Concrete vs. Asphalt Driveways: Making the Right Choice for Your Fairfield Home

The Driveway Dilemma: Concrete vs. Asphalt

Both concrete and asphalt have many good features. However, which is best for your Fairfield home? Let’s take a closer look:

Durability and Longevity

Concrete:

• Typically lasts 30-40 years if properly maintained.
• Resists cracking and weather damage (fairly resistant to Fairfield’s freeze-thaw cycles).

Asphalt:

• Average lifespan is 15-20 years.
• May become soft when exposed to high temperatures.
• Requires more frequent repairs and re-sealings than concrete.

Initial Costs

Concrete:

• Higher initial costs.
• Prices will vary depending on the size of your driveway (prices in Fairfield will average $4-8 per square foot).

Asphalt:

• Lower initial costs.
• Will vary based on the size of your driveway (in Fairfield, prices will average $2-5 per square foot).

Maintenance Needs

Concrete:

• Very little maintenance is required.
• Clean the driveway occasionally and apply a sealer to protect it as needed (every few years).

Asphalt:

• More maintenance than concrete.
• Must be resealed approximately every 3-5 years.

Aesthetics

Concrete:

• Offers a wide variety of colors and patterns.
• Can be stamped or textured to create unique designs.
• Matches most architectural designs.

Asphalt:

• Only two colors available: black or dark gray.
• Stamping is possible; however, there are fewer options than with concrete.
• Provides a clean, classic look.

Climate Factors in Fairfield

Weather in Fairfield plays a significant factor in how driveways perform:

• Concrete: Handles the changing temperatures very well.
• Asphalt: Can melt slightly during hot summer months.
• Both types can experience freeze-thaw cycles, although concrete will outperform asphalt.

Environmental Concerns

If you live in Fairfield and are environmentally conscious:

Concrete:

• Can be constructed using recycled materials.
• Reflects sunlight, which reduces the urban “heat island” effect.
• Permeable options are available to control stormwater runoff.

Asphalt:

• Can be recycled once the driveway has reached the end of its life cycle.
• Darker colors absorb more heat than lighter-colored options.
• There are permeable options available for asphalt; however, they are much less prevalent.

Repair & Replacement

Think about long-term maintenance:

Concrete:

• Cracks can be repaired; however, the repair will likely be noticeable.
• If the entire driveway fails, replacing it will be a large-scale project.

Asphalt:

• Easier to repair and resurface.
• Repairs will blend in much better.

Property Value

Think about resale value:

• Concrete driveways will usually attract more potential buyers.
• Maintaining a concrete driveway will increase your property value.
• While asphalt driveways function adequately, they do not offer the same visual appeal as a well-designed concrete driveway.

Time to Build a Driveway

If you are short on time:

• Concrete: Takes 7-10 days before you can drive over the new driveway after it is installed.
• Asphalt: Most driveways can be driven on 24-48 hours after installation.

Trends in Fairfield Homeowner Preferences

From our experience working in Fairfield, we have seen that:

• Many homeowners prefer concrete because it offers a long-lasting driveway option with minimal upkeep.
• Others prefer asphalt as the lower initial cost makes it attractive.
• Homeowners who want to improve the curb appeal of their home like the versatility of designing a concrete driveway.

Ready to Research Your Driveway Options?

At Fairfield Concrete Contractors, we will assist you in choosing the best option for your home. Although we specialize in providing concrete solutions, we are able to provide you with an overview of both types of materials so you can make an informed decision.

Call today to set up a meeting to review your driveway options and discover the ideal solution for your Fairfield home. Regardless of which material you decide upon (concrete or asphalt), it is important to hire a contractor to install it correctly so it will last and look great.

The ideal driveway begins with getting the correct information. At Fairfield Concrete Contractors, we will assist you in determining the right product for your home and lifestyle.