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Asphalt Vs. Concrete: Which Should You Use On Your Driveway?
By RYAN HAYWARD
You have a variety of options to choose from when redoing your driveway, but two of the most common driveway materials are asphalt or concrete. Both have reasonable prices and can be durable enough to last decades, but here are the pros and cons to determine which one is right for your home.
Asphalt ranges from $7 to $13 per square foot, and the porous material is simple to maintain, lasting from 15 to 30 years. However, it needs to be sealed with a special sealant that can take up to three months to properly cure, and asphalt contracts in cold weather and expands in warm weather which could lead to cracking.
Concrete is a light, porous material that keeps your driveway cool in warm climates, but this also makes stains and blemishes more noticeable and difficult to remove. Concrete doesn’t require a sealant and can last up to 40 years, costing $4 to $8 per square foot, but unlike asphalt, it’s not easy to repair cracks or holes.