Asphalt vs Concrete Driveways - Which is Best for You?

There are a number of things to consider when deciding which is the best material for your driveway. What is your climate like? How long do you want the driveway to last? What kind of maintenance will be required? And of course - how much will it cost up front, and in the long run?

Asphalt and concrete are the two most popular types of material for paving driveways. They both have advantages and disadvantages. Whether you chose asphalt or concrete, be aware that asphalt driveway repair and concrete driveway repair can both be handled with polyurethane repair products. Asphalt repair can be done quickly and easily using FloMix and concrete repair can be handled with FlexSet.

Asphalt
Asphalt-paved driveways are typically cheaper to install but need to be sealed on a regular basis. If the first seal is completed too soon, it will remain soft forever. Asphalt driveways typically last 25-30 years. If you live in a cold climate this may be the material of choice. If you live in a particularly hot area, asphalt can become soft in the hot sun and can become rutted or cracked.

Concrete
Concrete tends to last longer, sometimes 50 years, but is more expensive to install. It is susceptible to salt damage, a material frequently used to de-ice roads in cold weather parts of the country. If you live in a cold climate and are considering a concrete driveway you need to be certain the driveway base is heavily laid with gravel and is well-compacted, otherwise the driveway will run the risk of cracking from seeping water causing frost heaves. The slope of the driveway should also be considered when because over time, concrete driveways can shear off of the foundation they are poured on which can lead to cracks and crumbling.

Foundation
Both asphalt and concrete driveways require a solid foundation to be laid on. If not laid on a solid foundation, both will crack over time, especially in cold weather. Asphalt and Concrete will both eventually break down and can both be repaired with polyurethane products.

Asphalt Driveway Repair
Polyurethane repairs can be done in most any weather. Provided the asphalt driveway can be dried before you begin, there is no need to worry about temperatures. FloMix can be ordered with a catalyst for use in cold weather. With FloMix, your asphalt repair will set up in under an hour regardless of humidity or cold.

You will need FloMix, a push broom, compressor or blower, a drill with an egg-beater style pail mixer and a trowel or lute. First ensure that the damaged area is clean and dry. Sweep or blow out cracks so there is no loose debris. Using Roklin's FloMix asphalt repair material, carefully pour contents of bottle "a" into provided 5-gallon bucket then add special sand. Next, shake thoroughly and pour bottle "b" into sand mixture. Mix with pail mixer, using a drill. When mixture is completely wet, pour FloMix onto damaged asphalt repair area and use a trowel or lute to smooth material into cracks. When area becomes smooth, toss topping sand by hand over repaired area to create a uniform look and feel. Your driveway can be ready for vehicles in about an hour.

Concrete Driveway Repair
With FlexSet, your concrete repair will set up in under an hour regardless of humidity or cold. As long as the concrete driveway is dry before you begin, the temperature is not an issue. FlexSet can be ordered with a catalyst for use in cold weather. Just as you would with FloMix and asphalt repair, make sure the damaged area is clean and dry. Pour contents of bottle "a" into provided 5-gallon bucket then add special sand. Next, shake thoroughly and pour bottle "b" into sand mixture. Mix with a paddle-mixer, using a drill. When mixture is wet, pour FlexSet onto concrete repair and use a trowel or lute to smooth material into cracks and hand toss topping sand over repaired area for a smooth finish.