It has been long debated about which is better, asphalt or concrete? Today we will look at five reasons why I feel concrete is better in a residential application.
#1 APPEARANCE – Concrete naturally looks better than a black asphalt finish. Lighter tones to help match your backyard and around your home, makes for a more natural looking environment.
#2 VARIETY – Concrete has many colours and patterns that allow the homeowner numerous options. The technology with concrete has allowed for daring colours, textures, and shapes. With black asphalt, there is only one option and virtually no application but the driveway.
#3 LONGEVITY – Concrete lasts longer than asphalt. Asphalt is a flexible solution for a driveway whereas concrete is a solid and stone like solution for a driveway and backyard. When done properly, concrete can last up to thirty years or more. Whereas asphalt has a life cycle of about ten to fifteen years.
#4 MAINTENANCE - While both require some maintenance, concrete can be maintained by power washing on a regular basis whereas asphalt needs to have a reapplication of a black tar every two to three years in order to keep its appearance.
#5 RETAIL VALUE – Concrete adds a higher value to your home because concrete can accent your home in many ways. It makes your home beautiful in appearance and function. History tells us that homes with a concrete driveway have a higher resale value in comparison to homes with asphalt driveways.
Here is a bonus reason for choosing concrete over asphalt in a residential application: Concrete is an environmentally friendly product. Concrete uses recycled products, reduces the heat island effect and reduced C02 emissions from its use.
I hope you have enjoyed this article and will continue to visit this page for my upcoming articles. Stay tuned for my next article, “Why concrete for Commercial application”.
#1 APPEARANCE – Concrete naturally looks better than a black asphalt finish. Lighter tones to help match your backyard and around your home, makes for a more natural looking environment.
#2 VARIETY – Concrete has many colours and patterns that allow the homeowner numerous options. The technology with concrete has allowed for daring colours, textures, and shapes. With black asphalt, there is only one option and virtually no application but the driveway.
#3 LONGEVITY – Concrete lasts longer than asphalt. Asphalt is a flexible solution for a driveway whereas concrete is a solid and stone like solution for a driveway and backyard. When done properly, concrete can last up to thirty years or more. Whereas asphalt has a life cycle of about ten to fifteen years.
#4 MAINTENANCE - While both require some maintenance, concrete can be maintained by power washing on a regular basis whereas asphalt needs to have a reapplication of a black tar every two to three years in order to keep its appearance.
#5 RETAIL VALUE – Concrete adds a higher value to your home because concrete can accent your home in many ways. It makes your home beautiful in appearance and function. History tells us that homes with a concrete driveway have a higher resale value in comparison to homes with asphalt driveways.
Here is a bonus reason for choosing concrete over asphalt in a residential application: Concrete is an environmentally friendly product. Concrete uses recycled products, reduces the heat island effect and reduced C02 emissions from its use.
I hope you have enjoyed this article and will continue to visit this page for my upcoming articles. Stay tuned for my next article, “Why concrete for Commercial application”.