Not sure if you should choose an asphalt or concrete driveway? Choosing the driveway material that’s best for you often depends on your climate and budget. When the time comes to install a new driveway, the biggest decision is whether to use concrete or asphalt. To any contractors, sure, there are other driveway material choices — gravel at the low end and brick pavers at the high end — but concrete and asphalt are the most common, and each comes with advantages and disadvantages. At Athens Concrete Co., with their expertise, they will choose the best for your driveway. They know what type of material to use depending on your area.
Concrete lasts longer, but asphalt driveways are less expensive to install. Asphalt needs more maintenance, but is generally easier to repair. In winter, concrete driveways can suffer damage if you use the wrong de-icing product. Concrete is durable enough to withstand the weight of heavy traffic and can last up to 30 years. Keep reading to learn the 6 reasons why people just like you are making the switch from asphalt to concrete.
Why Concrete is Better than Asphalt
- Long Lasting
Concrete can outlast asphalt by a decade without needing as much maintenance and repairs. While you’ll still need to apply concrete sealer, you won’t have to seal pavement as often like you would with asphalt. Many of our customers appreciate that concrete doesn’t pothole like asphalt does. Not only does this reduce repairs, but it also improves driving conditions and saves you money in the long run.
- Durable for Heavy Loads
Not only is laying concrete good for high traffic areas, but it’s also good for trucks loaded with supplies. For example, if you have a lot of semi-trucks coming in and out of your commercial property, you may want to consider the advantages of installing concrete.
Concrete is durable enough to withstand the weight of loaded semi-truck trailers so you don’t have to pay hundreds (or even thousands) in repairs. Unlike asphalt, concrete doesn’t tear or pothole under stress.
- Durable for High Traffic
Concrete is durable enough to withstand the weight of heavy traffic, which is why it’s often used for freeways, intersections, and curved roads. Certain types of asphalt aren’t strong enough for heavy traffic, which is why you may notice ruts in the pavement caused by car tires.
Intersections tend to wear out quicker than straight sections of road due to cars turning and stopping. Thankfully, concrete roads are durable enough so they don’t pothole from heavy traffic.
- Decorative
Concrete can be colored and stamped, which helps improve the curb appeal of a community. How a community looks (which includes concrete design) can affect whether people decide to shop or live in the area. Clean stamped concrete helps give the impression that the city is well-cared for and that businesses are doing well.
Stamped concrete patterns can give you the look of bricks or even decorative stone. A concrete block wall can also be created to improve curb appeal. For example, we could create a decorative concrete block wall for a shopping center or other commercial building. You may also decide to apply concrete stain so the color of your pavement looks like brick or natural stone.
- Improves Pedestrian and Motorist Safety
Decorative concrete improves pedestrian safety because it clearly marks walkways. Concrete also helps improve safety because there are no potholes to trip over, especially after harsh freeze-thaw cycles. Our concrete experts will explain what you can expect while we install your new decorative pavement.
- Concrete offers more visual options.
In their most basic forms, asphalt is dark gray to black—hence its common name of “blacktop”—and concrete is pale gray. Unlike asphalt, though, concrete takes well to staining or tinting to just about any color you fancy. You can also stamp patterns into concrete or brush it for a textured finish. Go with concrete if you wish to match your home’s color scheme, recreate the look of brick or another pattern, or prefer a bit of interest in your home’s major entryway. Asphalt is a good choice if you want a streamlined appearance that matches the street.