Asphalt vs concrete is a common debate since the materials are popular paving options. Both will upgrade your space, improve functionality and enhance the curb appeal.
Comparing asphalt vs concrete allows you to select an option that suits your needs and matches your budget. It helps you understand your investment’s maintenance requirements and expected lifespan.
Asphalt vs Concrete: The Asphalt Pros for Your Project
Asphalt is a cost-effective paving solution since it doesn’t require a lot of material. It’s also less labor intensive, and you can quickly install it on a large surface, provided you have the right equipment.
Another pro of asphalt is that it dries quickly, typically within 2-3 days. After application, you don’t need to wait an extended period to use your driveway. The asphalt will also strengthen with time as it cures.
Maintenance is a critical factor to consider when comparing asphalt vs concrete. Since asphalt is dark, it doesn’t show dirt and stains quickly. Still, cleaning chemicals like oil and acid is essential as they can wear the surface.
Here are other pros of asphalt for your project:
- It’s easy to repair
- Its porous nature enhances drainage
- Asphalt reduces noise
The Cons of Asphalt
Asphalt is less durable than concrete since it lasts for 20-30 years. Once this duration passes, you must resurface or replace the entire area to fix the damages.
When comparing asphalt vs concrete costs, the first option may be initially cheaper. However, its long-term expenses are higher since you might need frequent and extensive repairs during its lifespan.
Other cons of asphalt are:
- It’s prone to cracking
- It offers fewer customization options
- It can produce oil in temperatures above 95 degrees
Asphalt vs Concrete: The Concrete Pros for Your Project
Durability is a significant reason for choosing concrete for your project. The material can withstand heavy traffic, chemical spills and weather changes. You will enjoy a longer pavement life cycle and won’t need to conduct frequent repairs, provided you maintain your driveway.
Concrete is friendly to the environment for several reasons. First, its production process doesn’t produce much pollution. When contrasting asphalt vs concrete, pick the latter to increase sustainability.
Other pros of concrete include:
- It’s highly customizable
- It has better load-bearing capacity than asphalt
- It has a lower lifetime cost
The Cons of Asphalt
While concrete lasts longer, repairing it is hectic since many contractors don’t overlay. You must remove the damaged section and replace it with a fresh mix.
Concrete surfaces need texturing to enhance grip. Unfortunately, this creates a bumpy surface that produces more noise during movement. A concrete driveway is also more prone to slippage since it doesn’t drain fluids better than asphalt.
Asphalt vs Concrete: Which Is Better?
After comparing asphalt vs concrete, you might wonder which option to pick. The most suitable choice depends on your project’s specifications and budget.
If you often drive heavy vehicles on your driveway, go for concrete. On the other hand, if you want a cost-effective option and often use regular-size cars, asphalt will be an ideal choice.
Contact an Expert for More Information on Asphalt vs Concrete
Comparing asphalt vs concrete can be hectic since you must consider many factors. At Georgia’s Wildcat Paving, we will offer the guidance needed to execute your project.
Our contractors will meet with you and assess the site to recommend the best paving option. Call us now for a detailed analysis of asphalt vs concrete.
