Best Uses for Asphalt and Concrete?
Best Uses for Asphalt and Concrete?
Asphalt and concrete are both great paving materials. Between the two, they offer paving solutions for almost every imaginable situation. However, each material has areas where it excels along with weaknesses, so you should assess each paving project independently to determine which one is best.
In this post, we’ll discuss the best uses for asphalt and concrete as paving materials and factors to consider.
Temperature Range
You need to think about the temperature range that the asphalt or concrete surface will need to withstand when choosing the right material. Asphalt can get sticky and hot to the touch in extremely hot temperatures but does quite well in cooler climates. Concrete, on the other hand, excels in the heat but is prone to cracking in freezing weather. If you know the area of your paving project will be subjected to extreme temperatures, choose the material that will function best.
Schedule
How soon do you need to use the newly paved surface? Asphalt can be driven on almost immediately after paving, although it does take a few days to completely dry. Concrete requires a much longer wait time after paving, at least seven days in most situations. So if you need to use the surface fast, asphalt may be the better choice.
Budget
Budget is always a consideration, and with paving, you have two different budgets to consider: the initial cost of installation and the ongoing maintenance costs.
For the cheapest initial installation costs, asphalt is the winner. Coming in between $2 and $5 per square foot, asphalt requires much less upfront investment than concrete, which averages $3 to $10 per square foot.
However, concrete wins the battle when it comes to maintenance costs. Concrete requires very little maintenance; an occasional coat of sealant is all you need to keep it in great shape. It lasts 50+ years with proper maintenance. Asphalt requires much more upkeep, with seal coating required every 2-3 years and resurfacing every 10. Even with the best care, asphalt typically lasts 20-30 years before a complete replacement is needed.
Environmental Impact
Impact on the environment is a consideration of any savvy modern-day consumer. Asphalt is made from the by-products of oil refinement, which is an industry that greatly contributes to excessive greenhouse gasses in our ozone. However, asphalt is also typically made at least partially from recycled materials and is recyclable itself.
Concrete does not require as much carbon emission for its creation, but it is not usually recycled or recyclable.
Water management is another consideration between asphalt and concrete. Certain types of asphalt are permeable and allow water to drain more efficiently. Concrete is not permeable at all and requires drainage planning to avoid pooling.
Asphalt and Concrete Services in Seattle
No matter if you choose asphalt or concrete, the experts at Jireh Asphalt & Concrete in Seattle are ready to help you with all your installation and maintenance needs. We have laid countless asphalt and concrete surfaces in the greater Seattle area. Call us at (425) 268 3084 or contact us online to schedule a free estimate for your project today.