Suppose you own a commercial property or are a facility manager for a municipal corporation. In that case, there are times when you need to decide which pavement option is better: asphalt or concrete.
Both are excellent pavement options, though they each have a few pros and cons. Concrete is more robust than asphalt, but it is heavier to install. Asphalt is easier to install than concrete; however, it does not last as long on the surface as concrete does. Understanding the benefits of both concrete and asphalt is vital to weigh the options in terms of projects.
Here are some common grounds where weighing the pros and cons can help you understand when concrete is the concrete choice, even when asphalt tempts your budget goals.
- Strength and Stability: Concrete is more durable than asphalt. This makes concrete the choice when you know the surface will need to bear heavy traffic. Concrete lasts longer, even as it weathers and ages. It can also support heavier loads of vehicles or other equipment on the roads. As much as 60% of the US interstate is made out of concrete! It’s that strong!
- Maintenance: Contemporary research has recently brought us self-healing concrete! It is concrete infused with bacterial repairing agents that work to sustain the material. In contrast, asphalt does not have those self-repairing benefits to seal cracks in its surface. Asphalt repairs can extend to complete rework on the foundations, whereas concrete repairs, although expensive and seldom needed, are managed by cement and epoxy resin compound mixes.
- Resilience: Concrete also has a longer life span and will not experience the same issues that asphalt does after some time, even if used on major roadways without heavy traffic. Asphalt tends to suffer water damage, sealant erosion, ground shifting, the whole shebang, whereas concrete being very rigid, remains ideal for stable ground pavements. A concrete driveway only requires a perfunctory sealer and then an occasional power wash to remove any grease. Asphalt is more care-intensive.
- Longevity: Concrete pavement is more resistant to cracking than asphalt pavement. Concrete can last for 150 years or longer with proper maintenance, whereas asphalt pavement has a life span of 15-20 years. Concrete pavement is also more convenient. Concrete can withstand almost any weather condition or temperature without altering, as concrete is impervious to water and strengthens with the rains.
- Carbon Footprint: Of course, concrete, the more durable and cured material, has a much higher apparent carbon footprint than asphalt. However, concrete pavements last very long, and fewer repairs make them environmentally suitable and low on the carbon footprint in the long term. Concrete paving also helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions that are harmful to our environment, allowing it to breathe!
- Customization: Concrete can be cast in any style, stamped, mixed to any hue before pouring, and painted on. From the pavement to patios and properties, there is just no end to how many ways concrete can be used to enhance curb appeal. As for asphalt, the least that can do is give your residential neighborhood a smooth blacktop, the municipality a strong parking lot, and those anti-skid tennis courts. Not bad; until the repair costs start coming in.
Do you desire a definite concrete upgrade after reading this? We at Prime Asphalt offer a range of concrete solutions for your needs that far surpass our competitors in Waco, TX.
The weather in Waco is ideal all year round for concrete paving, and we cover the entire county for services. Get your free estimate, or you’re welcome to drop by our office over at Sparks Lane. We’re open six days a week!
