Concrete vs. Asphalt: Choosing the Right Material for Your Schenectady Driveway

Understanding the Basics

Each material has some basic characteristics:

• Concrete: It’s a hardened material created by mixing cement, water, sand, and/or gravel.
• Asphalt: It’s an aggregate (rock and/or sand) coated with a petroleum-based binder called bitumen.

Local Climate Factors Affect Driveway Performance in Schenectady

Our local climate has an impact on how driveways perform:

• Freeze-thaw cycles that occur during winter
• Extreme heat in summer
• Heavy rain/snow

Although both concrete and asphalt can operate in our climate, they respond differently to those factors.

Durability/Lifespan

Concrete

• Concrete can last 25-30 years or more if it’s properly maintained
• Resists weight well
• It is resistant to being damaged by hot tire marks when cars park in the sun

Asphalt

• Generally lasts 15-20 years
• May become soft in extreme heat
• Needs more frequent resurfacing than concrete

For a long-lasting driveway in Schenectady’s climate, concrete will often be superior.

Installation/Curing Time

Concrete

• Has a longer installation process
• Needs 7-10 days before it can be used
• Should be installed in warmer climates

Asphalt

• Faster installation
• Can be used in as little as 24-48 hours
• Can be installed in colder climates

If you need a fast installation, then asphalt might be better for you. However, the longer curing time for concrete means that the final product is stronger.

Maintenance Needs

Concrete

• Little to no maintenance is required
• Clean/Seal every few years
• Develops cracks, but they are usually less noticeable

Asphalt

• Must be sealed regularly (every 3-5 years)
• May need to be patched/filled more often than concrete
• Easier to fix than concrete, but fixes are always more visible

While concrete requires less frequent maintenance, both products require maintenance to continue to appear nice in Schenectady’s challenging climate.

Appearance Options/Customization

Concrete

• Offers a wide array of colors/patterns
• Can be stamped to resemble other products
• Keeps its appearance for longer periods of time

Asphalt

• Only comes in dark colors
• Doesn’t offer a lot of decoration options
• Will need to be renewed more frequently to keep its appearance

If you want to improve curb appeal using custom designs, concrete offers more choices.

Cost Implications

Initial Costs

• Concrete is generally more expensive than asphalt
• Asphalt is typically less expensive to purchase/install

Long-Term Costs

Because of concrete’s greater lifespan and lower maintenance needs, the additional costs associated with purchasing concrete are usually less than the costs of repairing/replacing asphalt.

In addition to being cheaper to install, asphalt may also need to be repaired/replaced more frequently than concrete. While asphalt may seem like a more affordable option initially, the total lifetime costs of concrete are likely to be lower, particularly in Schenectady’s climate.

Environmental Impact

Concrete

• Can be manufactured using recycled materials
• Reflects more sunlight, resulting in a reduced heat-island effect
• Completely recyclable at the end of its life

Asphalt

• Usually manufactured using recycled materials
• Dark color absorbs more heat
• Can be recycled; however, recycling is less common

Both products have environmental implications, but the reflective properties of concrete can be advantageous in urban areas.

Schenectady Concrete Works Recommendations

We appreciate the fact that every homeowner has unique needs, and although we primarily specialize in concrete, we think that a concrete driveway is typically the best choice for most Schenectady homes because of:

• Greater durability in our climate
• Many more design options
• Less long-term maintenance
• More durable against extreme loads and extremely high temperatures in the summer

Need Professional Assistance?

When deciding whether to choose asphalt or concrete for your driveway in Schenectady, this is a serious decision. At Schenectady Concrete Works, we can provide you with professional assistance based on your individual property and needs.

Whether you decide to get a stamped concrete driveway that enhances the beauty of your home or choose asphalt, we can assist you with information regarding best practices for installing and maintaining your driveway in our area’s climate.

Let’s work together to determine the right driveway solution for your Schenectady home. Please contact us today to receive a personalized assessment and quotation.