Material is one of the most important things to consider when building or upgrading the driveway or pavement of your commercial property. Since pavements see a lot of traffic and are exposed to various climatic conditions, choosing a material that looks good and is incredibly durable is critical.
Concrete and asphalt are the two most popular materials for paving. Asphalt is a mixture of bitumen, sand, gravel, and crushed rock that is heated to make it more pliable. Concrete combines cement, water, aggregate (such as sand and gravel), and other additives. Both of these materials have very different properties and have a different effect on the overall outcome.
Keep reading to find out the difference between asphalt and concrete.
Differences between Asphalt and Concrete Pavements
Traditionally, there were two kinds of paving materials – flexible and rigid. Asphalt is the flexible type, where a thin layer of asphalt is spread over a base, whereas concrete is a rigid type of paving material.
Installation Time
If you choose concrete paving, you must consider a few days of curing time. Asphalt, on the other hand, gets ready within a few hours and can be used as soon as it is dried thoroughly.
Maintainance
Asphalt paving requires sealing to be done six months to one year after installation and every three to five years, whereas concrete pavements do not require as much sealing.
The main difference between asphalt and concrete pavements is that asphalt is more porous, meaning it absorbs water. Concrete does not absorb moisture as easily as asphalt and therefore does not need to be sealed with an impermeable surface.
Aesthetic and Design
Most of the time, appearance is also a major deciding factor determining the material used for paving. Asphalt pavements are typically black or dark gray, while concrete pavements may vary in color depending on the type of cement used. Concrete has a smoother texture than asphalt and can be stained, colored, or etched to suit all requirements.
Durability
Both asphalt and concrete deteriorate with time and need care. Asphalt pavement can last up to 30 years if maintained properly. However, concrete pavement wins here as it can last up to 50 years when kept well.
Cost
Asphalt might be better if you want a budget makeover for your pavement. Sometimes, concrete paving will cost almost double the asphalt ones.
However, other factors affect the overall cost in the long run – asphalt is not as durable as concrete and has a shorter lifespan. Asphalt can also get damaged by heavy traffic or extreme weather conditions like freezing temperatures. Conversely, concrete is more expensive than asphalt but lasts longer and can withstand heavy traffic and freezing temperatures better than asphalt. So it will be safe to say that asphalt and concrete paving will almost cost the same in the long run.
Reliable Paving is the place for you if you are looking for paving services for your commercial property. Whether you choose concrete or asphalt, we are here to make your next paving project for your property successful. Call (817) 467-0779 or click here today for more information on the construction and maintenance of pavements.