Indianapolis Asphalt Driveway Contractors Indianapolis, IN

Pros and cons of concrete and asphalt driveways

What's the difference between asphalt and concrete driveways?

Croshier: Concrete driveways last longer, have more durability and require less maintenance.

McCarty: Asphalt can be repaired and because it's flexible, it's less sensitive to freeze/thaw cycles. Unlike asphalt, once concrete is stained, there's not much you can do about it.

Crouch: Asphalt is less expensive overall and more economical to repair. Concrete has a cleaner look to it, but if you get oil stains on it, you can't get it off.

How long does it last and how much does it cost?

Croshier: It should last more than 30 years. An average price for a new driveway would be about $5 to $6.50 per square foot, depending on how much demolition and grading is needed.

McCarty: Depending on the wear and tear, an asphalt driveway should last 30 years with regular resealing. For a new asphalt driveway overlayed over an old one, it averages about $1 to $1.25 a square foot.

Crouch: If you maintain it, asphalt averages about 15 years. Concrete can last more than 25 years. A new asphalt driveway is about $3 to $3.50 a square foot, and concrete's about $6 to $7 per square foot.

What type of maintenance is required?

Croshier: You should have it washed and resealed every few years.

McCarty: Reseal it every three to five years.

Crouch: Concrete needs to be resealed every two years. Asphalt should be resealed every three to five years.

Will de-icing salts affect my new driveway?

Croshier: We always suggest not using those, but using something like cat litter instead.

McCarty: Using de-icing salt won't hurt it.

Crouch: Asphalt is not affected by de-icing salts. If you use de-icing salts on concrete, you want to sweep it off because it will eat through it.

Can you offer any tips to help avoid potential scams?

Croshier: Make sure they're prepping the base right. If someone gives you a cheap price, they're probably cutting corners somewhere.

McCarty: Ask what kind of preparation they're going to do, ask for references and ask to see one of their previous job sites.

Crouch: Watch out for the leftover material pitch. You can calculate how much material is needed pretty easily. We try to cut it as close as we can, because extra material is extra expense.