Asphalt Vs Concrete Driveway Pros and Cons

Crushed concrete is the foundation of asphalt driveways. When asphalt becomes damaged, it must be replaced and this process requires one thing: cracking. Paving cracks can occur anywhere along the perimeter of the asphalt. Cracks may even develop along the driveway’s middle which can cause asphalt to perforate and collapse. These cracks and perforations will eventually need to be filled with a blend of crushed rock and concrete to keep the asphalt from becoming damaged further.

Sometimes the cracks are too big and others are too small. In these cases, the crack moves outwards toward the curb and becomes a hazard because vehicles can easily cut through them. In some cases, cracks occur in the asphalt itself. While repair of damage is possible, the driveway ends up needing to be replaced.

Advantages

To begin with, let’s discuss the advantages of having crushed concrete as the base for your driveway. First of all, you can’t tell the difference between concrete and gravel when you drive on either one. Cracked gravel occasionally causes car accidents since they occasionally misdirect the driver. On the other hand, when you see crushed concrete, you can tell that the road has been damaged. The repair of damaged roads is much more expensive than repairing a roadway that never got cracked in the first place.

In addition, concrete is the best material to use if you are trying to create a space for a pool. It provides the perfect backdrop for swimming pools and other forms of water recreation. Furthermore, when you build a house with a garage attached, crushed concrete is the best material to use. If you do not have enough gravel to finish the entire garage on a normal basis, you can put crushed concrete on top of the gravel and have an excellent finish. It will also fill in any tiny cracks that may exist around the edges of the garage.

Disadvantages

When it comes to the disadvantages of a concrete driveway, there are really only two major ones. The first disadvantage of a driveway made out of concrete is that it can take several years for it to fully set. This is due to the enormous pressure that is exerted upon the driveway when it is first poured. For this reason, you should avoid making any modifications to your driveway after it has been poured. If you plan to add some landscaping or flowers to your landscape, you may want to wait until the concrete has completely set. If you want to put any other type of pavement on the driveway, you will need to wait until the weather becomes dry.

Another disadvantage of a concrete driveway is that it can be expensive to install. In addition to the cost of the concrete itself, you will need to buy paving stone, sand, and other materials to finish the project. On the other hand, asphalt is an extremely affordable material to use for your driveway. You will also find that asphalt is easier to work with when you are preparing it for installation.

Asphalt is also better for the environment than concrete

It is made out of natural ingredients so it is much easier to recycle than concrete. You will also find that asphalt is stronger and more durable than concrete when you apply it to your driveway. It is the best material for a driving surface because it is non-combustible, meaning that you will not have to worry about damaging your vehicle if you should hit it while driving.

When you are choosing between an asphalt driveway and a concrete driveway, you should always consider both the pros and the cons. Of course, you should consider the aesthetic value as well. For many people, driving on a beautiful driveway is one of the most important factors when choosing a home. Remember, however, that you need to spend a little extra money in order to ensure that your driveway will last for years and won’t damage your car.