Property owners who have a house constructed will need to make a decision about whether to have the driveway paved using asphalt or concrete. Gravel driveways are usually only seen in rural areas. There are pros and cons to both materials. Nevertheless, asphalt as installed by Driveway Paving Companies in Middletown CT, has distinct advantages.
The Higher Cost of Concrete
The main issue is that concrete costs significantly more than asphalt. Homeowners can expect to pay somewhere between 25 to 35 percent more, depending on current market forces. This explains why so many people who need long driveways choose blacktop.
Repairing Cracks
Cracks can occur in both materials, but they are easier to fix in asphalt by Driveway Paving Companies in Middletown CT without the repair being very noticeable as long as the work is done promptly. The repair material blends into the original blacktop. Cracks that are allowed to continue getting longer and wider will be more difficult to hide.
In concrete, when a crack appears, it typically runs from one end of the section to another right from the start. Repair of these cracks tends to detract from the aesthetic look of the driveway. It’s very difficult to match the color since weathering has such an effect on concrete. The entire driveway would need to be replaced to keep it looking flawless. Sometimes, a property owner has just the one section replaced but, again, the work is noticeable afterward due to color differences.
Porous Asphalt: Better Drainage
Properties that have problems with drainage benefit from a paving product known as porous asphalt that allows rainwater and melting snow to move down into the ground without running off to the side. This paving material has been most popular with business owners for parking lots, but residential property owners are increasingly taking an interest too.
Appearance
Many property owners simply prefer the rich, dark and sleek look of blacktop compared with gray concrete. They may feel that gray pavement is too boring, and they want their driveway to stand out. They can have the driveway installed by technicians with an organization like Sullivan Paving. You can also visit them on Google My Business.
