Asphalt vs. Concrete: Which Driveway Contractor Should You Hire in Invercargill?
Updated: Oct 5
Choosing the Right Driveway Surface: Asphalt vs. Concrete
Choosing the right driveway surface is a significant decision for any property owner in Invercargill. Asphalt and concrete are both popular options, but the finished surface is only part of the job. What happens underneath can have just as much impact on how well your driveway performs.
I’m Allan, owner and operator of Digger Worx Invercargill. We specialise in earthmoving and groundwork, helping homeowners prepare their properties for driveway projects.
In this article, I’ll run through the differences between asphalt and concrete and explain why proper ground preparation matters before the finished surface goes down.
Understanding Asphalt and Concrete Driveways
Asphalt and concrete have different characteristics, costs, maintenance requirements, and appearances. Understanding the differences can help you have a more informed conversation with the contractor who will be completing the finished driveway.
Asphalt Driveways
Asphalt is a flexible driveway surface made using bitumen and aggregate. It is commonly used for residential and larger accessways and can provide a practical, hard-wearing surface.
Some potential benefits of asphalt include:
Flexible surface that can accommodate some movement.
Generally quick to install once the groundwork is complete.
Simple, practical appearance.
Can be repaired or resurfaced when required.
Asphalt can be a suitable option for many properties, but the quality of the ground underneath still matters. A poorly prepared foundation can lead to movement, rutting, cracking, or drainage problems regardless of the surface used.
Concrete Driveways
Concrete is a rigid driveway surface made from cement, aggregate, sand, and water. It is a popular choice for homeowners looking for a solid surface with a clean and finished appearance.
Some potential benefits of concrete include:
Strong and durable when properly installed.
Low day-to-day maintenance.
Available in different finishes and styles.
Suitable for residential driveways and accessways.
Concrete can also be affected by movement underneath the surface. Proper excavation, ground preparation, drainage, and base preparation are important parts of getting the site ready before the concrete is installed.
What Happens Before the Asphalt or Concrete Goes Down?
This is where Digger Worx can help.
Before an asphalt or concrete contractor arrives to install the finished surface, the ground needs to be properly prepared. Depending on the condition of the site, this can involve several stages.
Site Assessment
We start by looking at the existing ground, access, levels, drainage, and the overall condition of the area.
This helps determine what needs to be removed, reshaped, excavated, or prepared before the next stage of the driveway project.
Excavation and Ground Preparation
Soft or unsuitable ground may need to be excavated to create a stable foundation. We can remove existing material and shape the area to the required levels.
Getting this stage right is important because the driveway surface will ultimately rely on the ground underneath it.
Levelling and Grading
The area needs to be shaped correctly so the finished driveway has the appropriate levels and falls.
Good grading can help direct water away from buildings and prevent water from sitting on or underneath the driveway.
Base Preparation and Compaction
Once the ground has been prepared, the driveway base can be built up and compacted as required for the project.
The exact approach depends on the existing ground conditions, driveway design, access, and the type of finished surface being installed.
At Digger Worx, our job is to make sure the groundwork is properly prepared for the next stage of the project.
Why the Groundwork Matters
It can be easy to focus on whether you want asphalt or concrete because that is what you see when the driveway is finished. However, the foundation underneath plays a major role in how the driveway performs.
Poor ground preparation can contribute to problems such as:
Sinking or uneven areas.
Cracking.
Potholes or rutting.
Water pooling.
Movement beneath the finished surface.
Preparing the site properly from the beginning can help reduce the risk of these issues and give the finished driveway a more stable foundation.
Choosing the Right Contractor for Your Driveway Project
If you’re planning a new asphalt or concrete driveway, there may be several contractors involved in getting the project completed.
It is important to understand what each contractor is responsible for. Some contractors focus on the finished surface, while others handle the excavation and groundwork beforehand.
When looking for someone to prepare your site, consider:
Experience With Groundwork
Look for a contractor who understands excavation, site preparation, levelling, drainage, and driveway groundwork.
Suitable Equipment
The right machinery can make a big difference when removing existing ground, preparing accessways, and working in residential areas.
Understanding of Local Conditions
Invercargill and the wider Southland region have their own ground and weather conditions. Local experience can help when assessing drainage, soil, access, and site preparation requirements.
Clear Communication
Make sure you understand what is included in the work and what needs to be completed by the next contractor. Clear communication between contractors can help the project run more smoothly.
How Digger Worx Can Help With Your Driveway Project
At Digger Worx Invercargill, we don't lay asphalt or pour the finished concrete driveway. Our role is the groundwork that comes before it.
We can help with:
Excavation.
Site preparation.
Driveway groundwork.
Ground levelling.
Base preparation.
Compaction.
Drainage-related earthworks.
Driveway widening.
Driveway repairs.
Removal of unsuitable ground or existing materials.
We take care of the heavy groundwork and prepare the site so it is ready for the next stage of your driveway project.
Every property is different, so the work required will depend on the existing ground, access, drainage, driveway design, and finished surface you are planning.
Asphalt or Concrete: Which Should You Choose?
There isn't one surface that is right for every Invercargill property.
Your choice may come down to your budget, preferred appearance, expected use, maintenance requirements, and advice from the contractor installing the finished surface.
The important thing is to make sure the groundwork is not overlooked. Whether you choose asphalt or concrete, the finished driveway still needs a properly prepared foundation underneath.
Get Your Driveway Groundwork Sorted
Planning a new asphalt or concrete driveway in Invercargill? Digger Worx can help with the excavation and groundwork needed to prepare your property.
From removing unsuitable ground and levelling the site to preparing the driveway base and addressing drainage, we can take care of the groundwork before your finished surface is installed.
If you want to discuss your project, get in touch with Digger Worx Invercargill for a quote.
You can find out more about our earthmoving and groundwork services at Digger Worx Invercargill.
FAQs
Is asphalt or concrete better for a driveway in Invercargill?
Both asphalt and concrete can be suitable driveway surfaces. The right option depends on factors such as your budget, property, intended use, appearance and maintenance preferences.
Who should I hire for asphalt or concrete driveway in Invercargill?
For an asphalt or concrete driveway in Invercargill, you’ll generally need a contractor who can handle the final surfacing, along with a reliable earthmoving contractor for the groundwork underneath. Digger Worx can take care of the excavation, site preparation, levelling, base preparation, compaction and related drainage work before your asphalt or concrete contractor completes the finished surface.
What needs to happen before an asphalt or concrete driveway is installed?
The ground may need to be cleared, excavated, levelled and graded before a suitable base is installed and compacted. Drainage and ground conditions should also be considered.
Can Digger Worx help prepare a site for a concrete driveway?
Yes. Digger Worx can assist with excavation, ground preparation, levelling, base preparation, compaction and related drainage groundwork before the concrete is installed.
What is the difference between an asphalt and concrete driveway?
Asphalt is a flexible driveway surface made from aggregate and bitumen, while concrete is a rigid surface made from cement, aggregate and other materials. Your choice can depend on budget, appearance, property requirements and how the driveway will be used.
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