Well, it depends. Here are some things to consider when deciding which type of driveway is best for your home.
Climate
Living in Maryland, we get subjected to all four seasons. When choosing between asphalt vs. concrete for your driveway, think about the extreme temperatures we can get on both sides.
Over time, the cycle of freezing temperatures followed by high heat (which can happen in the same week around here) is enough to make asphalt crack and sag. On the other hand, concrete can stand up to the high heat better but can crack, heave, or buckle under the pressure of our winter temperatures.
Snow and ice take longer to melt on concrete vs. asphalt, and salt used to melt ice faster can cause pitting, staining, and blotching on the surface of your concrete driveway.
Visual Appeal Asphalt vs. Concrete
Asphalt is called blacktop for a reason – once laid, it’s black and usually fades to a dark gray color. While concrete is pale gray, it can be easily tinted or stained to any color or hue you prefer. Concrete can also be stamped or textured, which is a great way to hide stains and blemishes easily seen on monotone gray concrete.
Maintenance
Asphalt driveways require upkeep for a long lifespan. You’ll have to fix cracks, potholes, and crevices and apply a sealcoat every few years if you want to get the maximum life from your asphalt driveway. Because of its softer consistency, asphalt deteriorates faster than concrete.
Concrete shows stains much more easily than asphalt, but you can also seal it to prevent staining and even add some color or texture if you want. However, concrete is much harder to patch and repair, and fixes are more evident than on an asphalt driveway. This could lead to a shorter lifespan for a concrete driveway in our climate.
Drive Time
If you’re looking for the fastest cure time after laying a new driveway, asphalt wins the battle. After installation, an asphalt driveway is usually cured within a few days. But a concrete driveway needs at least a week or more to cure. It depends on how thick it is and the outside temperature.
Lifespan
If the climate is suitable and you keep up with regular maintenance, asphalt driveways can last up to 30 years, but concrete can last up to 40 years. If the underlay isn’t done correctly or maintenance isn’t completed, either driveway type could fail in just a few years.
Cost
Sometimes, the answer to which is better for a driveway, asphalt vs. concrete, comes down to cost. Prices can fluctuate widely depending on where you live in Maryland, your driveway size, and how complex a job it is.
If you choose a concrete driveway, expect to pay about 50% more in upfront costs vs. an asphalt driveway. Add even more to the initial cost if you want it textured or colored.
410 Asphalt Can Help
At 410 Asphalt in Crofton, Maryland, we install and maintain both asphalt and concrete driveways. No job is too big or too small for the professionals at 410 Asphalt.
We offer free estimates and can help you figure out which material is better for your driveway, asphalt, or concrete. Contact us today for a free estimate on your new driveway!