If you’re constructing a new home, or are just in the market for a brand new driveway, you’re doubtlessly faced with a lot of tough decisions. The most important decision you can make is selecting between the two most popular driveway paving materials: Concrete and asphalt. Tristate Paving is here with the differences between these two materials so that you can make the best choice possible. It’s important to know that asphalt and concrete do have many similarities. They both need well compacted gravel bases, need time to set before use, and are made from stone and sand. The main difference in their composition is the adhesive used to bind them together. Asphalt is adhered with tar, while concrete uses cement. This small difference in the material composition of the two substances ripples outward, resulting in drastic differences between the two.

Appearance

Different people will have a preference as to whether they’d like concrete or asphalt better. Asphalt driveways appear as natural extensions of the road while concrete ones have a distinctly different appearance. However, both can have their looks modified.  You can stain, etch, and engrave concrete as well as apply a variety of finishes to customize your driveway to match your home. Asphalt is somewhat more limited and cannot be stained. Although, tint may be added to the mixture to alter the color slightly.

Climate

Climate can play an important part in selecting what to pave your driveway with. Concrete is more likely to crack or fracture due to extreme cold. It can also be damaged by defrosting salts. Conversely, asphalt performs less well in hotter climates because intense and prolonged exposure to heat can cause the tar to melt and potentially lose its form. Consider your climate carefully when paving your driveway.

Maintenance

Both materials have drastically different maintenance requirements. Asphalt requires the application of a protective sealant about every three years, which can increase its lifespan to roughly 30 years. Concrete driveways do not need sealant but can benefit from it greatly, preserving their appearance for longer. Concrete driveways do stain easier than asphalt and must have degreaser applied to them to take care of oil spills. Asphalt is typically easier to repair and can be affordably resurfaced rather than replaced, an option that is not available to concrete driveway owners.

Price

Asphalt is typically a good deal less expensive than concrete to install. On average asphalt will run between $2.50 to $4.00 per square foot. Concrete, on the other hand, usually runs between $4.00 to $6.00 per square foot for a basic installation and can cost more if you’re looking at applying special finishes.

Need Help Making the Decision?

Call Tristate Paving. Our experienced paving professional have a  long history installing both concrete and asphalt driveways and we’ll be more than happy to sit down and figure out which option works best for you.

Our area numbers are:

West Chester: 610.563.9456

Oxford: 610.932.3566

Delaware: 302.757.4100

Check back here for weekly updates on current projects, important paving facts and info, and smart ideas for homeowners interested in concrete, asphalt or hardscaping work.

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