When talking about hard surfaces for driveways or other similar applications you basically have two options: asphalt or concrete. Although the two surfaces are identical there are significant variations that you ought to take into consideration before deciding on one or the other. 

Most of the factors you need to take into consideration with regards to asphalt vs. concrete are:

• Physical appearance,
• Climate factors
• Price as well as the cost of maintenance.

The two items have pros and cons. Let’s explore both.

Asphalt Pros and Cons

Asphalt is regarded as one of the most popular materials used for driveways and streets. It is usually known as blacktop because of its color. It is made out of a mixture of stone and sand combined together from material left over from the production of gas, diesel and kerosene.

Pros of asphalt

• Relatively inexpensive (a great deal cheaper than concrete).
• Preferred in cold temperatures because it’s far less likely to crack and snow removal is simpler.
• Because of its dark color it won’t reveal stains clearly.
• Repair is not difficult as it can be renovated or re-layered and might not need to be replaced.
• Can be tinted

Cons of asphalt

• Has shorter lifespan.
• Maintenance is necessary in just a couple of years as it must be resealed.
• Has an oily texture that softens in high temperature and sunlight.
• Has rough edges

Concrete Pros and Cons

Concrete is also a hard surface material which is normally used in driveways and other hard surface applications. Cement is combined with sand and gravel to make concrete. Our friends from Firth has helped us jot down the pros and cons of concrete for paving:

Pros of concrete

• Lasts a very long time, 30-40 years
• Low maintenance because it does not have to be resealed, particularly in warmer climates
• Better in warm environments because it does not soften
• Can be pigmented and scored

Cons of concrete

• Prone to cracking and is fairly difficult to fix.
• Salt is going to damage it.
• Due to its light color, it stains without difficulty.
• Cost is extremely high, actually twice as high as asphalt.

Asphalt vs. Concrete – Decide on One

If you are seriously considering a hard surface application, you have to decide between these two.  Which one would you choose?

• Even although concrete usually lasts longer, asphalt costs a great deal less and offers more value for your money.
• Concrete will ultimately crack even in hotter climates. Because it actually can’t be repaired, you might be stuck replacing a concrete surface long before its time if the breaks are extremely bad.
• Asphalt could very well be tinted and made to appear quite pleasing, just like concrete.
• Asphalt absolutely does not show stains as terrible as concrete.
• In places where it snows, even once in a while, asphalt is much easier to deal with.

Asphalt vs. Concrete – A Close Call

Given that both surfaces have negative and positive traits to them, in the northern region of New Jersey and the surrounding areas it’s advisable to select asphalt. The advantages that asphalt gives you are simply a lot better than concrete.

Concrete is not a poor choice in any respect and those who use it are delighted, even though it might cause you some issues in this area, and it more expensive. Asphalt is a superb choice, and you certainly can’t get it wrong by choosing it if you want a driveway or other hard surface applications.