We have an asphalt driveway. Recently, the city cut out the curb and apron and about a 2 foot section; maybe 3 foot section of the end of our driveway where it meets the apron and the street. Because of the type of curb the city is putting in, this will result in an excessive slope toward the street. The city has graciously offered to extend the apron another 8 to 10 feet up the driveway. The options are to use concrete, which is what the apron and the curb are going to made of, or asphalt-which is what the driveway is already made of. They’re using concrete and asphalt cutters to make clean cuts.

My question is: what should I use for the bottom 8 to 10, maybe 12 feet of my 115 foot driveway: concrete or asphalt? The city engineer is recommending concrete as it will set up quicker and the job is done quicker-we have access to the driveway quicker. I’m thinking asphalt just because it matches the driveway, but I could be convinced to use concrete as long as it will be durable and not crack sooner than the asphalt would. Using asphalt is a longer process as all the driveways and aprons must be finished and the road milled before resurfacing happens-which is when the asphalt would arrive.

What’s the best option? City is paying… (I know-it’s not the city’s money).

I prefer concrete as it is pretty much what I have had for while and has held together a long time with out issue. When I was younger, my parent's home had an asphalt driveway and it would break apart and would chip off around the edges at times.

I vote concrete

If I understand your description correctly, you will have an asphalt/concrete interface regardless of what you choose. The only difference is where that interface is. If the city is paying, seems to me an easy choice: concrete. Presuming the job is done correctly, concrete is a superior material and should outlast asphalt. It also makes a good sub-base for a future asphalt cap, if that ever becomes necessary.

As long as the dirt is well compacted, the concrete is much more durable.
Nice that they're doing that and offering you the options.

Concrete all day long.

Properly installed concrete lasts a hell of a lot longer than asphalt. I lived in my last house 25 years. The original concrete was 30 years old. It still looked great especially after a pressure wash.

IMO the only advantage of asphalt it it melts snow a lot faster in winter.

Concrete for the apron as it will match the improvement the city puts in and the transition of the slope will be a "wear point" and the concrete is preferred for that.

Asphalt where vehicles are "stopping and going" create a lot of wear and tear, and concrete is better suited.

Given that in my area, concrete is $200/yard, your city's offer to use concrete for that 10 feet of your driveway (if one car wide) is worth several thousands of dollars -- and will likely out last all of us. That is an easy decision.

Another vote for concrete.

Concrete.

Concrete is the correct answer.

I can't think of any reason to use asphalt. Asphalt is used as a cost saving measure normally. If your not paying, why not use the better option?

I'd go with concrete. It matches the curb and apron, and you'll get your driveway back sooner since it sets up quicker. Plus, if they use a good mix, it should hold up well.

Alright. I called the city engineer and left a voicemail telling him concrete. As mentioned, they’re planning to go extra length up the driveway (where there’s a convenient crack in the asphalt) to lessen the grade to the street. I’m going to point out there’s an even more convenient crack just in front of the garage, and extending the concrete to the garage from the street will really help the grade even more.

I’ll let you know how he responds!

quote:

Originally posted by bcereuss:
I’m going to point out there’s an even more convenient crack just in front of the garage, and extending the concrete to the garage from the street will really help the grade even more.

I’ll let you know how he responds!

I like the way you think.