concrete vs. asphalt ?

[Gregishome]

My driveway is currently asphalt and in need of replacement. I know concrete is the best product to use for longevity ( 15 cu.yds needed at 3.5 in. deep ) but I am pulled toward asphalt as a replacement...

Asphalt should be less expensive to get installed than concrete, is that a correct assumption ?

I like the way asphalt doesnt care about car fluid stains also. With my health as it is, I dont see being around over 10 - 15more years anyway so, wouldn't asphalt make more sense for me to have installed ? thanks,

 

[TommyK]

If you are in a cold weather part of the country I would stick with asphalt. If you have the budget for concrete, put the same amount of money in the asphalt driveway and it will outlive you. Asphalt is about base preparation, drainage and compaction. Because it is a flexible concrete in a cold weather environment it would probably outlive a concrete driveway of equal cost if done right. If you are in Florida, then forget everything I just said.

 

[Joe69]

I work for a paving contractor. Asphalt is quickly catching up to concrete in terms of price because of the oil it takes to produce it. When I paved my driveway in '99, I paid about $20 a ton, now I believe we're selling it for closer to $80. Price both before you pull the trigger.

Joe

 

[stingry]

Concrete!! Looks better, doesn't get sticky in the summer

 

[Gary S]

Definitely concrete if you can afford it. Concrete costs more and lasts longer. I live in one of the coldest parts of the US, and our concrete roads and streets far outlast asphalt ones. The asphalt melts down in summer and gets soft, developing ruts. Asphalt breaks up much faster than concrete where winters are very cold and you get lots of freeze-thaw cycles.

If you live in a warmer climate, the freezing isn't a problem, but you still have the softening problem in summer heat with asphalt.

 

[nmanitou]

As others have said, your location plays a role in your decision. But asphalt can be a good choice if designed and installed appropriately. Your choice comes down to cost, durability, and appearance.

Base prep is very important and the cost for asphalt (if done right) will be more. For concrete, a 4" compacted gravel base will be OK, with asphalt, 4" to 6" will work better. Price of conc vs. asphalt will vary locally, but the $80/ton that Joe 69 mentioned is in the ballpark in Michigan too. Very often for small driveways you pay up to $100/tn because of the relatively small quantity compared to road work. (asphalt weighs 110#/sy/inch)

Durability depends on the asphalt mix and thickness. Don't be scared by people who are "experts" on asphalt because they drive on roads. Most people aren't aware that asphalt comes in many "mix designs". These are different combinations of stone, sand, and bituminous. Thickness of each course, and total thickness also play a roll. A mix with a larger stone will be more durable, but not hae the smooth appearance you want for a driveway. Talk with your supplier to pick the right mix.

Concrete is a great material too, but if you can save money with asphalt, you can still get a very durable driveway.

 

[jhelrey]

I've had both... I like asphalt for the simple fact is in the winter, I can shovel and it melts away. If I damage it with snowmobile studs/carbides, no biggie. It will get re coated down the road.

 

[CARS]

5 years ago I did some checking around to replace my parking lot. Even then asphalt and concrete were damn close in price.

Either way, it wasn't in my budget to replace my cracked up slab

 

[ambenz]

I like concrete just for the fact if you get lazy with preventative maintance, the concrete is more forgiving.
Reminds me that I haven't sealed my concrete in almost 5 years, this summer I have to reseal it.
I have a patch of ashpalt for driveway at my easement and if I don't seal it every year, it starts to breakdown!

 

[Kevin54]

Last year I had my concrete taken out and had asphalt put down. I had a circular drive and everyone wanted to use it as a turnaround. So we took it out, widened up a parking area and widened up the drive some. I like the asphalt all for the fact that if it gets oil stained, it can be recoated down the road. But mainly, in the winter, where tha house garage is and the way the sun hits, the concrete was always covered in ice. I'm hoping that with asphalt that it will melt. It did a good job the other day, so we'll see how th ewhole winter goes.

 

[Falcon67]

Around here you can get concrete flatwork for $2 or better less than asphalt. Asphalt requires more extensive base work if you want it to last. I can show you what asphalt looks like after 4-5 years with poor base. Our dragstrip has about 100,000 sq ft of parking lot taht needs replacement, asphalt right now will run $100K to $150K more for the repair. And, there is an asphalt plant 1/2 mile from the track. Nothing wrong with asphalt, just be sure you put a GOOD base under it if you want it to last any length of time.

 

[The Maxx]

As was stated above, the base is VERY important no matter the product you use.

I love concrete. That being said, here are some ideas for both:

With concrete inquire about the fiber reinforcement in the mix. Maybe rebar at the corners or other stress points. Cost difference between 3.5" and 4"?

With asphalt inquire about different oils in the mix. Usually it is a standard, but this is garage journal. Your application may be different than a normal residential . There are differences in oil from a 58/28 to 64/22 and so on. More flexible vs harder, etc.

Asphalt does care about fluids dripped on it. Diesel fuel will dissolve the asphalt oil.

Just a few ideas. Maybe another inch or two of base? Might not be all that expensive to do a few upgrades like rebar or thickness to ensure a driveway that lasts a long time.

 

[Mr.Magoo]

And in my county, concrete is an improvement that gets taxed, but not asphalt, this may also be a factor to consider. Who likes more taxes, Oh yeah! I forgot, the monarchy does. But us peasants don't have any money to pay!

 

[darkk]

I live in Ct and I'm doing mine in concrete. 28x50x6" with all the goodies added. The price is about 30%+ more but I've had both and asphalt *****...at least the ones I've owned.

 

[mtwaterguy]

And in my county, concrete is an improvement that gets taxed, but not asphalt, this may also be a factor to consider. Who likes more taxes, Oh yeah! I forgot, the monarchy does. But us peasants don't have any money to pay!

Definately check this out. Have friends that went with asphalt to save on taxes, only problem is that here they tax both equally.

 

[Bondo]

My driveway is currently asphalt and in need of replacement. I know concrete is the best product to use for longevity ( 15 cu.yds needed at 3.5 in. deep ) but I am pulled toward asphalt as a replacement...

Asphalt should be less expensive to get installed than concrete, is that a correct assumption ?

I like the way asphalt doesnt care about car fluid stains also. With my health as it is, I dont see being around over 10 - 15more years anyway so, wouldn't asphalt make more sense for me to have installed ? thanks,

Ayuh,... You could probably get 10/ 15 years out of an asphalt over-lay...

Concrete will be Waayyy more, due to having to remove All the driveway there now...

Also,... Oil leaked from cars, attacks the asphalt, desolving the oils in it....
Ya just don't see the stain...

I'm a Blacktopper, 6 months outa the year...
Concrete is Way more labor intensive...

 

[1233user]

Isn't there something that can be added to concrete to color it black (carbon?) so that the sun will melt ice just like it would on asphalt?

 

[regguy1]

I do like solar gain snow melt.........

 

[kwb]

If you have lots of SF - pave it, if not concrete.

Every garage with a semi-flat approach should have at least 20' apron of concrete before you start with the asphalt.

 

[Air_Cooled_Nut]

If you have lots of SF - pave it, if not concrete.

Every garage with a semi-flat approach should have at least 20' apron of concrete before you start with the asphalt.

"SF"..."San Fransisco"?

 

[kwb]

SF = Square Feet

 

[Gregishome]

Good replies folks, thanks...

I had thought about having the best of both, a concrete drive stained black so oil leaks would not show and the ice would melt off faster. I got the price on the dye that would be dumped in the mixer truck at the plant and ouch ! $$$$$$$$$$ .

 

[Bondo]

If you have lots of SF - pave it, if not concrete.

Every garage with a semi-flat approach should have at least 20' apron of concrete before you start with the asphalt.

Ayuh,... If ya live where it Freezes, NO apron at All is Better....

I remove 100s of concrete aprons every year, from folks driveways that thought like yer thinkin'...

Btw,... Frost level 'round here runs 4'...

 

[NUTTSGT]

Ayuh,... If ya live where it Freezes, NO apron at All is Better....

I remove 100s of concrete aprons every year, from folks driveways that thought like yer thinkin'...

Btw,... Frost level 'round here runs 4'...

Maybe that's due to poor preparation ?


Around here, the concrete gets taxed as asphalt is considered temporary.