Converting your old dirt driveway into a concrete or asphalt design is an ideal way to increase curb appeal and create a drive that will last. The largest question you need to answer regarding your driveway construction is this: asphalt or concrete?

Asphalt is Cheaper 


There is a reason why asphalt is among the most common materials for residential drives - it's cheap to install. At an average cost of around $2.50 to $4 per foot to install, asphalt is on average at least half as much as concrete.

Concrete averages around $4 to $6 or more per square foot installed. If you have a large driveway project or wish to pave other areas of your property and cost is an issue, consider asphalt.

Asphalt is Installed Quickly

Part of what makes asphalt a cheaper install than concrete is how easy it is to apply to a project. You can complete asphalt driveways in a short amount of time (often under three days).

Concrete driveways take nearly twice as long to install, and the concrete has to set or cure for up to a week before you can park on the drive. If you need to upgrade your driveway in a hurry, then asphalt is your wisest option.

Asphalt is Easier to Maintain 

Both concrete and asphalt are prone to wear and age, each succumbing to weather changes in their own way. Concrete cracks as the ground under its foundation expands or freezes, while asphalt crumbles due to its ability to expand with weather changes.

Asphalt is durable for the most part in all types of weather and can last for a few decades with simple maintenance. Asphalt is far easier to maintain than concrete. Holes and cracks can simply be filled with new asphalt or be tarred over for greater durability. Concrete, however, typically needs to be replaced to restore its luster, which is expensive and time-consuming to do.

As a bonus, you can repair many small asphalt damages on your own, such as sealing crumbling edges or filling small cracks or ridges. For larger projects, your asphalt paving specialist will come to your home to re-seal your driveway or make other needed repairs.

Asphalt is Environmentally-Friendly 

Asphalt uses up to 20% less energy than other driveway materials to both produce and work with, making it an ideal choice if you are environmentally conscious. Asphalt is also recycled and recyclable, being the nation's largest recycled product.

Another way asphalt is environmentally sound that the material does not leak chemicals or toxins into the earth and is naturally absorbing of water. After installing asphalt on your property, you can rest easy knowing you've done your part to conserve energy and keep the environment safe.

While concrete is in and of itself an environmentally-safe product (after all, it is comprised of natural elements), the process to mix concrete and the chemicals involved in production make it less environmentally friendly. Your contractor will show you pros and cons of both concrete and asphalt when building a green property.

There are many benefits in using asphalt for your driveway's completion over concrete. Easy to care for, quick to install, and cost-effective, asphalt delivers in many ways. Our team of expert asphalt paving specialists will show you how to care for your driveway once we install it so that you get the most use out of it as possible. Call us at Wenger Paving, INC today.