Concrete vs Asphalt

Is concrete or asphalt the best choice for driveways in Indianapolis? It's one of the most common questions we are asked. At Indianapolis Concrete we objectively recommend concrete for most projects, especially considering Indianapolis' cold weather!

Not surprised that a concrete company recommends concrete? Let's take a minute to break down why concrete driveways are better than asphalt.

Concrete is Cost Effective

Concrete has a higher upfront cost, but its lifespan is roughly double that of asphalt and it requires minimal maintenance. Even only over the short 15-year lifetime of asphalt the cost for concrete is actually less because asphalt needs frequent, professional maintenance and resealing. Concrete does require occasional resealing; however, this cost is significantly lower and it's an easy, DIY-friendly project.

Concrete Maintains its Curb Appeal

Both the asphalt and concrete pictured here are less than two years old. Notice the crumbling edges on the asphalt? That's precisely why spaces paved with asphalt also use concrete curbs to maintain clean edges. If you choose asphalt, you will find yourself mowing it eventually! Have trees around? Tree roots can cause asphalt to lift and break.

Concrete Weathers Better

Don't drive your car on asphalt on very hot days! The freeze-thaw cycle wreaks havoc on asphalt driveways! In the summer the asphalt flexes and bends causing it to break and crumble. When it is very hot the asphalt is so soft that just the pressure of a tire can peel up your driveway. On the hottest of summer days the tar that coats the asphalt will soften enough to end up on your shoes and in your home. In the winter the ground moves and torques causing asphalt to crack and fragment. If you've ever tried shoveling snow off of an asphalt driveway, you'll know the challenges involved.

Concrete is Easy to Maintain

Asphalt requires reapplication of blacktop sealant every 2 to 3 years. Unfortunately resealing asphalt is a time-consuming and back-breaking job best left to expensive professionals. Every few years you will pay 10% or more of the original cost of your driveway to have it resealed. Asphalt driveways only last about 20 years which means you will need 9 or 10 applications over its lifetime - this means your initial cost almost doubles over the lifetime of the driveway! Concrete on the other hand just needs to be washed thoroughly and resealed about every 5 years. Unlike resealing asphalt, resealing concrete is an easy and inexpensive job!

Concrete is Durable

Over time Asphalt will conform to the ground and your automobile will sink into your driveway! Though concrete might develop cracks, it's a significantly more robust material than asphalt. There's a reason there aren't any bridges made of asphalt! Even if concrete cracks, reinforcement maintains its shape and clean edges. Indianapolis Concrete adds control joints to driveways so each segment can flex independently which makes it last much longer than asphalt.

Indianapolis Concrete Does Concrete Right

If you plan to walk or drive on your driveway, have trees in your yard, or expect it to get cold in the winter, we believe concrete is the best choice for you! Indianapolis Concrete is licensed, bonded and insured. We are among the largest driveway permit recipients in Indianapolis, Carmel, Fishers, Westfield, Noblesville, Greenwood, Brownsburg, Lawrence and Zionsville. We even often work for the cities and towns themselves and often are referred by local inspectors.