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With an average lifespan of 30 years, concrete driveways last the longest of any material on the market. That’s why it’s the go-to choice for most contractors throughout the nation. Gravel driveways can also last up to 30 years but require much more maintenance—and regularly buying and adding more gravel—to make it that long.

Concrete dries faster in the heat than in the cold, but when concrete cures too fast, it can cause weak concrete. It’s best to pour concrete when temperatures are between 50 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit, watering it five to 10 times per day for seven days (unless you pour concrete in the winter). Slower cure times, such as when pouring concrete in cold weather, can cause strong concrete, but you need to monitor the temperature drop and moisture levels. Avoid pouring concrete when temperatures are below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

It’s best to avoid rain on freshly poured concrete for 48 to 72 hours for the best results, but you’ll see minimal losses of strength as long as your concrete remains dry for five hours after pouring. You can either wait for dry conditions to pour your concrete or cover the area with a tarp to help keep it dry.

The cost of asphalt driveway repair is usually similar to the cost of average concrete driveway repairs, but maintaining asphalt tends to be less expensive on a per-instance basis. For example, resurfacing asphalt costs about $1 less per square foot, but it doesn’t last as long as concrete and will need more frequent repairs. An asphalt driveway lasts 20 to 25 years, but a well-maintained concrete driveway can last twice as long, so the maintenance costs and timeline even out.