Which is a better buy, a concrete or asphalt driveway?

Question

I have an asphalt driveway which is deteriorated. I would like advice on what to replace it with, a new asphalt driveway or a concrete driveway. Which will last longer, require least maintenance and be less susceptible to being damaged by underground roots, etc. In the long run will a concrete driveway be worth the added cost.

Answer 1

Yes concrete is better

Answer 2

The concrete will require less maintenance. The asphalt needs sealing and such every year or so. The concrete is more prone to cracks and can become severely cracked if the small cracks aren't filled properly. I have had both and still believe a concrete driveway if properly cared for will last the longest.

Answer 3

Well, Asphalt will stick to concrete, but concrete won't stick to asphalt if I remember right.

Asphalt is cheaper, and does an OK job if taken care of.

Concrete is far more expensive, you have to tear up the asphalt, level the driveway, lay down rebar, tie off the rebar and then put in expansion joints, then let it sit for at least 36 hours,,,,is it worth it? *Shrugs* Depends how you look at it. I've worked with both- and concrete, if not taken care of, deteriorates by cracking and freezing

Answer 4

I recommend concrete. It will out last blacktop and give far better service. Oils drips or gas spills will not harm the concrete whereas the asphalt will deteriorate from oil or gas. You can clean up oil off the concrete with solvent and wash off with water. The concrete must be done correctly using re bar to provide strength against cracking.In cold climates you must also insert spacers between the sections of concret to allow for contraction and expansion due to atmos. temp. One draw back where I live is if you have concrete your municipal or city taxes on your premises is higher because it is viewed as a "permanent" item.Spend the extra and go for concrete you will not be disappointed.

Answer 5

concrete will last longer, the only maintenance i can think of with concrete is sweeping, if you have a car that leaks oil it will show up better. if you think about how often the city fixes and repairs the asphalt compared to the concrete there is a huge difference.

Concrete will crack but if the joints are placed correctly it will crack down the joints and you will never notice.

I personally would recommend concrete. plus concrete looks better.

Answer 6

Might I suggest brick --- I have family that replaced ashphalt with concrete and now have brick. The only draw back is it can be a little slippery in wet weather. However it is very durable and if a brick becomes damaged, you simply replace the damaged area not the entire driveway.

Answer 7

My parents had a circle asphalt drive in front of their house, and later changed it to concrete. They felt they made the right choice in spite of the higher cost.

Answer 8

Concrete is better than asphalt- it lasts longer. Not as pretty though.

Answer 9

I have been laying asphalt for over ten years and i still say CONCRETE is the best way to go!!

Answer 10

asphalt will denigrate faster esp in warm weather. Concrete now comes in many colors and patterns Best of luck