When you’re creating a new building or replacing an old driveway, you might wonder whether to choose asphalt or concrete. There are pros and cons to each and the team at Love Asphalt Paving, LLC, has put the key differences together to make your decision easier. Feel free to reach out to us with your questions on concrete versus asphalt paving in Cherry Hill, NJ.
What Is an Asphalt Driveway?
Asphalt is a mixture of sand, stone, and petroleum (tar) that forms a durable adhesive for your hardscape. Our team heats the mixture so that it will move smoothly without forming lumps and air bubbles. When it cools, you’re left with a beautiful asphalt driveway. Asphalt is the number one choice of driveway materials.
What Is a Concrete Driveway?
Concrete is a mixture of sand, cement, and gravel. It can last up to twice as long as asphalt but may crack in extreme temperatures. Known for strength and durability, concrete is the second choice for driveway materials.
Asphalt vs Concrete at a Glance
Asphalt paving material costs less than concrete. However, concrete lasts longer. Many people choose asphalt paving due to its low price point and high performance during extreme weather. Often, the choice comes down to curing, durability, and cost.
Curing
Asphalt cures more quickly than concrete, which is a big deal if you’re under a time crunch. You can walk on your asphalt driveway the same day it’s installed. On the other hand, concrete takes a week to cure.
Durability
Concrete lasts longer than asphalt. However, asphalt paving can last up to 25 years (an average of 15 years) with good drainage, proper maintenance, and professional installation. Both products stand up well to heavy use.
Cost
Asphalt paving typically costs a lot less than concrete to install. Concrete can last far longer than asphalt but if you’re primarily concerned with installation costs, asphalt is the obvious choice.
In a nutshell, concrete costs twice as much to install as asphalt. That’s especially true if you want to add stamps, stains, or engravings to your concrete driveway. Whereas asphalt costs between $6 to $9 per square foot, concrete runs between $8 and $15 per square foot.
Labor costs also run higher for concrete driveways. Add $4 to $5 per square foot to the price of asphalt or $5 to $8 per square foot for concrete for a more accurate look at the total cost.
Although it’s hard to estimate all the costs of your project for a concrete driveway, you’ll also have to figure in additional materials and customizations such as stamping and engraving. The more intricate the pattern, the more likely it is to cost. A straightforward asphalt driveway costs far less than a customized concrete one.
Pros and Cons of Asphalt vs. Concrete
Asphalt driveways are more affordable to install and ready for use much sooner than concrete ones. They are hardy and durable, withstanding summer heat and winter cold exceptionally well. On the other hand, asphalt driveways require more maintenance than concrete ones and may not last as long. Choose asphalt if the initial price point is your primary concern.
Concrete is generally stronger than asphalt and will last for many years. You can also customize concrete driveways with tints, stamps, and stains. It also requires less maintenance but has a high installation cost compared to asphalt.
Why Our Customers Choose Asphalt for Driveway Paving
Cost is the primary reason property owners choose asphalt driveways over concrete driveways. Here are a few other considerations to help you make the right choice:
- Asphalt is 100% recyclable
- Asphalt is quieter than concrete
- Asphalt absorbs heat from the sun to keep your driveway dry
- The black surface hides oil stains, dirt, and wear and tear
Contact Love Asphalt Paving LLC
Looking for commercial paving contractors in Philadelphia? We’d be happy to install a beautiful, durable asphalt driveway for you that will last for decades. Contact the team at Love Asphalt Paving LLC, to find out how asphalt and concrete driveways compare.
