Driveways are quite common and are often taken for granted. Paving your driveway, however, requires careful consideration of the materials that are being used. This article will take a closer look at asphalt driveways and conduct a comparative analysis of asphalt and concrete to realize which material works better. A quick survey of the benefits of asphalt includes better appearance and aesthetics, longer life and ease of construction and a lot more.
Asphalt driveways are spotted everywhere we go. These have been trending in for a long time and is here to stay for more years unless a better substitute is found. This article, through its detailed analysis, seeks to help you in the process of decision-making so that you get the best looking and durable driveways that require little maintenance at reasonable prices. So let us dive into the article and find out more about these materials.
Comparison Based On Visuals
Asphalt is also referred to as blacktop because of the characteristic dark grey and black colour it imparts to your driveway. If, however, you want your driveway to blend in with the street, then choose asphalt driveways.
The concrete is lighter intoned. It is also more amenable to stamping and can be made available in various patterns and textures. If you want your driveway to match a specific theme or adhere to a specific design, concrete would be a better option.
Comparison Based on Exposure to the Elements
The choice of material for your driveway depends largely on the climate of the place where your home is located. You will notice your asphalt driveways becoming sticky at extremely high temperature. Asphalt softens with high temperatures and hardens in the cold. If this continues, then the driveway becomes cracked and uneven.
Concrete, on the other hand, does not do well in the cold. It develops cracks and stains and does let ice and snow melt properly in winters. Hence, depending on which area you are living in and the average temperature over there you can choose the material of the driveway accordingly.
Comparison Based On Maintenance Requirement
There are steps for the proper installation of asphalt, which take place over some time. For instance, once the asphalt driveways have been laid down, it is left alone for a few months for curing to happen. For this, it must be sealed so that its surface acquires strength and its durability increases.
As far as concrete is concerned, the process of sealing is not mandatory but recommended to avoid dullness. Concrete is not as premium as asphalt and hence doesn’t need much care.
Comparison Based On Ease Of Repair
Asphalt driveways and driveways made out of concrete are both prone to cracking. Asphalt, however, has a softer consistency and is, therefore, more prone to degradation. One advantage of asphalt is that it is easy to repair the cracks, and since the colour of the driveway is dark, the repaired patches do not stick out and blend in well with the rest of the driveway. It is more difficult to repair concrete, and the repairs are quite visible, owing to its lighter shade.
Asphalt driveways are quite superior. They make your driveways look polished and add a finishing touch to your home. You must be wondering which material to use for your driveway. The range of things available in the market is liable to create confusion. Go ahead and ask people around you. Check the internet for more information.
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