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Perhaps you are looking for a driveway contractor for your new driveway or you are constructing a new home and you are not sure whether you want a concrete or asphalt driveway. While both are somehow similar, there are a few differences you may want to look at so you can make an informed decision. Both these types of driveway will have to have a compacted gravel base and are all made from the same general material before they are applied but in general, some considerations you will have will include matters to do with climate, aesthetics, restrictions, maintenance and costs. Aesthetics There is no doubt that beauty is in the eye of the beholder even when it comes to driveways. Before you engage a concrete pouring contractor you will have to consider what you want to look at every time you drive into your home. The main difference between the two is that asphalt is black while concrete is generally white. However, you must note that it is easier to work with concrete to get your desired type of finish; it can be stained or tinted to an array of colors or given some unique patterns. A good driveway contractor can also engrave or stamp different designs into concrete to give it the desired finish. Asphalt tends to be a little bit limited when it comes to finishes. Climate Be sure to ask your driveway contractor what the effects of climate are on your desired material. People who live in extremely cold climates should note that when you don’t have a qualified concrete pouring contractor the driveway may crack or even suffer from frost during those very severe winters. The salt that is used for ice melting could also create blotches and pits across your concrete driveway. Asphalt, on the other hand can be come extremely soft during summer and deform or become tacky. Maintenance Maintenance becomes a serious issue when you are dealing with asphalt driveways, they must be sealed in about six months or one year after installation. After this you must continue to seal it after every three or so years and when nit is maintained properly it should last for about 30 years. You don’t have to seal a concrete driveway and it can easily last beyond 50 years. While cracks can be repaired in both asphalt and concrete driveways, it is much easier to repair them in concrete driveways and they will blend quickly with the original. Cost The cost of an asphalt driveway will very much depend on crude oil prices and could be anything up to some $4.00 per square foot on average while concrete will run up to an average of $6.00 per square foot.
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