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15 The IFP · Halton Hills, Thursday, March 15, 2012 Marketplace Concrete vs. asphalt driveways Many homes come with a driveway. Whether leading to a garage or not, the driveway is a convenient place to park one or more cars. If a driveway is in need of repair or replacement, owners oen choose between asphalt or concrete. There are certain factors that come into play when making a decision. More oen than not, cost is a main consideraon and frequently the driving force behind any driveway decisions that are made. Unl you realize all of the subtlees behind these materials, you may not be able to make an informed decision. Cost According to the Do It Yourself Web site, concrete can cost up to 45 percent more than asphalt to install generally. But if the price of crude oil is high, and crude oil is a component of asphalt composion, then the asphalt could be more expensive. The best way to compare prices is to get a few esmates for each material. Depending on climate, both asphalt and concrete can be prone to cracking. In many cases, it is more expensive to mend cracks in a concrete driveway than in one made from asphalt. Weather compability If you live in a very hot climate, you may want to choose a concrete driveway. Asphalt tends to get so in the heat, which can contribute to grooves and dents in the surface. Whereas concrete driveways work beer in warm climates than cold ones. Salt used on roadways can damage concrete, and cold-weather shrinkage can lead to cracks in the concrete. Rate of repair Despite the cost, some people choose concrete driveways because they tend to have a longer life with less maintenance required. A concrete driveway can last as long as 50 years. Asphalt driveways can last around 30 years, but if they're not properly maintained, may start deteriorang aer just a few years. That's because asphalt is petroleum-based and very elasc. If le to dry out without adequate sealing, the driveway can become brile and start to wear away. Concrete driveways can be sealed to preserve their quality, but most people associate sealing with asphalt. This should be done every 5 years or so to prevent the breakdown of the oils in the asphalt. The first applicaon of sealant should be applied no sooner than 8 to 12 months aer installaon to allow the asphalt to properly cure. Asphalt that is ready for sealing will start to take on a grayish hue. Staining A light-colored concrete can be stained easily from fluid leaks from the underside of a car or leaves. It may take powerwashing to remove the stain adequately. However, stains are much less visible on dark asphalt. But asphalt can do its own type of staining. The oils released from the asphalt can sck to the undersides of shoes and be carried indoors. If you don't remove your shoes upon entering, these oils may eventually discolor vinyl or le floors or get imbedded into the carpeng. Variety What you see is what you get with asphalt. There really are no decorave opons -- it's merely a simple and praccal driveway material. On the other hand, concrete can be colored or stamped to provide designs and aesthec appeal. If you desire a higher-end driveway, then concrete may be right for you. Both driveway materials will do what they're supposed to -- providing a durable surface on which to park your car. If you're looking for low installaon costs, then you may want to choose asphalt. For the utmost in durability, perhaps concrete is best. Movers' & Shaker's AIR, HEATING & FIREPLACE CALL TODAY FOR : · FURNACE SALES · INSTALLATION · HUMIDIFIERS · FURNACE MAINTENANCE · GAS LINES · SERVICE 905.703.7609 FOR ALL YOUR RESIDENTIAL HVAC NEEDS. W W W. G E O R G E T O W N H E A T I N G . 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