If you don’t choose concrete its your own asphalt!! Yep… Without exception Asphalt is more budget friendly…. Initially.  If you’re strictly basing your decision on the bottom dollar then asphalt will be the way to go.

If you are looking for a quick fix, then asphalt is for you.  But you are quite literally getting cheaper material because it’s not a quality product for a residential application.  Asphalt requires annual maintenance that is quite costly.  While Both have their places in our society concrete is a better value application in the residential setting.  It’s a one-time purchase with minimal annual maintenance and at the end of the day you can expect to get anywhere between 10-30 years out of it before replacement becomes necessary.  With asphalt, best case scenario and with the homeowner doing all the maintenance required to achieve longevity you can expect to get anywhere between 2-5 years before major repairs are needed.    Look at it this way, concrete is a bigger expense up front but once you hit the 5-year mark, the concrete and costs are now even and going forward you begin to save money.  Traditional white concrete or high-end decorative concrete adds instant curb appeal and can boost the value of the home. 

Asphalt is made of petroleum while concrete is a mix of crushed rock, sand/gravel which is bonded by the paste of cement.  The reason concrete installation is more expensive is because the materials, the labor and installation tools are more costly up front.  Add to this equation the durability between the two materials.  The durability of concrete far exceeds that you can expect from asphalt.   The durability you will receive with your concrete install reduces any significant damage over time.   Asphalt may seem like the more cost-effective approach to your home improvement but will end up being just a quick fix while with concrete you are achieving durability, reliability, and longevity.     In the residential setting concrete becomes the best choice due to the science behind the strength of the material.  Concrete has compressive strength which is needed to sustain the wear and tear we put our driveways through with the heavy traffic of consistent parking of vehicles weighing over 2 tons or more.  With asphalt you are receiving tensile strength which is a scientific word for stretching.  Ever step on an asphalt pavement in the summer and burn your feet?  That is due to the asphalt being heated up from the temperatures and sun.  This heating results in actual melting of the material and is the root cause of the pitting and holes that form in the material.  Concrete has minimal tensile strength but compressive strength. This compressive strength is a must to sustain the constant load of our vehicles. The sheer difference in the weight bearing capabilities adds significant value.  When the two are compared concrete withstands the normal wear and tear and weather elements. There is also aesthetics to consider also.  With asphalt you get one choice… black.  There are no options or customization possible with asphalt.  With concrete the possibilities are endless.  Want to match the green shutters on your home?  No problem!  Want your concrete driveway to look like a brick, want it to look like wood or even paver stones?  No problem!   Your concrete team can design your driveway from traditional white concrete or in any color or shape you dream of!   When making your decision consider what matters most to you.  Are you looking for a quick fix that will need constant maintenance or are you looking for a long-lasting product?  If so then concrete is the best choice for you.  You will receive double to triple the service life.