Asphalt vs Concrete Driveway
Updated
Asphalt driveways cost less up front ($3–$7 per sq ft) and install faster, but need resealing every few years and last 15–20 years. Concrete costs more ($6–$12 per sq ft) and lasts 25–40 years with less maintenance. Asphalt suits cold climates; concrete suits hot ones.
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Cost and lifespan
- Asphalt: lower up-front cost, 15–20 year life, reseal every 3–5 years
- Concrete: higher up-front cost, 25–40 year life, minimal maintenance
Climate
Asphalt stays flexible in freeze-thaw climates and is easy to repair. Concrete can crack in hard freezes but resists softening and rutting in extreme heat.