Parking lots, driveways, and paths are typically made of one of two materials: concrete or asphalt. Understanding the pros and cons of each of these alternatives will make it easier to decide whether to use an asphalt or a Concrete Paving Service.
Initial Cost
Asphalt tends to have a much lower initial cost than concrete, with concrete sometimes costing as much as double to pave the same area. This is why many people opt for an asphalt surface rather than a concrete one. The higher cost is at least partly due to the fact that it’s a lot more labor-intensive to pave with concrete. Asphalt averages between $2 and $5 per square foot, while concrete costs between $3 and $10 per square foot unless there are decorative elements, in which case the cost goes up to $15 to $25 per square foot.
Durability
When it comes to the lifespan of these materials, concrete typically wins with a 30 to 40 year expected lifespan compared to about 20 years for asphalt. However, this is most likely not the case in colder climates because concrete is more likely than asphalt to crack due to weather conditions. While asphalt has a much shorter expected lifetime and needs to be regularly resealed, it can be often be repaired or have a new layer of asphalt laid over it rather than totally removing the surface and starting anew. Concrete is more likely to stain because of its light color and can also be damaged by salt, which is commonly used to get rid of ice in cold climates.
Other Considerations
It may make more sense to use a Concrete Paving Service if the surface is going to be driven on by vehicles that are very heavy or that are likely to have a lot of exposure to petroleum products and water, which are more likely to cause damage to an asphalt surface. Concrete can’t be driven on right away after installation. You usually have to wait about a week before driving on this surface, while asphalt can be driven on soon after installation.
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