Get matched with top asphalt driveway pros in Pembina, ND

Asphalt and tarmac are not the same thing. Traditional tarmac, short for tarmacadam, uses tar as a binder to hold crushed stone together. Asphalt uses bitumen—a byproduct of crude oil—to bind aggregate. Though tarmac was once a go-to for roads, asphalt has become the modern standard. And these days, most surfaces referred to as “tarmac” are actually asphalt. So, while the names may overlap, the key distinction lies in the binder—tar for tarmac and bitumen for asphalt.

Asphalt and concrete have their pros and cons, but it really depends on your priorities. If you’re looking for durability, concrete’s your best bet, lasting up to 50 years with minimal upkeep. Asphalt, on the other hand, needs more TLC with regular resealing but is cheaper to install and easier to repair. Concrete also wins in curb appeal and resale value, offering homeowners more customization. But if you’re looking for quicker, more affordable installation, asphalt has the advantage. Ultimately, your decision should align with your budget, willingness for maintenance, and design preferences.

Installing a heated driveway is often worth the cost because it will significantly boost a home's value, especially in areas that often suffer from heavy snow and freezing temperatures. Even if you only install the basic components and never activate the heating system yourself, giving the future buyer an option to finish the system can still increase your home’s value.

There’s no single best asphalt grade—it all comes down to where and how it’s used. Highways and heavy-traffic roads need something tough, like polymer-modified asphalt (PMA) or Stone Matrix Asphalt (SMA). Local roads and parking lots rely on the Performance Graded (PG) system, chosen based on climate. A PG 64-28 mix, for example, handles a broad temperature range while simpler, more cost-effective mixes are typically enough for residential driveways. The best grade of asphalt depends on traffic, weather, and your budget, which is why a professional’s input is always a smart move before making a decision.