Whether you’re looking to have a new driveway paved, you’ll have to decide between asphalt and concrete. Both have their share of advantages and disadvantages. As an experienced Howard County driveway paving company, we wanted to take some time today to talk about these pros and cons.
Their Costs
In terms of cost, asphalt has the edge. The cost of an average asphalt driveway is usually somewhere between $2 – $4 per square foot, though it is important to note that asphalt also tends to fluctuate with crude oil prices. Concrete driveways typically cost between $4 – $6 per square foot. Adding finishes, details, or stains can up the cost up to $15 per square foot.
Maintenance and Repairs
When thinking about going with an asphalt driveway, you should also be thinking about all of the maintenance and repairs that come along with it. Most asphalt driveways will need to be sealed 6 months after installation, and will then need to be sealed again every 3 to 5 years. Doing this will greatly extend the life of your asphalt driveway.
Concrete driveways don’t require as much sealing. Applying a sealant to a concrete driveway may improve the look and help to preserve the finish, so many homeowners still opt to do so, though sealing is not required. You may also need to invest in some degreasers to remove oil, fuel and other chemical stains that can build up over time.
Cracks affect both asphalt and concrete driveways and always need to be repaired. Asphalt tends to be a little easier to repair and their repairs look a little nicer than their concrete counterparts. If you’re in need of driveway repairs, then you should work with a professional Howard County driveway paving company.
Durability and Lifespan
When it comes to lifespan, concrete has a definite edge. When properly maintained, asphalt will last about 30 years. Concrete, on the other hand, can last over 50+ years. Of course for it to last this long you’ll need to perform occasional repairs and degreasing.
Work With an Experienced Howard County Driveway Paving Company
Here at Got Paving, we’ve been providing our paving services to Howard County and other areas of Maryland for years. We’ve installed many asphalt and concrete driveways, and we’ll be able to help you make a decision on which one is right for you and your home. Our team of professional driveway paving experts is standing by, so contact us today.
