Whether you’re building a new home or improving your current property, installing a new driveway is a significant undertaking that requires careful planning. Choosing between an asphalt or concrete surface is one of the most important decisions. Both materials have advantages, but one may better suit your specific needs and preferences.
As an experienced driveway paving contractor, West York Paving Ltd understands how integral this choice is. We’ve installed hundreds of driveways using concrete and asphalt over the past 30 years. Our team of experts is here to help you determine which material is the best option.
In this article, we’ll look in-depth at the key differences between asphalt and concrete to clarify which driveway paving material may work best for your lifestyle and property. Some of the factors we’ll explore include aesthetics, durability, maintenance needs, climate suitability, cost implications, and customization options available.
Appearance and Style
Right off the bat, asphalt and concrete driveways have distinctly different visual profiles. Asphalt has a smooth, shiny black surface, giving it a modern, sleek look. Over time, ultraviolet light causes it to fade to a dull gray. Concrete showcases a rougher, gray finish and resembles a more traditional style. However, the possibilities are nearly endless with stains, stamped patterns and colouring.
Concrete is highly customizable and can mimic the look of natural stone, brick, cobblestone and more. While asphalt has colouring options, it offers a different level of detail and textured appearance than concrete does. Concrete may be your best choice if curb appeal and design flexibility are high priorities. However, asphalt’s low-maintenance sheen is quite attractive in its own right.
Durability and Lifespan
Generally speaking, concrete has the edge over asphalt in terms of longevity when installed properly. A top-quality concrete driveway installed by West York Paving Ltd can last 50 years or more with minimal repairs. Asphalt’s lifespan averages 20-25 years under normal vehicle wear and tear.
Each material performs differently depending on climate as well. Asphalt is better than concrete in colder climates since it doesn’t crack as easily from freezing and thawing. However, hot temperatures can soften and damage asphalt over time. Concrete tolerates heat exceptionally but requires additives and insulation to prevent cracks in freeze-thaw zones.
Proper installation is critical for maximizing the endurance of either surface. At West York Paving Ltd, we ensure the sub-base is sufficiently prepared before laying down high-quality materials. This provides structural integrity and longevity that well exceeds industry standards. Our expertise yields driveways that stand the test of time.
Maintenance Burden
This is an area where asphalt has a concrete beat – it demands less upkeep overall. Asphalt sealing every 3-5 years is typically recommended to prolong its life. Concrete requires semi-regular cleaning but generally no sealing. However, asphalt repairs, like filling cracks and holes, crop up more frequently than concrete fixes later in the driveway’s life.
Asphalt is better suited for extremely busy households or commercial locations because it can withstand heavier traffic loads with less damage. Concrete can crack or deteriorate more quickly under excess vehicular use. So maintenance boils down to each material’s specific strengths – less frequent work for asphalt, easier long-term for concrete. Proper care extends the lifespan of either option.
Which Paving Material is Best for Your Climate?
No driveway surface is immune to climate challenges, but asphalt and concrete deal with certain conditions differently. Asphalt maintains more flexibility in colder climates, whereas concrete risks fracturing from freezing and thawing. However, hot weather is not asphalt’s friend – it can soften or rut more easily in high heat.
Concrete holds up admirably in warm and temperate zones but requires additives and insulation in freezing spots. It also cracks less than asphalt when repeatedly exposed to sunlight. Overall, asphalt may be smarter if you live where winters are very icy, or summers stay moderately warm. But concrete succeeds virtually anywhere with the right installation methods.
Which Material Offers the Best Value?
Upfront installation costs favour asphalt – it usually runs approximately half the price per square foot of concrete. However, concrete’s advantage lies in its significantly extended lifespan before replacements are needed – often twice as long as asphalt. Over the long haul, the higher initial concrete investment makes financial sense.
Concrete also enables more customization options that add value, like unique textures, patterns, and surface finishes. These enhancements are reasonably priced when incorporated into initial construction by West York Paving Ltd instead of later repairs. Ultimately, asphalt and concrete driveway paving deliver a solid return on investment. But concrete tends to be the value winner for longevity and aesthetic flexibility.
Choosing the Right Paving Material for Your Property
Now that we’ve weighed the key attributes of asphalt and concrete, the ideal choice comes down to your specific situation and design priorities. Here’s a quick summary:
– Asphalt works well for climates with mild seasons, frequent use, or tight budgets. Its flat black look is simple.
– Concrete suits almost any climate, resists sun/heat/ice damage better and lasts significantly longer with less maintenance over time. It allows for imaginative, customized curb appeal.
– Our West York Paving Ltd experts can advise which material will best serve your needs and factor in installation complexities like large slopes or tight spacing.
Our team will prepare the driveway base before laying asphalt or concrete customized to your specifications. Choosing West York Paving as your contracting partner promises strength, quality, and lasting value with any paving project. Contact us today to transform your property!