Harrisonburg Concrete Driveway

When it comes to driveways, there are two main options: concrete and asphalt. Both have certain pros and cons, so it might be hard to decide which one is best for you. In this article, we will discuss the pros and cons of concrete and asphalt driveways, so that you can make an informed decision about what is best for your home.

What is a driveway?

Concrete and Asphalt: Pros and Cons

If you're considering a new driveway, you might be wondering whether to choose concrete or asphalt. Pros and cons exist for both materials; therefore, you should weigh carefully before finalizing a choice.

Installation

Asphalt driveways are easier to install than concrete driveways. You can generally have an asphalt driveway installed in one day. Concrete driveways take longer to install, and you may have to wait a few days before you can use your driveway.

Durability

Concrete driveways are more durable than asphalt driveways. Concrete can last for decades, while asphalt will start to show signs of wear after about 20 years. If you want a driveway that will last a long time, concrete is the best choice.

Cost

Asphalt driveways are less expensive than concrete driveways. The cost of materials for an asphalt driveway is about $200 per ton. The cost of materials for a concrete driveway is about $300 per cubic yard. However, the initial cost of asphalt may be higher than concrete, since concrete driveways require more labor to install.

Maintenance

That being said, concrete driveways require more maintenance than asphalt driveways.  You will need to seal an asphalt driveway every few years to keep it looking its best. You'll need to seal your concrete driveway every few years to protect it from the elements and prevent cracking.

Repairs

Asphalt driveways are less expensive than concrete driveways, but they don't last as long. Asphalt driveways are not as difficult to repair as concrete driveways. If you have a crack or hole in your asphalt driveway, you can simply fill it in with new asphalt.

Heat Absorption

Concrete driveways absorb less heat than asphalt driveways. This is important in hot climates where you don't want your driveway to contribute to the heat of your home. Asphalt driveways are darker than concrete driveways, so they absorb more heat.

Aesthetics

Asphalt driveways are available in a variety of colors, while concrete driveways are typically gray. If you want a driveway that will complement your home's exterior, asphalt is the better choice. But there's also a thing that you can do to a concrete driveway to make it more attractive, and that's to add a stamped concrete design. Stamped concrete can mimic the look of stone, brick, or pavers at a fraction of the cost.

If you're considering a new driveway, weigh the pros and cons of concrete and asphalt to decide which is the best choice for you. Consider your budget, maintenance needs, and aesthetic preferences to choose the right material for your home.

Pro Concrete Harrisonburg

If you're looking for a new driveway, Pro Concrete Harrisonburg is here to help! We specialize in stamped concrete driveways that add beauty and value to your home. We serve customers in Harrisonburg, Virginia, and the surrounding area with a quality product and outstanding customer service. Contact us today for a free estimate! We look forward to working with you.