Whether you are putting in a new driveway or replacing an old one, asphalt is almost certainly one of the options on your list. A well-built asphalt driveway does the same job as concrete at a lower installed cost. The trade-off is upkeep: asphalt needs sealing every few years, while concrete needs very little.
Asphalt is also more flexible than concrete, which makes it less prone to cracking, though it does get hot in summer. Weigh those points, and the ones below, to decide whether asphalt is the right choice for your driveway.
How an Asphalt Driveway Is Built
The blacktop used on driveways is a mix of stone, sand and asphalt cement, a tar-like petroleum product. A new driveway starts with a four to eight inch layer of compacted stone, which gives a solid base that drains well. That is topped with two to three inches of hot asphalt, which is compacted straight away with a heavy roller. A new asphalt driveway can usually be driven on within a few days. Poured concrete, by contrast, has to cure for about a week before it carries a car.
Asphalt Driveway Pros and Cons
Asphalt and concrete are both laid as one continuous surface, unlike pavers, so the most useful comparison is asphalt against concrete.
Pros
- Flexibility: both materials will crack somewhere eventually, but asphalt gives a little, so it is far less likely to split in one long crack from side to side the way a concrete slab does.
- Cost: a new asphalt driveway costs less per square foot to put in than concrete, and decorative concrete finishes cost more again.
- Winter hardiness: asphalt copes better with hard freezes and is less likely to be damaged by salt and ice melt.
- Fast installation: new asphalt is ready to use within days, compared with about a week for new concrete.
- Repairable: worn or damaged asphalt can be patched, resurfaced and resealed to renew its look and extend its life. Repairs to concrete are much harder to hide.
Cons
- Limited design options: asphalt comes in one style, which is smooth, flat and black. Concrete can be stamped, tinted or stained. The edges of an asphalt driveway can also look unfinished unless a border is added.
- Heat: the binder in asphalt softens in very hot weather, and the dark surface runs hotter in summer than light-colored concrete.
- Lifespan: a well-kept asphalt driveway lasts around 15 to 20 years, and concrete generally lasts longer.
- Maintenance: asphalt has to be resealed every few years to extend its life and help prevent cracks.
- Roots: plants and tree roots can work their way through asphalt more easily than through concrete.
- Curb appeal: some buyers see concrete as the premium surface, particularly in town and suburban neighborhoods.
How to Maintain an Asphalt Driveway
When an asphalt driveway fails early, it is usually because it was not looked after. To get the longest life and the best look out of one, clean it at least twice a year with a stiff broom and a strong hose to clear off dirt and debris. Sealcoat it every three years or so to keep the surface waterproof and good-looking. Repair cracks and holes as soon as they appear, before water gets under the surface.
How Long Will an Asphalt Driveway Last?
An asphalt driveway typically lasts up to 20 years, depending on the quality of the installation, the climate, the traffic it carries and how well it is maintained. The better you look after it, the longer it stays in service. In snow country, shoveling or snow-blowing a broken-up driveway is a real headache, which is one more reason to keep up with repairs.
Choosing an Asphalt Contractor
Asphalt driveways are installed by contractors who specialize in the work, because it takes specialized equipment and technique. Do your homework before hiring one. The place where corners most often get cut is the stone base, so ask any contractor what they use for the base and how thick they lay it. If you are replacing an old driveway, ask whether the old base will be removed or improved before the new asphalt goes down. And ask about compaction: the asphalt has to be rolled properly while it is still hot.
