If you're building a driveway for a new home or if it's just time to upgrade the driveway on your property, then you've likely found yourself stuck trying to decide between asphalt or concrete driveways in Hamilton. Asphalt is a dark mixture of aggregates such as gravel and sand held together by a bitumen binder, while concrete is a mixture of aggregates and cement. Both can be a good driveway paving material.
The professional paving contractors at Pro Pavement Services Ltd., who provide concrete driveway paving and commercial paving in Hamilton, want to help you make your choice between the two by filling you in on the pros and cons of each.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Asphalt
There are numerous advantages to using asphalt to pave a driveway. For one, it tends to be one of the more affordable options. Also, with the proper maintenance, an asphalt driveway can last for up to 20 years. Repair and maintenance of an asphalt driveway is simple and generally very affordable.
That being said, asphalt does have a shorter lifespan and requires more regular maintenance and repairs than concrete. Asphalt can also have trouble with high temperatures, as heat can cause it to warp and develop spots of damage.
The colour of asphalt, which can really only be standard black, may be considered either a pro or a con. Some people like the look of an asphalt driveway, while others might prefer the option of having different finishes to go with their landscaping.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Concrete
A concrete driveway can last up to 40 years before needing to be replaced, double as long as asphalt. Concrete also tends to have much lower maintenance needs, and may only require the occasional decreasing. One of the biggest advantages of concrete over asphalt that many homeowners prefer is the fact that it can be tinted, stained, or scored with a variety of different colours for a more unique and personalized driveway design.
While concrete stands up well to heat as it does not soften the same way that asphalt does, it unfortunately has a tendency to crack under freezing temperatures. When concrete does need repairs, these repairs tend to be more extensive and expensive than asphalt repairs. In fact, concrete on the whole is a more expensive paving material than asphalt. Concrete also stains quite easily, and can be damaged by salt.
Made Your Choice? Let Pro Pavement Services Ltd. Know
When it comes to driveway paving in Hamilton, you know you can trust Pro Pavement Services Ltd. Since 1978 we've been providing homeowners with asphalt driveway paving and concrete driveways in Hamilton. If you're leaning more towards concrete, then you should know that we also provide unique and decorative exposed aggregate concrete in Hamilton.
Whatever you've decided is best for your property, our experienced paving contractors will make sure the job is done right and on time. For all of your driveway needs, just contact us, Pro Pavement Services Ltd., today.