Which is more porous asphalt or concrete?
John Castro
Published Mar 01, 2026
Which is more porous asphalt or concrete?
And porous asphalt is even worse than standard asphalt. In typical applications, pervious concrete is laid at a thickness of 6 inches, compared to 3 inches for porous asphalt. Maintenance: Porous surfaces, whether concrete or asphalt, require different maintenance than standard surfaces.
Is a concrete driveway porous?
Yes, it is. Permeable materials are those that allow water to seep through them and into the ground below. Flagstones, bricks and paving blocks all can be considered permeable materials because of their small gaps between the individual pieces of material.
What is the difference between pavement and concrete?
They are both made with stone and sand. The primary difference involves their adhesive materials. Asphalt is petroleum based while concrete is made of cement. Here are five ways asphalt and concrete driveways differ.
Are permeable pavers more expensive than concrete?
Concrete. Pervious concrete for a 640-square foot driveway ranges from $2,820 and $11,520. A same sized, regular concrete driveway costs between $2,560 to $9,600. Pervious concrete is 10% to 20% more expensive on average.
How long does Porous asphalt last?
twenty years
Porous asphalt pavement can last up to twenty years before showing cracks or potholes. It is a very durable product and it retains the ability to handle rainwater for many years. Porous asphalt has been used successfully in parking lots, walkways, playgrounds and high-volume highways that carry heavy trucks.
Is porous asphalt any good?
They aren’t as strong as traditional or asphalt pavements. If you put consistent pressure (like heavy vehicle braking) on it, then the pores of the pavement will collapse. Due to this, permeable pavement isn’t ideal for building airport runways and highways.
What is a porous driveway?
There is a wide range of permeable surfaces that allow the water to pass through while still providing a sound hard surface for driving and parking on. Porous asphalt, concrete and block paving either allow the water through the material or around the edges of the blocks. They have to be built on a porous sub-base.
How long does porous asphalt last?
How can I tell if my driveway is asphalt or concrete?
Perhaps the most recognizable difference, though, simply comes down to color – asphalt is black and concrete is gray.
What type of driveway is cheapest?
Of the four paving materials described in this guide, aggregate (gravel) is the least expensive, followed by asphalt, concrete, and paving stones. If you’re installing your driveway on a shoestring budget, gravel is your best choice.
How durable is a pervious concrete driveway?
The pervious concrete driveway is highly durable than the traditional concrete pavement. This can be attributed to the fact that the pervious concrete has pores that let water that passes into it to run off unlike in the traditional concrete pavement.
What is the difference between concrete driveway and concrete pavement?
The pervious concrete driveway is highly durable than the traditional concrete pavement. This can be attributed to the fact that the pervious concrete has pores that let water that passes into it to run off unlike in the traditional concrete pavement. It also requires more maintenance.
What are the pros and cons of porous pavement?
Traditional asphalt and concrete surfaces heat up quickly. Since porous pavement is permeable, it tends to trap less heat. The water absorbed by porous pavement also helps to cool the area down. Pro: Less Standing Water
What is the difference between wet pavement and porous pavement?
Wet and dry pavement may behave differently, however. Porous pavement can also reduce the temperature of runoff which results in less thermal stress to aquatic life in the receiving waters. Fig. 3. Permeable Interlocking concrete pavers illustration.