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Page 14 2021 Fall Home Improvement LINCOLN DAILY NEWS Sept. 23, 2021 Asphalt also requires its own type of maintenance, which is often costly in both time and money. Asphalt is easiest to clean with a power washer, which isn’t always easy or cheap to acquire. Asphalt should be cleaned at least twice a year to remove dirt and debris. Cracks and holes should be repaired quickly, and that means breaking out the sealants and various coatings, which are added costs to the homeowner. Asphalt can also be damaged during extreme heat. Homes in hotter climates may be susceptible to driveway damage caused by fluctuation in temperature. Asphalt is also not an environmentally friendly product. According to Bortz, “using recycled asphalt, or cold-mixed asphalt that does not require the excessive heat to install, can help reduce an asphalt driveway’s negative impact on the environment.” Concrete is both durable and versatile. Concrete holds up well in any climate and requires little to no maintenance. However, in addition to being relatively expensive, raw concrete is not the most attractive building material. Gray does not really clash with much, but it does not always look good, especially if it starts to crack or buckle. However, concrete can be dyed, painted and stamped to make interesting additions to your outdoor decor. The range of colors and geometric patterns can create interest in an area which was previously rather vanilla. However, concrete is a bit simpler to fix than asphalt, as it does not call for specific temperatures, and there is a much larger variety of sealants and fillers to choose from. However, regular concrete is one of the least environmentally friendly choices for a driveway or hardscape. It consists mostly of cement, which when created, is one of the largest contributors to carbon dioxide emissions. There is a growing trend in ‘low- carbon’ concrete mixes. According to Bortz, “you can also find a concrete supplier that uses recycled aggregate.” This means there are ways to build a concrete driveway that at least doesn’t damage the environment further. In the end, choosing a material for a driveway involves a lot more thinking than people often give it. You have to look at things like costs, maintenance, effects on the environment, and even appearance. This means that it’s just as important of a decision as anything else concerning your home. [Derek Hurley] Sources 3 Driveway Pros & Cons: Gravel vs. Asphalt Paving The pros and cons of 6 driveway materials