Concrete vs. Asphalt Driveways

If your Springfield, IL home is the star attraction for curb appeal, your driveway should be considered the red carpet leading up to it. If you want to upgrade or renovate your driveway, Moss Concrete & Excavating is here to help you weigh the pros and cons of concrete vs. asphalt driveways for your plans.

Concrete vs. Asphalt: Aesthetics

Whether you’re excavating an existing driveway or just looking for an attractive lead-up to a patio, concrete offers the most options for appearance. Not only is it a durable material, but concrete can also take tints, colors, paints, and sealants very well, in addition to decorative stamping. So while you’re likely more familiar with commercial concrete applications like parking lots or warehouse flooring, residential concrete installation offers a lot of artistic possibilities, especially for driveways. Asphalt, however, is called “blacktop” because it generally only offers black or grey hues to choose from.

Concrete vs. Asphalt: Upkeep

In the simplest terms, asphalt can fluctuate, buckle, or crack in high-heat situations, while very cold temperatures mostly challenge concrete. Though Springfield, IL, winters can become quite cold, with professional concrete installation by Moss Concrete & Excavating, you’ll have a strong, dependable driveway to rely on no matter how much winter weather Mother Nature dishes out. Asphalt is, however, a little easier to repair in terms of patching, though that ease comes at the cost of more frequent sagging, sloping, and compaction.

Concrete vs. Asphalt: Cleaning and Sealing

The dark color of asphalt tends to mask more vehicle stains, such as oil, grease, gas, and tire marks from your car or truck, while lighter-colored concrete will need more frequent cleaning and degreasing. That said, asphalt must be sealed several months after installation, once it’s had a chance to cure, to achieve a smooth, even surface. Concrete, conversely, doesn’t have to be sealed; however, it’s recommended if you’ll be incorporating tinting in your Springfield, IL driveway installation.

What’s Driving Your Decision?

Still on the fence about what’s being installed in your driveway? Choosing to use asphalt or concrete for your driveway is an important decision to consider. So don’t hesitate to contact Moss Concrete & Excavating for recommendations based on your property layout, anticipated use, vehicles, and other factors. When properly weighed, this information will help you get more life and greater enjoyment out of this important investment in your home.

Contact Our Professionals Today!

Driveways should be as beautiful as your home, which means finding the right material, color, pattern, and style for your Springfield, IL, driveway installation. Let our team of concrete experts help you find the perfect solution for your driveway installation needs. Call our professionals today at 217.953.4142 or 217.741.2039 to get started on your next home improvement project.