Upgrading your driveway could revamp the whole appearance of your house and improve the curb appeal. But the challenge most people have when undertaking this project is deciding the products to use.
The two common products that are used in the driveway are asphalt and concrete.
Though both these products are great choices, they each have their pros and cons. Thus, you need to learn about these driveway options so that you can choose the right material for your driveway.
Asphalt Driveways
Asphalt driveways are made using a mixture of stone and sand. They also contain petroleum products that are used as an adhesive base. To get a quality asphalt driveway, use the right asphalt mix and proper construction practices.
Pros
- Eco-friendly: If you need an eco-friendly product, consider using asphalt since it is 100% recyclable. Thus, this will help save on energy used to create more products. Besides, when the time comes to replace your driveway, you can use the same products.
- Durable: When you choose products to use on your driveway, get strong and long-lasting ones. Asphalt can last for 15-20 years. Thus, you will use your driveway for a long time without worrying about replacing it.
- Easy to Repair: If properly installed, the asphalt driveways are durable. Thus, you will not have to worry about cracks and other issues forming. However, if the driveway gets damaged, it is easy to take care of the issue as it will take a short time to fix. Besides, since asphalt is dark, it will not be easy to tell when a repair occurs.
- Noise reduction: Driving on quiet pavement makes you feel great, which you will get when installing asphalt in your driveway. In addition, the product absorbs noise when you drive.
- Good water drainage: Asphalt offers better drainage rainwater since it is made using porous material. Besides, it is flexible and less prone to cracking even if the weather is freezing. Also, since the asphalt driveway is dark in color, it helps snow to melt faster. So, you will not have to worry about shoveling during snowy days.
- Fast to install: It is easy for you to get the materials needed to make asphalt, and they take a short time to turn into the asphalt. Thus, if you need to complete the project quickly, this is the best product to use.
- Various options: The other reason to consider getting asphalt driveways is that this option offers you various choices. Some popular choices that you can use are porous, perpetual, hot mix, and warm mix. If you are uncertain of the product that suits your home, you can discuss it with a professional.
Cons
- Maintenance: Asphalt will need regular maintenance and sealant after every six months. This can be costly and time-consuming.
- Less upscale: Since the edges of asphalt are less defined, they might not appear aesthetically pleasing.
Concrete Driveway
A concrete driveway is made using gravel, cement, and aggregate. The ratio you use when mixing depends on the type of driveway you want. For example, if you want a rough one, you will use more aggregate than cement, and vice-versa if you want a smooth driveway.
Pros
- Affordable: Compared to asphalt, it is costlier to install a concrete driveway. But given that concrete is low in maintenance and once installed, it will serve you for a long time, over time, concrete will become less costly.
- Durable: The last thing you need to be thinking about when you are in your home is redoing the driveway. That is why you should invest in the right one from the word going so that it can serve you for a long time. Concrete is long-lasting and can serve you for 50 years or more.
- Sturdy: The right product to use on your driveway is one that is strong and durable. That way, it will be able to withstand heavy trucks or vehicles passing by your driveways. In addition, when you properly install the concrete driveway and place the stress joints strategically, you will not have to worry about it cracking.
- Maintenance: You will not need to do much to maintain your concrete driveway. Routing cleaning and degreasing is all that is needed for the product to serve you for a long time. But if you want to enhance the look of your driveway, you can seal it.
- Better light and heat absorption: Asphalt will absorb more heat, which will come in handy during the winter. But in the summertime, you need a driveway that will absorb less heat from the sun. If that is the case, consider getting concrete.
Cons
- Cost: Compared to asphalt, installing concrete could be double the price.
- Repairs: Though concrete is sturdy and long-lasting, it is costlier and tougher for you to repair, replace, or resurface the products. So, if it ever needs any of these services, you will use a substantial amount of money.
- Easily stains: If you get light-colored concrete, it will easily stain. You will likely find some instances where there are tire marks and oil stains. Though this can easily be cleaned using a pressure washer, it can be unsightly.
- Not suitable for cold weather: The other con of getting a concrete driveway is that it is not eco-friendly. And during the cold weather, it is prone to freezing and cracking.
Asphalt Or Concrete, Which One Should You Get? Final Thoughts
The bottom line is that both asphalt and concrete are great products to use on your driveway. However, you need to choose a product that will serve your needs and offer you the best service.
If you are looking for a driveway that looks beautiful, is weather-friendly, and offers noise reduction, then Asphalt concrete is the option for you to use. But if you need a driveway that is low in maintenance and one that will serve you for a long time, consider installing a concrete driveway.
