Asphalt and concrete both have their pros and cons, so choosing which one is right for your paving project is not always easy. But there are some key reasons why concrete is the better choice for your next paving project.
One of the main reasons to choose concrete over asphalt is durability. Both materials can hold up to heavy loads, but concrete is stronger and more durable.
1. Durability
Concrete is a very strong material, and it’s usually used for roads. It is also much more resistant to cracking than asphalt. It’s also easier to repair.
In addition, it can be used for more applications than asphalt, including parking lots and commercial roadways. It can also be used for sidewalks, paths and plazas.
Another important factor to consider when deciding between concrete and asphalt is the Structural Number (SN). The SN is an empirical strength value that can be used to compare different types of materials. It’s important to remember that the SN for each pavement design is different.
Typically, concrete has a higher SN than asphalt, so it is more suitable for heavy vehicle traffic and can support loads for longer periods of time. It is also less prone to cracking, especially when exposed to extreme temperatures or cold weather.
This makes concrete a great option for high-traffic areas like highways, as it can withstand the weight of large trucks. Using concrete instead of asphalt can also save money on maintenance and repairs.
However, it’s important to note that it can also be damaged by a variety of factors, such as traffic and weathering. It is advisable to seal concrete to prevent damage from stains and weathering.
In some cases, it can also be difficult to repair asphalt pavements without tearing it down completely. Luckily, there are several different methods of repair available for both types of surfaces.
The durability of asphalt pavements is affected by the salt environment. In salt lakes areas and saline soil areas, harsh natural climate conditions and enhanced salt lead to the corrosion of asphalt concrete and greatly shorten its service life.
2. Low Maintenance
Concrete is a durable material that can last decades with minimal maintenance. It’s also recyclable, so it doesn’t have to end up in landfills.
Asphalt is a less expensive material to use for roads, but it requires more frequent maintenance than concrete. This can include chip seals, crack repairs, and overlays to keep it in good condition.
It isn’t as flexible, so it can crack when exposed to extreme temperatures or pressure. It’s also susceptible to frost heaves and can be damaged by the salt used to melt snow and ice.
In addition, it’s more difficult to repair cracks in concrete than in asphalt. This is due to its long curing time, which can take up to seven days.
Finally, it is more expensive to construct with a higher cost per square foot than asphalt. This may be offset by the fact that it can last longer than asphalt, which is a better overall investment.
Another benefit of using concrete instead of asphalt is the low maintenance. It will not need to be resealed, especially in warmer climates. It will also be more resistant to stains.
However, if it does break down it can be expensive to replace. It is also more difficult to fix because it is prone to cracking.
It is also more slippery, which makes it dangerous when it’s icy or rainy. This can lead to accidents and damage.
Concrete is a durable, reliable material to use for roads that see heavy traffic. It holds up better than asphalt, which means it’s less likely to suffer from rutting, cracking, and loss of surface definition. This durability makes it the best choice for road construction in areas that see a lot of traffic.
3. Customization
There are a few reasons why you should choose concrete over asphalt when it comes to your next driveway or street paving project. First, a concrete surface is the smart way to go if you’re looking for an attractive and functional drive way that won’t break the bank.
While the upfront cost of a new concrete driveway may be higher than an asphalt counterpart, you’ll see a much lower yearly maintenance bill as well as a longer lifespan. In fact, according to America’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), a concrete surfaced road could save you up to 1.2 billion gallons of diesel over the life of its lifespan.
The best part? You won’t even have to worry about the dreaded weeds!
Top of the line quality concrete driveways and parking lots can be installed quickly, cost effectively, and are virtually maintenance free.
When you consider all of the benefits of concrete, it’s no surprise that it is fast catching up with its asphalt counterpart in popularity. To learn more about the many reasons you should opt for a concrete driveway, contact your local expert in the field today. We look forward to hearing from you! Until next time, happy driving!
4. Eco-Friendly
When it comes to the environment, concrete is the better option. Several factors make it an eco-friendly choice, including its recyclability, durability, and low maintenance costs.
Concrete can also be stamped and colored more easily than asphalt, which means it can be used for a wider variety of projects. This can include lane markings or crosswalks that can help prevent accidents.
Moreover, concrete has a lower carbon footprint than asphalt because it does not emit as much heat. This is important because it can help keep the environment cool and prevent the buildup of pollution.
This can reduce the amount of carbon dioxide emitted into the air, which will help to combat climate change. It also helps to reduce the amount of energy that is needed to keep the streets well-lit, which saves taxpayers money in the long run.
In addition, concrete is more resistant to freezing and thawing than asphalt, which can cause it to crack. This makes it a safer option for motorists in colder climates.
Additionally, concrete can be made from local materials instead of imported ones, which reduces the environmental impact of construction. It is also a cheaper alternative because the costs of transportation are reduced by fewer trucks using fuel.
Another eco-friendly benefit of concrete is that it is 100% recyclable. This is especially helpful in the construction industry, where there are many waste materials that end up in landfills.
In addition, it takes about five times as much diesel fuel to produce an asphalt road than a concrete one. This can significantly reduce the overall cost of maintaining a highway, which can save the nation a lot of money in the long run.
5. Safety
If you are in charge of maintaining a parking lot or highway for your business, you might want to consider using concrete instead of asphalt. This is because it can improve road safety.
Moreover, concrete is more durable than asphalt. It does not get damaged by leaking oil from automobiles or extreme weather conditions. It also does not have to be repaired frequently like asphalt.
It is also more resilient to ice and snow. This makes it better at preventing skidding, which helps keep drivers and their families safe.
This material can last 20-40 years on average, which is much longer than asphalt, which will require repaving every 10 to 20 years.
The lifespan of concrete roads is a big reason why they are more popular than asphalt in cities and other places with heavy traffic. Moreover, concrete can be stamped or colored to match the surroundings and help enhance aesthetics of the area.
Another great benefit is that concrete can reduce noise by something like seven decibels, keeping drivers distracted and avoiding collisions. This also saves on the need for sound barriers alongside the roadway.
Lastly, concrete is easier to see at night due to its lighter color. This is beneficial for business owners who need to install security cameras around their parking lots or buildings.
There are many factors to consider when deciding between the two, including how much capital you have to invest in your project and what kind of traffic will be using the pavement. But, in the end, it is best to make the right choice for your specific situation. This is why it’s important to do your research and find a company that understands your needs and the environment in which you are located.