Asphalt and concrete are both used in construction projects like driveways, roads, parking lots, and more. They both have their strengths and weaknesses, so it’s important to know the difference so you can choose the best material for your project. What’s the difference between asphalt vs concrete and which one should you use? This all depends on a variety of factors, including the scope of your project, your budget, how heavily the surface will be used, and more.
What is Asphalt?
Asphalt is mostly made of stone, sand, and petroleum products. When asphalt is heated, it softens and easily rolls onto the surface. Once it cools and hardens, your asphalt is ready to be used. Asphalt is primarily used for driveways, roads, parking lots, footpaths, airport runways, and even roofs. Asphalt is popular for its durability, cold-weather tolerance, and quick installation. It is also budget-friendly, especially compared to concrete. Asphalt driveways are more popular for these reasons than concrete.
What is Concrete?
Unlike asphalt, concrete is made of sand, cement, and gravel. The concrete mix is poured onto the surface and left to cure for about a week. During this time, vehicles cannot use the surface. Concrete is used in driveways, roads, parking lots, buildings, and bridges. Concrete is popular for its long lifespan and hot-weather tolerance. It costs more per square foot, but it is a long-lasting option for surfaces that are heavily used like roads.
Asphalt vs Concrete
Despite being used for similar projects, asphalt and concrete have different pros and cons. Whether you use asphalt vs concrete for your project relies on what your specific needs are. It’s important to understand what asphalt vs concrete have to offer to make the best decision for you. We will look at the differences in cost, maintenance, lifespan, durability, and installation time.
- Budget: Asphalt typically costs less per square foot than concrete upfront. That’s why homeowners looking for a new driveway typically prefer asphalt.
- Maintenance: While asphalt is cheaper upfront, it requires more frequent maintenance. Asphalt needs to be resealed every 3-5 years. However, asphalt can be repaired easier and cheaper than concrete.
- Lifespan: Asphalt has a lifespan of 20-30 years, while concrete has a lifespan of 30-40 years. Lifespan is determined by a lot of factors, including usage, how well you maintain the material, and the climate.
- Durability: Asphalt is flexible, meaning it can handle the freeze-thaw cycle better than concrete. Asphalt is preferable for colder climates. Concrete is more durable for heavily used surfaces and hot climates, since asphalt tends to soften and deform.
- Installation: Asphalt is quicker to install and is ready for use 24-48 hours after installing. Concrete is more difficult to install and takes 7-10 days to cure before it is ready for use. Keep this in mind when choosing which material you use, as this may impact parking for driveways and parking lots.
The Asphalt Company
Here at The Asphalt Company, we meet the needs of our people with high-quality asphalt. We it our mission to provide both residential and commercial properties with superior asphalt paving that ensures complete satisfaction. Whether you need a new driveway, parking lot, or repairs, The Asphalt Company is here to help make sure your surface is beautiful, budget-friendly, durable, and long-lasting. We offer asphalt paving in the Twin Cities metro area. Contact us today to get started on your project!