Concrete Versus Asphalt: Choosing The Right Type Of Residential Paving For Your Driveway
While there are several different options available for residential driveway paving, concrete and asphalt paving are without a doubt the two most popular options. For many homeowners, choosing between these two popular options can prove difficult. Thankfully, taking the time to consider just three important factors can often make it much easier to determine which style of residential paving is best suited to your specific needs. You can learn more about each of these factors below and how they apply to both concrete and asphalt paving.
Factor 1: The Climate Where You Live
The climate where you live is perhaps the most important factor for you to consider when choosing between asphalt and concrete paving. This is because asphalt and concrete behave quite differently from one another when exposed to both hot and cold temperatures. For instance, if you live in a cold weather climate, you will find that asphalt paving is the better option. This is because asphalt retains heat. This can help to promote the melting of snow and ice on your driveway.
However, this same feature can be a disadvantage in hot weather climates since the ability to retain heat can often make asphalt driveways uncomfortably hot to walk on in these hotter climates. The fact that asphalt begins to soften at relatively low temperatures can also prove to be problematic in hot weather climates. Consequently, while asphalt is ideal for use in the cold, concrete is often the better option for people who live in hot weather climates.
Factor 2: Your Commitment To Maintenance
Your ability to commit to the ongoing maintenance of your driveway can also impact which paving material is best for you. This is because while asphalt requires very little maintenance, concrete may require more frequent maintenance to keep it looking its very best. Therefore, if you are looking for a paving material that requires as little maintenance as possible, asphalt paving will most likely be the best option for you.
Factor 3: Your Personal Design Preference
While this factor is completely subjective, it can be just as important as the other two factors discussed above. After all, it is important that you like the way your driveway looks. If you prefer the look of a sleek, black driveway, then there is little doubt that asphalt paving is the right choice for you.
However, if you want to get a bit more creative with the way your driveway looks, you may want to opt for concrete paving. This is because concrete offers many opportunities to alter the appearance of your driveway. For instance, you can choose to have your concrete tinted to perfectly match the color of your home. You can also have the surface of your concrete stamped to mimic the look of stone or to create a unique symbol or pattern.
Reach out to a company such as Wyoming Asphalt Paving Co to learn more.
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