If your driveway has seen better days, it’s time to start thinking about getting a new one. When it comes to driveways, there are basically two options in terms of materials: concrete or asphalt. Neither one of these materials is inherently superior to the other. That said, one of them could be a better option for you, depending on your own needs and personal preferences. Read on to discover some of the critical differences.
What’s a better material for your driveway: asphalt or concrete? Here’s some of the pros and cons of each.
Concrete Is More Expensive
We just want to get this out of the way: concrete is significantly more expensive than asphalt. Any new driveway is bound to end up relatively expensive, but if you’re tight on cash, asphalt is undoubtedly a more economical option than concrete.
Concrete Has to Cure
When you’ve just gotten your new driveway, you might be eager to test it out right away. If you choose concrete as your material, you might want to hold off for a little. We all know that it takes time to dry or cure. But you might be shocked to learn just how long curing takes. Don’t be surprised if it takes upwards of 28 days for your concrete driveway to harden fully. On the other hand, you can drive on your asphalt driveway just a few days after installation.
Asphalt Requires More Repair
One of the disadvantages of asphalt is that it requires more frequent repair than the alternative. This is because asphalt is innately a softer material. That said, asphalt is generally speaking easier to repair than concrete, although it requires repair more often. One of the reasons for this is that you can simply add a new coat of asphalt to cover up any noticeable wear.
Concrete Stains
Asphalt may be more susceptible to damage than concrete, but concrete has a tendency to stain where asphalt would not. You may find that spilling oil or another chemical leaves a lasting stain upon this material. There is also the risk of staining from biological causes, such as moss, fungus, or mold. Finally, discoloration has been known to occur due to factors inherent to the concrete mix itself.
Above are just a few of the key pros and cons between the two most common driveway materials. If you have any further questions or have made a decision about which material is best for your driveway, the experienced paving professionals at M&D Paving are here to help.
Contact M&D Paving Today!
Are you ready to start your next paving project? If you want professionals you can trust for high-quality concrete or asphalt paving, look no further than M&D Paving, Inc. We are a third-generation, family-owned, and operated asphalt paving company serving the Maryland area. With over 35 years of experience, we are a licensed, bonded, and insured MHIC member. Contact us online or give us a call at (443)-820-3057 to get a free estimate today.
