Concrete and asphalt are the most common materials used for driveways. The overall cost for each material is reasonable, and with the proper maintenance, both are durable enough to last anywhere from 15-40 years.
Pros & Cons of Concrete
Pros & Cons of Asphalt
Cost-Benefit Analysis
Concrete is roughly half the cost of asphalt, while lasting approximately 1.3-2.67 times as long as asphalt. The industry standard calls for asphalt seal coating to be replaced every two years, while it is recommended to reseal concrete every 2-5 years.
The durability, longevity, and cost of concrete gives it a clear advantage over asphalt.
A non-sealed concrete product is also cost-advantageous over asphalt. Not only is the initial cost lower than asphalt, there are also additional savings from not needing a sealant.
Finally, the cost of sealing a concrete product versus seal coating asphalt still favors concrete. While the sealing costs might even out over the long-run between concrete and asphalt, the lower initial cost and the projected longevity of concrete make it the better investment choice.
*Forbes.com
