If you are looking for a new driveway for your home in Warner Robins, Perry, Centerville, Macon or Byron, you might be wondering whether to choose concrete or asphalt. Both materials are popular options for driveways, but they have some important differences that you should consider before making your decision!
What are they?
Concrete and asphalt are both made of sand and stone, but they use different binders to hold them together. Concrete uses cement, which gives it a light gray color and a slightly textured surface. Asphalt uses bitumen, which is a black petroleum-based substance that makes it smooth and dark.
Both materials have pros and cons depending on your preferences, budget, climate, and maintenance needs. Here are some of the main factors to compare:
Appearance
Concrete offers more visual options than asphalt. You can stain it with different colors, stamp it with patterns or textures, or even use recycled glass or colored rocks to tint it. Asphalt is usually black and smooth, although you can seal it with varying colors or stamp it to look like brick or stone.
Cost
Asphalt is cheaper than concrete upfront, but it may cost more in the long run due to higher maintenance needs. According to HomeAdvisor , the average cost of installing an asphalt driveway is $4 per square foot , while concrete costs $6 per square foot. However, concrete lasts longer than asphalt and may increase your home’s resale value.
Upkeep
Asphalt requires more frequent sealing than concrete to prevent cracks and fading. You should seal your asphalt driveway every three to five years , while concrete only needs sealing every five to ten years . Concrete also stains more easily than asphalt due to its porous nature. You should degrease your concrete driveway regularly and remove any oil spills as soon as possible.
Durability
Concrete is stronger and more durable than asphalt in most climates. It can last up to 50 years or more with proper care , while asphalt typically lasts 20 to 30 years . However, concrete can crack or heave in extreme cold due to freeze-thaw cycles , while asphalt can soften or sag in extreme heat due to its low melting point .
Environmental Impact
Both materials have environmental impacts that you should consider. Asphalt is made from non-renewable petroleum products that emit greenhouse gases during production and installation . Concrete also produces carbon dioxide during cement manufacturing , but it can be made from recycled materials such as old concrete or slag . Additionally , concrete reflects more sunlight than asphalt , which reduces the urban heat island effect .
Resale Value
Concrete may add more value to your home than asphalt if you plan to sell it in the future . According to Bob Vila , concrete driveways can increase your home’s curb appeal and attract more buyers who appreciate its durability and aesthetics . Asphalt driveways may not have the same effect unless they are well-maintained and sealed regularly .
Which Is Better for Your Home?
If you want a versatile, long-lasting, and low-maintenance driveway that can withstand Georgia’s hot summers and mild winters, you’ll prefer concrete over asphalt. No wonder you rarely see asphalt driveways in the South!
All American Concrete has been providing quality concrete jobs for residential and commercial customers since 2020. We specialize in driveways, sidewalks, patios, foundations, retaining walls, pool decks, stamped concrete, stained concrete, exposed aggregate concrete, decorative overlays, and more.
Let us give you a free quote with a guaranteed competitive price, first-rate workmanship and excellent customer service! Call us at 478-352-1220.
We serve Houston County and surrounding areas such as Warner Robins, Perry, Centerville, Byron, Macon, Fort Valley, Bonaire, Kathleen, and Cochran – wherever you need concrete in Middle Georgia, we’re there!
