Asphalt vs Concrete Driveways
Comprehensive comparison to help you choose the best driveway material for your New Jersey home
At a Glance
Initial Cost
Asphalt: $3-5/sq ft
Concrete: $4-10/sq ft
Lifespan
Asphalt: 15-20 years
Concrete: 30-40 years
Maintenance
Asphalt: Every 2-3 years
Concrete: Every 3-5 years
Climate
Asphalt: Better for cold
Concrete: Better for heat
Asphalt Driveways
Advantages
- Lower initial cost ($3-5 per sq ft)
- Quick installation (1-2 days)
- Easier and cheaper repairs
- Better in cold climates
- Flexible - resists cracking from freeze/thaw
- Can be resurfaced easily
- Ready to use in 24-48 hours
- Absorbs heat (melts snow faster)
Disadvantages
- Shorter lifespan (15-20 years)
- Requires regular maintenance
- Can soften in extreme heat
- Limited color options (black)
- Needs resealing every 2-3 years
- Oil stains more visible
Cost Breakdown
- Initial: $3-5/sq ft
- Maintenance: $0.15-0.25/sq ft every 2-3 years
- Repairs: $100-300 for crack filling
- Lifespan: 15-20 years
Concrete Driveways
Advantages
- Longer lifespan (30-40 years)
- Lower maintenance requirements
- More design options (stamped, colored)
- Better load-bearing capacity
- Increases property value more
- Resistant to gas/oil spills
- Cooler surface in summer
- Environmentally friendly
Disadvantages
- Higher initial cost ($4-10 per sq ft)
- Longer installation time (7+ days to cure)
- Difficult and expensive repairs
- Prone to cracking in freeze/thaw
- Salt damage in winter
- Can't be resurfaced - must replace
- Stains are permanent
Cost Breakdown
- Initial: $4-10/sq ft
- Maintenance: $0.10-0.15/sq ft every 3-5 years
- Repairs: $500-1500 for section replacement
- Lifespan: 30-40 years
New Jersey Climate Considerations
Why Asphalt Works in NJ
- •Flexible material handles freeze-thaw cycles better
- •Dark color melts snow and ice faster
- •Easier to repair winter damage
- •Less prone to salt damage
Concrete Challenges in NJ
- •Susceptible to cracking from freeze-thaw
- •Salt damage from winter road treatments
- •Retains ice longer in winter
- •More expensive winter repairs
30-Year Cost Analysis
For a typical 1,000 sq ft driveway in New Jersey:
Asphalt Total Cost
- Initial installation: $4,000
- Sealcoating (10 times): $2,000
- Crack repairs: $1,500
- One resurfacing: $2,500
- Total: $10,000
Concrete Total Cost
- Initial installation: $7,000
- Sealing (6 times): $900
- Crack/joint repairs: $2,000
- No resurfacing available
- Total: $9,900
Over 30 years, costs are nearly identical!
Which Is Right for You?
Choose Asphalt If:
- ✓ You want lower upfront costs
- ✓ You need quick installation
- ✓ You live in a cold climate area
- ✓ You prefer easier repairs
- ✓ You want to resurface in the future
- ✓ You have heavy vehicle traffic
Choose Concrete If:
- ✓ You want maximum longevity
- ✓ You prefer minimal maintenance
- ✓ You want decorative options
- ✓ You have good drainage
- ✓ You're in it for the long haul
- ✓ You want better resale value
Ready to Install Your New Driveway?
Get expert advice and a free quote for your asphalt driveway project. We'll help you make the best choice for your property and budget.