Paving projects are a significant investment that requires careful consideration, planning, and the right contractors. One of the critical decisions that all property managers, homeowners, and business owners need to make is the choice of material for your pavement. Your choice of material can affect many things, including the service life of your pavement, future maintenance costs, paving time, initial costs, etc.
The most common paving materials are asphalt and concrete. Deciding between them is a difficult task as both of them have their advantages and disadvantages. Below are 11 points that may help you make up your mind.
1. Concrete is a more durable and long-lasting paving material than asphalt. A concrete pavement has a service life of 30 to 50 years, while a blacktop surface typically lasts between 20 to 25 years. Concrete wins by at least a decade.
2. Concrete sealing is preferable but not compulsory, but asphalt requires a new seal coat every two to three years.
3. A concrete sealant lasts longer than asphalt sealants, so concrete pavement requires less frequent sealing than blacktops.
4. Concrete requires much less maintenance and repair than asphalt, which means it has lower running costs.
5. Asphalt paving is cheaper and easier to install than concrete. In contrast, concrete installation projects require a higher initial cost or investment.
6. Asphalt paving projects are completed quicker, so they can be opened to traffic earlier than concrete, which takes a longer time to cure/dry.
7. Concrete paving has greater room for artistic expression than asphalt, which is plain black. Concrete can feature different tints, patterns, textures, designs, and finishes.
8. Concrete becomes more robust with time due to hydration, while asphalt bindings become weaker.
9. Both asphalt roads and concrete pavements suffer extensive damage during winters due to the freeze-thaw cycle and the frequent use of harsh deicing products and application of salt for melting snow and ice.
10. Concrete repair options are very limited and look very prominent on the surface, which is why, in most cases, concrete pavement is resurfaced. On the other hand, asphalt allows for several quick and easy asphalt repair techniques that eliminate or delay the need (and cost) of repaving.
11. Concrete is a long-wearing paving material that can bear more weight than asphalt, making it ideal for projects requiring solid surfaces like parking lots and storage units.
Consider all the above points thoroughly before making any final decisions about your paving project. Also consult your project engineer and the paving company you have hired.
When it comes to paving firms, make sure to select a professional firm with experienced professionals who use high-quality materials and the best and most efficient tools and techniques.
While there may be other pavement contractors in Waco, there is no one better than Prime Asphalt. We deliver high-quality results and excellent customer service to cater to all your pavement needs. Get a free estimate today!