What’s the Difference Between Asphalt and Concrete?
Concrete and asphalt are both mixtures of sand and crushed stone called aggregate. The difference is what binds the aggregate together. In concrete, cement binds the mixture and gives it a light gray appearance. Asphalt is bound with a black, viscous petroleum-based substance. Both come in assorted colors, stained or stamped for a decorative effect.
Asphalt, Blacktop or Pavement
Asphalt is a mixture of aggregate and binding agent. The binder is usually very hot when it’s combined with the aggregate. Pros pour the hot mixture over a level, gravel base before pressing and smoothing it with a steamroller. You can park or drive a car on it within 24 hours.
Most asphalt is poured as a single, continuous slab. Historically, roads were constructed with asphalt paving bricks. Today, manufacturers make this type of paver for residential use, but concrete pavers are much more popular.
“Asphalt” is interchangeable with the words “blacktop” or “pavement.” Colloquially, people refer to asphalt driveways as “blacktop” and call roads, airplane runways or parking lots “pavement.”
Asphalt Terminology
Tarmac: A smooth, solid slab often used for driveways, parking lots and roads.
Tar: A binder that’s derived from coal and was historically a binder. However, it is carcinogenic and hasn’t been used since the middle of the 20th century.
Macadam or Tar & Chip: A different approach to driveways where loose stones, sometimes colored, are rolled on top of the hot mixture, creating a more textured surface than tarmac. To learn more, read our Tar and Chip Driveway Cost Guide.
Bitumen: A naturally occurring petroleum product used to bind aggregate materials in most asphalt-paving projects.
Concrete or Cement Driveways
Often used interchangeably, concrete is a composite material held together with cement. Concrete is a mixture of crushed stone, sand and cement. Cement is a mixture of water, powdered rock and clay. Pros pour the cold mixture onto a prepared gravel surface and level it. After several days of curing, the surface is ready to support the weight of vehicles.
It’s much easier to customize this material with colors and decorative embellishments. Stamping creates aesthetic appeal in a driveway, mimicking the look of flagstone pavers or real bricks, however, they can drive up the cost of a driveway installation.
Asphalt vs. Concrete Driveway
While both asphalt and concrete are good options for driveways, there are inherent differences in the two materials. Both require professional contractors because average homeowners don’t have the equipment or experience to tackle installation.
For our purposes, we’re comparing solid slab driveways as opposed to those made of pavers or a less common application.
Factor
Asphalt
Concrete
Cost
$2-5 per square foot
$3-10 per square foot
Climate
Shrinks and expands with temperature fluctuations
Heat can cause crumbling
Cracks in extreme cold
Salt/de-icer can damage
Maintenance and Repairs
Requires resealing six months after installation and then every three-to-five years
Can patch repair
Sealing not required, but done every five years can prolong life
Homeowners can fix small cracks and holes, but appearance may be less than ideal.
Major repairs can be quite expensive since the process is labor intensive.
The easiest to repair and resurface: Asphalt
Durability and Thickness
Asphalt
The type of underlying soil and type of vehicles that will use it dictate the thickness. Most driveways of this type range from four to six inches.
Concrete
A minimum thickness of four inches is necessary. An additional inch will increase load carrying capacity by 50 percent, but it will increase cost by 20 percent. It’s easier to determine load capacity for concrete.
The best for thickness and durability: Concrete
Resistance to Climate
Because the two materials are so different, the climate plays a significant role in their durability.
Asphalt
Pros
More flexible and can withstand temperature changes without cracking or breaking.
Cons
Can get tacky during high temperatures, causing the bottom of shoes to become stained.
May break down along the edges due to heat.
Vehicle tires can cause indentations in the surface.
Concrete
Pros
Can withstand hot climates without experiencing undue stress.
Cons
Brittle and will crack during cold temperatures.
Salt, snow plows and deicing chemicals can damage it.
The best for cold climates and extreme temperature fluctuations: Asphalt
The best for higher temperatures: Concrete
Environmentally Friendly
Asphalt
Pros
Recyclable
Cons
Uses petroleum products in both installation and sealing.
Doesn’t last as long.
Can release evaporative oils when hot or first installed.
Concrete
Pros
Recyclable
Longer lifespan
Cons
Uses non-sustainable natural resources
The most environmentally friendly: Concrete
Resale Value
A custom decorative concrete driveway has a higher potential to increase your home’s value vs. standard asphalt.
The best for resale value: Concrete
Heated Driveways
You can install a driveway heating system under either type of material. The average cost to install under asphalt is just under $9,000. The average cost to install under concrete is just under $8,000.
It's cheaper to install a heated driveway in: Concrete
While each have their merits, asphalt driveways are better for budget-conscious homeowners or those who live in areas with temperature fluctuations. Concrete driveways offer more options for colors, textures and embellishments, but are prone to cracking in cold weather and expensive to repair. While concrete lasts longer, it’s easier and cheaper to resurface asphalt.
Concrete Parking Lots vs. Asphalt
Budget, time to rehab and climate are significant factors when selecting a material for parking lots. Many are asphalt since it’s easier to repair, cheaper and not subject to temperature variations.
Best for Walkways, Patios & Other Outdoor Residential Surfaces
Walkways and patios can be either material, but concrete is popular since it lasts longer. Homeowners can also mix quick-drying concrete in small batches for DIY projects, but it would be difficult to do so with asphalt.
Concrete vs. Asphalt Roads
Both are popular, but 93 percent of roads are asphalt. In general, the lowered cost and ease of repair make it the preferred option.
Asphalt and concrete are the most common materials you can use if you’re looking to build a new driveway. While both are good options, each has its own set of pros and cons that are worth considering before deciding on which is better for different situations.
Clifford Jones,
April 2:
Happy Tuesday..Can an asphalt driveway be financed?
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Asphalt and concrete are the most common materials you can use if you’re looking to build a new driveway. While both are good options, each has its own set of pros and cons that are worth considering before deciding on which is better for different situations.
Happy Tuesday..Can an asphalt driveway be financed?