Although there are instances when the engineering specifications require concrete, in most cases, asphalt is the better choice. This is true for driveways, streets and parking lots.
What Do You Think….Concrete or Asphalt?
Concrete is more expensive to install, and it will take longer before you can allow traffic onto your new surface. Repairs will also cost more and take longer. Asphalt does require occasional maintenance, but so does concrete. Asphalt surfaces are not nearly as short-lived as some people think; given professional care, an asphalt surface can last for several decades. There are even cases of asphalt public roadways that have endured for well over five decades.
Concrete is much less flexible than asphalt. Freezing weather, shifting soils and erosion can cause concrete to crack. While it is true that asphalt can crack, its flexibility means that it expand and contract without severe damage better than concrete.
Asphalt is not an environmental hazard. Asphalt is America’s most recycled product, with about 100 million tons processed each year. Every scrap of asphalt pavement can be recycled into more pavement. Furthermore, asphalt won’t dissolve in water or contaminate soil, and pollutants emitted from asphalt plants are negligible.
Stains are more obvious on standard concrete pavement than they are on black asphalt. Furthermore, those who just do not like the looks of a traditional blacktop need to be aware that it is no longer mandatory to have dark asphalt.
Alpha Paving Industries offers both concrete and asphalt installations, repairs and maintenance to residential and commercial customers in the Austin metropolitan area and beyond. We would be happy to help you evaluate your project and determine whether asphalt or concrete is the best material for your needs. You can reach at (512) 677-9001, or just click on the “Request a Free Quote“.
