Longevity and Durability

Asphalt: The Short-Lived Solution

Using asphalt for your driveway or walkway may seem like a cost-effective choice, but their lack of long-term durability means it’s an actually more uneconomical choice. Here’s why:

• Limited Lifespan: Asphalt typically lasts around 12 to 20 years with proper care. However, asphalt requires regular maintenance, including sealing and patching, to prevent cracks and deterioration that come from the elements and daily use as a walkway or driveway.
• Susceptibility to Climate: Asphalt is much more prone to crack, have water seep in, and have their surface weaken over time due to its lack of durability. Extreme temperatures, UV rays, and freeze-thaw cycles can particularly take a toll on asphalt.

Paver Stones: The Long-Lasting, Rock-Solid Alternative

Paver stones, on the other hand, offer a remarkable long-lasting investment:

• Sturdy and Resilient: Pavers are made from materials like concrete, brick, or natural stone. They can easily withstand heavy loads, weather fluctuations, and ground movement without breaking.
• Minimal Maintenance: Unlike asphalt, pavers don’t require constant upkeep. If a paver gets damaged, you can replace it individually without needing to replace the entire area.
• Long-Term Lifespan: Well-installed paver driveways can last 40 years or more with proper care. For concrete paver stones, Black Diamond offers industry leading warranties of a 27 year workmanship warranty on installation and a LIFETIME warranty against manufacturer’s defects.

Aesthetic Appeal

Asphalt: Bland and Monotonous

• Uniform Look: Asphalt lacks visual variety. It’s a blank, drab installation that doesn’t enhance your home’s curb appeal.
• Limited Design Options: Asphalt offers little room for creativity and it is near impossible to create intricate patterns or personalized designs that highlight your personal style.

Paver Stones: Endless Possibilities

• Customization: Pavers come in various shapes, colors, textures and can create captivating designs, from classic herringbone patterns to contemporary layouts.
• Natural Beauty: Natural stone pavers exude elegance, while concrete pavers mimic the look of stone without the high cost.

Environmental Impact

Asphalt: Impermeable and Ecologically Challenging

• Runoff Issues: Asphalt doesn’t allow rainwater to permeate the ground. Instead, it contributes to runoff, potentially overwhelming drainage systems and flooding natural sod or grassy areas.
• Heat Absorption: Asphalt absorbs and radiates heat, exacerbating urban heat islands. Asphalt is also more easily damaged by UV light and high temperatures, as it can break down and dry out asphalt binding agents – leaving it brittle and prone to breaks and cracks.

Paver Stones: Eco-Friendly Solutions

• Permeability: Pavers with gaps between them allow water to infiltrate the soil, replenishing groundwater.
• Cooler Surface: Light-colored pavers reflect sunlight, reducing heat absorption.

Cost Considerations

Asphalt: Cheap Upfront, Costly in the Long Run

• Low Initial Cost, High Long-Term Expense: Asphalt seems budget-friendly initially, but ongoing maintenance makes it a long-term financial expense.
• Repairs and Resurfacing: Frequent repairs and resurfacing add up over time – which ends up costing you more than what you initially saved.

Paver Stones: Worth the Investment

• Higher Initial Cost, Low Long-Term Expense: Pavers cost a little more upfront but their durability justifies the expense as they require little maintenance with proper care – making them unlikely to need expensive replacing.
• Cost Effective Repairs and Resurfacing: Minimal maintenance and extended lifespan make pavers a cost-effective choice in the long run. Any paver defect only needs that small portion removed and replaced, and doesn’t need a complete area replacement unlike asphalt.

We Are the Leading Landscape & Hardscape Experts

When it comes to transforming your driveway or entryway, paver stones emerge as the clear winner. They combine elegance, durability, and environmental consciousness – all with minimal upkeep – to transform your outdoor spaces into an Outdoor Dreamscape. 

 Black Diamond is the superior choice when upgrading your curb appeal. We are an industry-leading landscape and hardscape installation and design company. Working with homeowners, we can transform their mundane driveways or walkways with paver stones to create custom, timeless entryways that offer versatility and durability for every season. We also provide industry-leading warranties on all installations and materials. Contact Black Diamond today for your free basic digital design and estimate or book your appointment now!