{"id":672,"date":"2020-05-07T17:58:27","date_gmt":"2020-05-08T00:58:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/southcoastpaving.com\/?p=672"},"modified":"2020-05-07T17:58:28","modified_gmt":"2020-05-08T00:58:28","slug":"asphalt-vs-concrete","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/southcoastpaving.com\/asphalt-vs-concrete\/","title":{"rendered":"Asphalt vs Concrete: Which One’s Best for Your Paving Project?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

How can you know when to use asphalt or concrete during a construction project? There are several common uses for each of these two materials. Main projects include parking lots, driveways, sidewalks<\/a>, roads, and private pathways. But depending on the project, you might have to consider when to use asphalt vs concrete.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What\u2019s The Difference Between Asphalt and Concrete?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Material<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The main difference between asphalt and concrete is they are two different materials. You\u2019ll usually see asphalt used for most streets, parking lots, and paved roads in the United States. This is because it gives a smoother surface for driving and makes for a rather quiet road compared to concrete. Concrete is stronger and therefore used for sidewalks and curbs<\/a>. But concrete can have its own challenges depending on the climate you live in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Concrete <\/strong>is made of a mixture of cement, sand, and gravel.
Asphalt <\/strong>is made of materials leftover from the manufacturing of oil and fossil fuels, mixed with various sands and\/or stones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Cost<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Pricing is often considered one of the key differences of asphalt vs concrete paving. Asphalt is less expensive but generally doesn\u2019t last as long as concrete. Another interesting thing to consider is that when it comes to asphalt, the initial cost is far more affordable. However, over time, asphalt requires repeated repair and maintenance. Concrete <\/a>does need some maintenance and repairs, too, but generally not for much longer after more extensive wear and tear. When hiring a paving contractor make sure you discuss all the options for your specific project and see which would be best suited for you in the long-run.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reaction to Climate<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Here, in some parts of southern California, asphalt can absorb the hot sun and become up to 50 degrees hotter than the outside temperature. If it gets too hot, asphalt can sometimes \u201cmelt\u201d or develop cracks. Parts of old asphalt can even begin to crumble. These things can lead to damage in the subsurface of the paving, eventually resulting in a need for removal and replacement of the asphalt<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Concrete is affected by weather, as well. It can contract or expand when the weather shifts drastically between hot or cold. These shifts make concrete prone to cracking or becoming unlevel. In colder climates where it reaches below freezing, newer concrete sidewalks can freeze before they dry fully. This can make it weaker over time, coming with all sorts of problems far sooner than necessary. Additionally, many people don\u2019t realize that concrete can deteriorate sooner if salt is used on it for melting snow.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Visual Appeal<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Certain paving projects require one or the other. The Asphalt vs Concrete question is not always an option, rather a strategic decision your paving contractor will put forth for the best results. But the look of both concrete and asphalt can be appealing if done properly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The sleek, fresh look of new asphalt doesn\u2019t compare to concrete in a large industrial parking lot. Bright, bold striping lines<\/a> let people know they\u2019re in a place of high standards and provide clear traffic direction for vehicles. Most parking lots benefit from being made of asphalt because it\u2019s easily seal coated, it can last for years, and it\u2019s cheaper to cover larger areas that will experience daily wear and tear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Concrete is sturdier and gives a crisp, bright appeal for sidewalks or private side roads. Smaller, private business facilities can get away with using concrete instead of asphalt if the location is right. The only downside to concrete is since it\u2019s light-colored, it can show stains or spots. However, the color of concrete can be customized using a special stain, if desired.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Asphalt vs Concrete: What Are the Pros and Cons of Each?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Asphalt Pros<\/h4>\n\n\n\n