Get matched with top asphalt driveway pros in Spalding, NE

Asphalt can get sticky in high temperatures and intense sunlight and is better for cooler or moderate climates, while concrete is more likely to crack in colder climates where water can seep into the slab and freeze. Asphalt requires more maintenance in terms of sealing, it has a slightly shorter lifespan, on average, and it’s a bit more expensive to install. Concrete will last longer with less maintenance, and it offers you more options for customization, including staining and stamped patterns. As such, a concrete driveway adds to home value more than an asphalt driveway in many cases.

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.

You have a few options if you’re looking for the best material for a steep driveway. Gravel and crushed stone are affordable and provide good traction, while resin helps prevent puddles from forming and can be coated with an anti-slip finish.

The cost to replace a driveway ranges from $8 to $15 per square foot, depending on factors that include material, size, and labor. If your driveway has deep cracks, potholes, or drainage issues (or if it’s simply past its prime), replacement might be the smarter investment over constant repairs. Resurfacing can be a cheaper alternative at $3 to $20 per square foot, but it won’t fix your driveway’s underlying problems.