When you’re considering having a driveway installed, a big decision you have to make is on the material that will be used. Both asphalt and concrete have their pros and cons when it comes to cost, lifetime, maintenance, and the installation process itself. So how do you decide which one is best for your driveway?
Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of each kind of pavement:
ASPHALT
PRO: It is easier to repair. Repaired areas of asphalt tend to blend in well with the rest of your driveway. New topcoats of asphalt are also easily applied if the surface is visibly aging or marred.
CON: Asphalt is more easily damaged than concrete, partially due to the fact that it shrinks and expands with temperature changes. Because of this, you may find yourself making frequent repairs.
PRO: It cures in just a few hours. Asphalt only takes a short amount of time to cure and can be driven on within 24 hours of installation.
CON: It’s lifetime is shorter than that of concrete. The lifespan of an asphalt driveway is about 25 years. If the job is done incorrectly or the asphalt is installed on an uneven substrate of gravel it can fail even sooner than that.
CONCRETE
PRO: It lasts longer than asphalt. Concrete driveways, when installed properly in a favorable climate, usually last about 30-40 years.
CON: It takes longer to cure than asphalt. It’s common to have to wait about a week before driving on concrete pavement after it has been poured.
PRO: Concrete is a stronger, more durable option than asphalt. It requires much less frequent maintenance due to cracks, chips, dents, and fading because of this.
CON: It costs more than asphalt. Concrete driveways can sometimes cost almost twice as much as asphalt driveways. Keep in mind that prices do fluctuate depending on location, size, and complexity of the paving job.
Call on a Maryland Concrete Driveway Contractor With Experience!
Whether you’re still undecided or ready to schedule your new driveway installation, give the professionals at 1-855-GOT-PAVING a call! We are a Maryland concrete and asphalt driveway contractor proudly serving Howard, Baltimore, Anne Arundel, and Carroll counties. Our experienced team members are readily available to assist you with choosing the right pavement for your driveway and are dedicated to offering exceptional service at an affordable price.
Contact us today to schedule a free estimate.
