Asphalt or concrete! These are usually the first words or names that pop in someone’s mind immediately he or she thinks of a driveway. There are other types of driveways but these two are the most common and widely used. Below you are going to explore everything you need to know about asphalt and concrete driveways before making a decision.
The two driveways normally take time to heal before being ready to be used. Concrete driveways take some days to dry because the adhesive is cemented. On the other hand, asphalt driveways only take a few hours to dry and they are ready to use. This is because unlike concrete, in asphalt driveways tar is usually the adhesive used. The adhesiveness of these driveways is what gives each one the uniqueness and characteristics. It also determines the durability, cost, and maintenance of each driveway.
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Cost
Asphalt Driveways
Maintenance cost aside! Of the two, asphalt is usually less expensive to install compared to a concrete driveway. Even though the fluctuation in crude oil may once affect the fluctuation in asphalt prices, this does not affect the cost. Normally the cost of asphalt per square foot ranges between two dollars to four dollars. For more technical information.
Concrete Driveways
However, on the other side are concrete driveways which are more expensive than asphalt. For a basic installation, it may cost you four to six dollars per square foot. The cost may also increase depending on finishing details.
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Maintenance
Concrete driveways are usually the cheapest to maintain. They can last for more than 50 years without being sealed. But this does not mean that you cannot seal a concrete driveway. You can seal it to preserve its finish and appearance. However, concrete driveways stain easier than asphalt and you will need a degreaser to get rid of the stains especially if it’s oil.
On the other hand, maintaining an asphalt driveway can be a handful. You are required to seal the driveway after six months to one year once installation. Thereafter you are required to seal it every three to five years later. One thing about asphalt sealing is that you do not need any special machinery or personnel to do the work anyone can do it easily. Sealing an asphalt driveway is necessary. If properly sealed and maintained the driveway may last up to 30 years.
Cracking is typical on any driveway. Cracks on asphalt driveways can easily be repaired and look like new. However, repairing a crack on a concrete driveway does not leave the surface looking good as it did before. Concrete driveways are more prone to cracks due to weather when compared to asphalt. Get more detail driveways at : Concreters Brisbane Website.
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Climate
Climate is very vital and you should put it into consideration before deciding on which driveway to have. For example, concrete driveways do not do well in winter. They are known to crack easily when the climate is cold and freezing. So if you stay in a country where the weather is cold, then it will be wiser to forget about concrete driveways.
Asphalt driveways do not work well in a hotter climate. The heat softens the tar making it tacky as a result, an asphalt driveway will appear deformed. In these conditions, it’s wiser to go for the concrete driveways.
Conclusion
In terms of aesthetics, concrete will be the best choice because it is easy to manipulate and work with. It can give you the type of finish that meets your needs. You can even add colors and get to make unique patterns on concrete driveways. Asphalt is not easy to work with because its options are limited.