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lowside67 · 01-27-2022, 08:36 AM

The difference between the durability and strength of concrete and asphalt is pretty significant. Service life is an arbitrary definition but aesthetically the concrete is generally going to look pretty much the same as it ages, minus any cracking. The asphalt on the other hand degrades pretty steadily from a cosmetic standpoint. It's also a lot softer so in extreme heat, etc can get "lumpy" from heavy vehicles sitting, you can take a chunk out of it with a sharp jackstand, etc.

The driveway on our house is concrete and I believe original to the house - 35 years old. It's in good shape, you can tell it's not new, but has very minimal cracking, etc. Previous owner painted it blue 10 years ago which I hate and will probably repaint at some point, but generally I don't expect to replace it any time soon.

IMO asphalt is a false economy. I'd be more inclined to do one of these new eco coatings if you want a cheap fix. A lot of people in my neighborhood have done it - I am not personally a fan. It looks nice, but you can't use salt on it, you can't use a jackstand on it, etc. It's no concrete, but if it's not a working driveway and you just want to clean up the appearance and level stuff out, I think it's viable for a lot less money than new concrete.

TL;DR ... if it was me, I am doing a (relatively) cheap eco skim coat if I am thinking I will sell the house in a few years, just want to clean up the looks, etc. Otherwise I am doing new concrete - crying once while you, likely happy for the rest of your lifetime in the house.

-Mark

01-27-2022, 08:36 AM	#2
lowside67 Old School RS Join Date: May 2004 Location: Port Moody Posts: 4,641 Thanked 4,157 Times in 1,262 Posts Failed 130 Times in 80 Posts	The difference between the durability and strength of concrete and asphalt is pretty significant. Service life is an arbitrary definition but aesthetically the concrete is generally going to look pretty much the same as it ages, minus any cracking. The asphalt on the other hand degrades pretty steadily from a cosmetic standpoint. It's also a lot softer so in extreme heat, etc can get "lumpy" from heavy vehicles sitting, you can take a chunk out of it with a sharp jackstand, etc. The driveway on our house is concrete and I believe original to the house - 35 years old. It's in good shape, you can tell it's not new, but has very minimal cracking, etc. Previous owner painted it blue 10 years ago which I hate and will probably repaint at some point, but generally I don't expect to replace it any time soon. IMO asphalt is a false economy. I'd be more inclined to do one of these new eco coatings if you want a cheap fix. A lot of people in my neighborhood have done it - I am not personally a fan. It looks nice, but you can't use salt on it, you can't use a jackstand on it, etc. It's no concrete, but if it's not a working driveway and you just want to clean up the appearance and level stuff out, I think it's viable for a lot less money than new concrete. TL;DR ... if it was me, I am doing a (relatively) cheap eco skim coat if I am thinking I will sell the house in a few years, just want to clean up the looks, etc. Otherwise I am doing new concrete - crying once while you, likely happy for the rest of your lifetime in the house. -Mark __________________ I'm old now - boring street cars and sweet race cars.