixed with water. It’s poured into forms on a compacted base and allowed to cure before it’s used as a driveway. Both materials are laid over a base of compacted gravel and both are primarily a mixture of sand and stone. The main difference comes in the adhesive that binds the mixture together. Bitumen is used to make asphalt vs cement for concrete.

Both asphalt and concrete can be used to create an attractive and durable driveway. They’re both poured over a compacted gravel base and can handle the weight of cars and trucks. But there’s a big difference in terms of price and maintenance.

The cost of an asphalt driveway is much cheaper than concrete at just $2.00 to $4.00 per square foot. But asphalt prices fluctuate with crude oil prices because it’s petroleum based. In contrast, a concrete driveway costs between $8.00 and $15.00 per square foot for a standard installation. But finishes, details, borders, stamps and stains can increase the price tag to over $20.00 per square foot.

Asphalt can be installed and used faster than concrete. When asphalt needs maintenance or replacement, usually only the top layer is repaved. The base and middle layer are considered permanent and can typically be reused. This makes it cheaper to both install and maintain asphalt vs concrete.

If you have any questions or comments about a concrete vs asphalt driveway, email any time.