- Less prone to frost heaves than concrete.
- Ease of snow removal.
- Decorative options.
- Unlike concrete, can be relayered.
- Cheaper than concrete.
Pros of Asphalt Paving:
- Maintenance.
Cons of Asphalt Paving:
It is fairly common knowledge that concrete driveways can be stamped and colored to enhance their appearance, but some may be surprised to learn that pattern-stamping and coloring are also options for asphalt paving.
Where winters are severe, two issues come to mind for driveways: ease of snow removal and susceptibility to cracking from frost heaves. Both concrete and asphalt paving rate well on the former, while the relative flexibility of asphalt paving allows it to outperform concrete on the latter. It is also significant that, should such damage occur, asphalt paving can be relayered (reducing repair expenses), while concrete cannot.
Like concrete, asphalt paving needs to be resealed frequently if it is to last long, so maintenance is a consideration. To learn more, please consult my tutorial on sealing asphalt paving.
