We are debating blacktop VS concrete....?

Question

We want to change our gravel driveway.We are aware that black top is higher maintainance as far as resealing,but would like to compare in other ways:Cost,labor,durability,upkeep,home improvement value...etc
Any experience/insight/suggestion appreciated.

Answer 1

Welcome to the debate! This question (concrete vs. blacktop) has been debated for the last 20 years by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO). The debate breaks down as follows:

Asphalt is cheaper than concrete. So much so that even though concrete lasts much longer than asphalt, the difference in price makes up for the continual maintenance and eventual replacement required of asphalt.

Concrete is more expensive, but lasts longer, and requires very little maintenance. Thus, it's better to put down concrete instead of asphalt, because the materials will last longer, and will compensate for costs that cannot be measured (i.e. inconvenience due to continual maintenance).

A large factor of which material you should use depends on where you live, combined with the ground conditions. For example, if you live in a northern state, or a location that is subject to temperature swings through the freezing point, reinforced concrete will last longer and generally provide a better surface and product for your driveway. If cost is a large concern, or if time (lifespan of the driveway) is not a concern, the asphalt is the way to go. Generally, concrete is the standard driveway for the Southwest United States (where I live). However, you will want to investigate the conditions where you live and make the appropriate choice.

Another choice is using a precast concrete paving unit (paver). These pavers often add more value to the home than standard concrete or asphalt. However, they are more expensive than concrete, and in bad tempature conditions, will require more maintenance than concrete and asphalt.

Answer 2

Looks like the concerte lovers have spoken lol well they can keep it. It is expensive & looks like crap & it cracks and breaks too (it is not steel). You have to mow your yard, redo the deck & fence, all part of owning a home. So in 40 years you had to reseal 10 times, it is not that bad compared to some of the other upkeep cost. If you must.... have a cement slab in front of the garage where it is wider. Your cars can be parked there, basketball, or whatever wear & tear things you want to do & have the thinner blacktop drive leading up to it off the street so it looks good & gives your house max selling power.

Answer 3

Concrete does not require nearly as much maintenance as blacktop, resealing can be a pain. Plus it is very hard, long lasting, and durable.
If you do get blacktop, keep in mind:
Driving or parking on "weak points" of blacktop will cause it to crumble, and blacktop will never really be as hard as concrete, plus you should reseal it every 2-3 years. Not to mention you may want to keep cars off your driveway completely when it is hot, or at least spray it down with a hose to harden it.

Personally, I would say concrete, unless as mentioned before, you plan on selling your house and want to up it's value a bit.

Answer 4

While both have distinct advantages, in general your climate will dictate which driveway is the best choice for you. In cold climate you should have a asphalt driveway. A asphalt driveway is cheaper to repair, and is resistant to chlorides. Also and most important it acts like a heat sink to melt the snow and ice faster than concrete. You will appreciate this when the snow has melted off your neighbor's driveway and you are still shoveling. In a warm climate durability is key. The concrete is more durable and will be cooler in the sun. Concrete is a great insulator. Cheers and good luck!

Answer 5

I think you should go with concrete. It will last longer and save you money in the long room. If you are loaded sure get a black top, it will up the value of your house, but can you afford to keep it looking good. From my experience it cracks often from heat and gets random holes in it. look at it from a money perspective befor you decide.

Answer 6

It all depends on UPFRONT cost here. I hate blacktop as you have described. What I did, we mixed concrete for heavy traffic area and the rest with pavers.

Answer 7

Just another thought...Taxes are higher on concrete because it is considered permanent verses blacktop, which for some reason is not. (At least that is what I have been told in our area)

Answer 8

concrete is more cost upfront black top is labor intensive as it has to be sealed every few years and tends to sink in areas if not applied thick enough

Answer 9

concrete