Concrete vs. Asphalt in Cold Climates

If you live in a cold climate, you may be wondering about the best type of driveway for longevity and easy maintenance. The freeze-thaw cycles that take place in colder climates can do a number on driveways, walkways, and other surfaces. This guide to concrete vs asphalt in cold climates will help you make a choice!

Pros and Cons of Concrete in Cold Climates

Concrete is a simple mixture of paste and aggregates that is one of the most commonly used infrastructural materials in the world. On average, a concrete driveway costs $4 to $15 per square foot. Here's what you can expect for performance in cold weather.

Pros

• Low Maintenance: Concrete doesn't require the sealant coating needed for asphalt to survive cold weather.

• Lifespan: Concrete can easily last up to 30 years even in the chilliest conditions.

• Recyclable: Concrete is a better choice for an eco-friendly driveway.

Cons

• Issues With Heaving: While fixable, a problem called heaving that results when ice and water get into pockets under concrete is a risk.

• Staining: Salt and melting compounds that are commonly used in cold-weather climates during the winter can easily stain concrete.

• Cracks: Wild temperature swings are known to cause cracks to form in concrete.

• Repair Costs: The average cost to repair or fix a concrete driveway totals $829 to $2,788.

Pros and Cons of Asphalt in Cold Climates

Asphalt is a mixture of aggregates and fillers used for roads, walkways, driveways, and countless other surfaces. It is considered much softer than concrete as a walking surface. At $7 to $13 per square foot, it is comparable in cost to asphalt. Here's a look at the pros and cons based on how it performs in cold weather.

Pros

• Bendable: Asphalt doesn't have the rigidity of concrete. As a result, it generally performs much better in areas with frost-thaw cycles that cause materials to expand and contract.

• Helps to Melt Ice: The darker color of asphalt can actually attract the sun, helping snow and ice melt faster.

• Easily Repairable: Small cracks in asphalt are generally less expensive to repair than damaged concrete. On average, asphalt repair costs $1,500.

Cons

• Ongoing Maintenance: Unlike concrete, asphalt needs to be sealed every three to four years.

• Patching Is Difficult: Due to the temperature needed for asphalt curing time, damaged concrete can only be patched when temperatures reach above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. If a driveway is damaged by a plow, major repairs may need to be left unfinished until spring.

Choosing Between Concrete vs Asphalt in Cold Climates

Asphalt's bendable quality makes it a better choice in areas where the freeze-thaw cycle poses threats for cracking. It can also be a better option for walkways because of the way its dark color helps ice and snow to melt quickly. Asphalt that is professionally installed by a local asphalt company should last for up to 30 years. However, homeowners who choose this option should be prepared to reseal asphalt every few years.