Asphalt Vs. Concrete: Which Is Better?

When it comes for paving hard surfaces for driveways, there are generally only two choices you have: asphalt or concrete. As both materials which are used for paving create similar surfaces. So, based on some key differences, you should take into account before choosing one or the other.

Deciding which the BEST material is for your project is relates to appearances, maintenance, budget, climate and case-by-case restrictions. There are also other options for material available such as brick pavers or gravel but asphalt and concrete remains the most popular material for commercial and residential purposes.

In modern construction, asphalt is considered one of the most fundamentally used material for paving driveways such as roads, sidewalks, parking lots, and many more. There are variety of reasons that makes asphalt a desirable material to be used in place of concrete for many commercial and residential paving projects.

Continue reading to learn why asphalt pavement is commonly preferred over concrete. Let us take a look between the differences:

ASPHALT	CONCRETE
Asphalt requires more maintenance but repairs are generally minor and affordable.	Concrete requires less frequent maintenance but repairs are complicated and costly when they arise.
Oil leaks are less noticeable on asphalt, but gasoline leaks will create damage to surfaces.	Both gas and oil leave more obvious stains on concrete due to its lighter coloring.
Last up to 20 years.	Last up to 30 years.
Asphalt shrinks and expands as temperatures fluctuate, leading to the prevalence of cracks in the surface.	Concrete only cracks under immense pressure or due to surface movement.
Asphalt Cracks are easy to repair and can be filled and sealed quickly.	Concrete cracks are not easy to fix and patching may be more obvious.
Asphalt take as little as a couple of hours to completely cure.	Concrete take as long as several days to an entire week before it is fully cured.

Top 4 Reasons To Choose Asphalt Over Concrete Pavements

#1: Speed Installation and Usability

Generally asphalt pavement requires one or two days to be installed, depending on the volume of the project. Whereas, concrete usually requires two times as long to install and even longer to set.

Depending on the seasons, asphalt driveways can be ready in less than two days for use days after completion. On the other hand, concrete takes 7 days or more than a week to cure unless you are having a high early mix which costs substantially more.

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#2: Driveway Durability

Asphalt is not subject to surface flaking or cracking caused due to inferior installation, inappropriate measures of the mixture and the applications of salts to melt ice and snow. With concrete, surface flaking or cracking is an ongoing issue that need to be handled consistently.

Also, there is considerably less spalling in asphalt as there is in concrete. This can happen if the concrete is not mixed or installed properly, or from salt being on the surface. Asphalt has a stronger tolerance against spalling.

#3. Low Maintenance Expenditures

If your asphalt pavement starts showing some signs of lineal cracking or some firsthand splitting, you can repair these easily and inexpensively. If you need any crack binding material, it can be easily accessible via home improvement dealers which are located nearby your locality. It also doesn’t cost much and can be easily applied by your own even if you don’t have any paving experience.

In addition, daily preventative maintenance such as crack filling, sealcoating, and standard maintenance can extend the lifespan of your asphalt driveway to 20 years or more. On the other hand, concrete is more complicated and difficult to maintain, because it cannot be easily repaired and heated with the same ease as asphalt pavement.

#4: Weather Resistant

Asphalt driveways are more weatherproof than concrete. In cold winters, Concrete tend to cracks due to constant freezing and thawing, while road salt eats away at concrete surfaces. On the other hand, hot summer affect asphalt driveways in negative ways as well.

Asphalt softens in the hot sun, black by character the dark colour absorbs the sun’s heat much more efficiently than concrete. This means snow melts faster which cuts back on the amount of maintenance work that needs to be done.

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Choose Main Infrastructure for Your Asphalt Paving!!

If you have any questions about the benefits of asphalt paving or are interested in a free paving estimate, please contact us today!

Here at Main Infrastructure, our experts can offer you the support you need to choose the right material for your project. We are known for our customer service, superior workmanship, professionalism and competitive rates.

We are among the top asphalt paving company that provide you the ultimate solutions for various services such as: Pothole Repairs, asphalt repairs, asphalt paving and many more.

Call Us Today! We Provide Quality, Performance, Experience, And Integrity.

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