There are a number of benefits to asphalt driveways. Among these are cost-effectiveness, flexibility, and durability. However, there are also certain disadvantages to concrete. Here are a few of them. Hopefully, these tips will help you decide which one is right for your home with the help of asphalt driveways perth. Also, consider the amount of time it takes to install each one, and whether they’re important to you.
Cost-effectiveness
When comparing costs for asphalt paving versus concrete paving, the most obvious difference is the initial cost. Asphalt is much less expensive than concrete, ranging between $2 and $5 per square foot. However, this cost is only partially representative of what you’ll spend over the lifetime of the driveway. Other costs that can significantly impact the cost are the materials and labor for preparation and construction. For example, some homeowners decide to use reclaimed asphalt for their driveway, which can save them hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Durability
If you’re planning to build a new driveway on your property, you might wonder whether to choose asphalt or concrete. Both materials are durable, but concrete is considerably more expensive. The cost of maintenance on an asphalt driveway is between $2 and $5 per square foot. In addition, asphalt is more easily maintained than concrete, which may require seal coating every three years. Concrete is a mixture of gravel and cement. It must be prepared properly, compacted, and reinforced with steel bars before pouring it onto a surface. Then, the mixture is poured into the desired thickness. The material will take approximately a week to dry, and it is ready to use.
Flexibility
While asphalt tends to be dark and unattractive, recent innovations have made it possible to get creative with your driveway design. Traditional asphalt only comes in two color options – black and gray. The color possibilities for concrete are virtually endless. Concrete can be stained to match the house color or stamped to mimic brick, cobblestone, or complex medallion patterns. It also offers many more design options than asphalt.
Less cracking
Whether you have a brand-new driveway or an old one, you should be aware of the causes of asphalt cracking. Cracks in asphalt are the result of two factors: moisture retention and temperature changes. As the temperature changes, moisture will seep through the surface of asphalt and expand. This causes cracks to form. The most common cause is the winter cycle, where the temperature fluctuates from cold to hot.
Less frequent repairs
While concrete driveways require more frequent maintenance, asphalt requires fewer repairs. Although asphalt needs more frequent sealing, it is relatively simple to patch a crack or resurface it. As an added benefit, asphalt repairs blend in well with the rest of the driveway. Concrete, on the other hand, is harder to repair, and the cracks tend to be noticeable. Even though the latter type of driveway requires more frequent maintenance, it can last for many years.