Asphalt and blacktop are both used in different construction projects, but there is a distinct difference between the two. The composition, price, and suitability vary between asphalt and blacktop, so it’s important to know the differences before you make a final decision. Another popular option is concrete, which has its own pros and cons. Here are some of the main differences between asphalt vs blacktop.
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 Blacktop?
Blacktop is made of similar ingredients, but the ratio and heat settings are different. Blacktop uses more stone than asphalt, which gives it its signature sparkly appearance. Blacktop also requires a higher temperature when mixing due to the extra stone. Blacktop tends to be more suited for projects that don’t have a high-weight capacity such as playgrounds and basketball courts. Blacktop is also known for being budget-friendly and easy to repair.
Asphalt vs Blacktop
Despite being used for similar projects, asphalt and blacktop have different pros and cons. Whether you use asphalt vs blacktop 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, and durability.
- Budget: Installation is slightly cheaper for blacktop than asphalt, but the difference is marginal. Asphalt is more durable than blacktop, meaning you will spend less in the long-term.
- Maintenance: Blacktop may be easy to fix, however it requires more frequent maintenance and is more susceptible to things like heavy traffic and extreme weather compared to asphalt.
- Lifespan: The total lifespan of asphalt vs blacktop are similar (20-30 years) if they are properly taken care of. Again, blacktop will require more frequent maintenance.
- Durability: Asphalt can provide a thicker surface than blacktop, meaning that it can handle larger capacities for a longer amount of time.
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!