Asphalt and concrete are both great options for your next paving project however, there are some things that differ between them that you should be aware of. This post should help you to learn a bit more about what the difference is between them and help find the best option for you.
Appearance
Concrete is made up of a few materials; cement, water, sand and aggregates which creates a smooth grey appearance once laid out. However, this material also has flexibility, allowing its appearance to be modified. Concrete can be polished as well as chemically stained changing its entire colour and aesthetic.
Asphalt, on the other hand, has a very dark and textured look, however, this like concrete can be modified too with different colours. It is created from crushed rocks, sand or gravel and held together with a substance such as bitumen. Asphalt is a popular material used when building a car park.
Durability
Concrete can last for around 40 years, this material is extremely strong and sturdy. This is why it has become a popular option for both domestic and commercial use. It has also been found that instead of weakening with age, this material only gets harder.
Although asphalt, has a much shorter lifespan of around 10-20 years, this does have its benefits. So in areas such as the UK, with its colder weather and ice, it can actually be very beneficial. However, If you live in a hot climate, then this might not be a great option as it can soften in the extreme heat.
Maintenance
Concrete will be able to preserve its appearance for around 10 years without the need for any maintenance. However, Asphalt cannot go that long, this material will need regular maintenance to keep it looking presentable. For the best results, ensure maintenance happens every 2-3 years.
Price
Concrete is more expensive to purchase than asphalt, however, it lasts significantly longer and requires little to no maintenance that the bigger price tag pays itself off over time. Asphalt will require more maintenance over its shorter lifespan so although it may be cheaper to buy, you will still be paying for it every 2-3 years.
Environmental Impact
Concrete is the more environmentally friendly option out of the two since this is created using limestone and water and doesn’t involve a lot of heavy-duty production. Asphalt, on the other hand, uses harmful gasses when being heated up therefore in this case, concrete may be better.
Contact Us
Overall, concrete is the better option, however, asphalt is still a great option for its price range. If you would like some more information about this or you are looking into getting a driveway, road or car park built then call us today on 01384 440057.
