In general, asphalt is less durable than concrete. With proper maintenance, it can last 30 years. Alternatively, concrete offers a robust and durable option and can last more than 50 years for homeowners with occasional repairs and degreasing. While both asphalt and concrete crack, asphalt tends to deteriorate faster due to its softer consistency.
However, it's fairly easy to repair cracks and damage in asphalt, and repaired areas generally blend well with the rest of the driveway. It's also relatively easy to apply a new asphalt finish coat if the surface is badly damaged or shows its age. Concrete is more difficult to repair and patched stains are usually quite obvious, unless you plan to re-pave the entire driveway. Compared to concrete, asphalt has less aesthetic appeal due to the lack of options for designing the driveway.
However, manufacturers have started mixing asphalt with naturally colored rocks or recycled glass and using colored sealants to achieve a more creative look. A few months after installation to allow complete curing, it will be necessary to seal the asphalt inlet to protect the surface and extend its useful life. Laying times are also comparable and usually take approximately one day after subgrade preparation is completed (although more time may be needed for stamped or stained concrete). Asphalt is much more environmentally friendly than concrete and is considered an environmentally friendly technology, since it can be recycled, while concrete must be removed and disposed of in a special facility.
The advantage of an asphalt roadway is that it can be driven sooner after installation, usually in two or three days. This is because asphalt driveways generally require a lot of general maintenance and maintenance, affecting your profits several years later. Adding decorative improvements, such as stamping and dyeing, can easily double the cost due to the additional labor and materials involved (see Cost of a concrete driveway). If you're not sure if you need an asphalt or concrete driveway for your home or business in central Pennsylvania, turn to the professionals at Union Quarries.
Both asphalt and concrete have a mixture of stone and other substances to give each of them a different durability and aesthetics. While concrete driveways are generally easier to maintain and more durable than asphalt roads, repairing and replacing them is often more difficult and expensive. Since concrete has a smoother texture compared to asphalt, it can be easily colored, etched, stamped, stained, or stained. If your driveway is more than a couple of decades old, you might notice some signs that you should consider buying a new one.
Since you want to attract tenants or buyers to your rental property, appearance is something you should consider when choosing between concrete and asphalt. If you need a new driveway for your home, you need a reliable and durable material, even in the harsh weather conditions found in central Pennsylvania. Many asphalt inlet installers recommend sealing the surface every three to five years to help preserve asphalt oils and prevent brittleness and premature cracking. However, whenever a concrete driveway is structurally sound, there are ways to repair minor and even major defects without tearing it off and completely replacing it.
