Cement or Ashpalt (contractor, maintenance, cost)

[okaydorothy]

We got some quotations for a new driveway and while asphalt is of course cheaper, what are the benefits to cement. As we have a long driveway, the cost is high so I need to make sure that I am making a correct descision.

I do like cement, and the maintenance would be less, but the cost is double.

Any opinions?
d

[I_Like_Spam]

Originally Posted by okaydorothy

We got some quotations for a new driveway and while asphalt is of course cheaper, what are the benefits to cement. As we have a long driveway, the cost is high so I need to make sure that I am making a correct descision.

I do like cement, and the maintenance would be less, but the cost is double.

Any opinions?
d

My father put in a concrete driveway back in the late 1950's, and it still looks pretty good today.


Further, concrete driveways also dry off quicker and easier after snowstorms, the color and texture just melts off the snow a lot more promptly than an asphalt surface.

[trackstar13]

This is pretty simple, cement lasts longer and is more durable, but also harder to repair. In other words, asphalt is cheaper up front and easier to repair, but you will need to get a new coating every 10 years or so to keep it going. I would go with cement because while it is more expensive it should last longer and repairs should be less frequent. Overall, I think cement is worth the cost and my current cement driveway is almost 70 years old with only a few small cracks. I know this because they etched the date into the cement with a neat little bronze plaque announcing the name of the now defunct concrete company.

[Herodotus]

You guys do know the difference between cement and concrete? Concrete is better than asphalt, but you better make sure it's done right, using good quality concrete.

[Hopes]

Here's an option that will make concrete more affordable but still look elegant.

I've always liked the look of it. It's better for the environment too.

It's called a ribbon driveway. Grass alternatives in the middle are gravel, ground cover, low growing flowers, brick, or anything.

[okaydorothy]

Love it, but in the snow it would be a pain.

I think we will go with the concrete, but the $$ ; ouch.

[trackstar13]

Originally Posted by Herodotus

You guys do know the difference between cement and concrete? Concrete is better than asphalt, but you better make sure it's done right, using good quality concrete.

Yes I know the difference at least. People usually use the terms cement and concrete interchangeably despite the fact there is a difference. I am guilty of doing this rather often and I know many other people do the same. I agree with you that the key to concrete is the quality.

[Moby Hick]

Originally Posted by track2514

People usually use the terms cement and concrete interchangeably despite the fact there is a difference.

In the aggregate, most people don't realize there is a difference.

[Kippy]

For those of you with concrete driveways, how often, if ever, do you reapply concrete sealant?

I power washed my stamped concrete driveway with a fairly low-PSI pressure washer, but I was too afraid to mess around with applying sealant. Some folks seem to recommend that it be applied at least every five years or so. Is it really necessary? It is nasty stuff and if incorrectly applied, it can do more harm than good, at least in terms of appearance.

[Goodjules]

Originally Posted by okaydorothy

Love it, but in the snow it would be a pain.

I think we will go with the concrete, but the $$ ; ouch.

Get references and contact them. Check reviews on Yelp and Angie's List. I'll try to remember to ask my contractor if can recommend a good concrete company. Good luck.