Concrete, Pavers or Asphalt. Which is Best?

Building with concrete for a new driveway is a low maintenance choice. The beauty of concrete is that it acts as a continuous one piece strong structure. For paving, individual pavers need to be interlocked with each other to achieve a similar effect. Pavers can shift over time causing an uneven surface. Concrete driveways provide a long term solid surface.

For a driveway this has many advantages. A concrete driveway can handle heavy loads such as vehicles without its shape changing. A driveway constructed out of pavers needs more upkeep to maintain its appearance and utility. Pavers are laid on a sand base; with constant vehicle traffic it is common for pavers to move out of place.

Sand is used to fill the gaps between pavers. Wet weather can wash the sand away and cause messy sand deposits on the drive surface. This eventually makes the pavers to 'rock' when walking or driving over them.

Most Sydney homeowners with paved driveways tell us the decision to replace the driveway with a concrete driveway is the weeds and moss that grow between the pavers.

Many of our concreting projects involve removing existing paved driveways. Paved driveways can get to a stage where it is more cost effective to replace with a concrete driveway than continue with the ongoing maintenance.

Stamped concrete can achieve a brick and stone look similar to pavers. It is a good option if you like the look of a paved driveway but do not want the ongoing maintenance that is involved with a paved driveway.

An asphalt driveway is the other main choice when considering building a new driveway. Asphalt is a tar like petroleum product. With a concrete driveway there are many colours, patterns and finishes available. With an asphalt driveway design choice is limited to a flat finish with black colour as this is the colour of asphalt. With a concrete driveway there are more design options to complement your home and outdoor area.

Asphalt driveways need a regular maintenance schedule. Asphalt driveways need resurfacing and sealing every three to five years to maintain its shape and surface. For a concrete driveway there is minimal maintenance needed. Maintenance of a concrete driveway is easy and involves cleaning the driveway surface if it becomes dirty. To clean a concrete driveway generally all is needed is a wash with the garden hose or use of blower vacuum. Cleaning a concrete driveway is best done when gardening or mowing the lawn as it adds little time to the outdoor upkeep of your home.

With a concrete driveway there are numerous patterns and finishes available to enhance the durability of your driveway. Pavers and asphalt finishes are typically smooth and asphalt needs its top layer sealed or resurfaced to maintain its durability.

A concrete driveway is strong and stable and works well in different climates. Pavers having a smooth finish can be slippery with wet weather. A concrete driveway can be had with numerous textures to provide grip when wet.

With our warm summers in Sydney, fluctuations in temperature can test the longevity of your driveway. A concrete driveway has excellent performance in warm weather. When asphalt heats up, it can flex and become soft. A concrete driveway does not change shape and also stays relatively cool compared with an asphalt driveway. Walking barefoot on a concrete driveway in summer is possible unlike asphalt where it becomes hot and gooey to walk over.

If you use your driveway as a storage space or leave a parked vehicle in one spot for some time, asphalt can sink causing ‘craters’ to develop on your driveway. A concrete driveway is much stronger; it can handle heavy items with ease as steel is used in the concrete to increase strength.

A concrete driveway is a versatile option for your home. A concrete driveway needs minimal upkeep and provides a durable and strong surface for the long term.

- Concreting Sydney