Paving projects are a part of life. As driveways, parking lots, and other surfaces deteriorate over time, they need to be repaired and eventually repaved. However, deciding whether you want concrete or asphalt paving can be difficult.
Both materials last a long time, so it’s likely this is a decision you haven’t had to make before. Additionally, it can be difficult to choose a material since both have their pros and cons. That’s why it’s important to research both materials to help you decide what works better for you. Below are some helpful details that will answer the question “Is asphalt paving better than concrete?”
How Long Will Asphalt Paving Last?
The first thing you should know is how long your asphalt paving is going to last you before you need to do it again. While asphalt does have a shorter lifespan than concrete it will still last you an impressive 20+ years. This means that once you get everything set up you aren’t going to need to worry about your driveway for quite some time.
Concrete has a little bit of a longer lifespan but will require more repairs over time. This is an important factor because upkeep and maintenance cost money and time. So you need to decide if you want to regularly maintain your concrete, or enjoy 20+ years of relatively easy asphalt maintenance.
Is Asphalt Stronger Than Concrete?
An important aspect of any driveway is getting a strong, flexible material that can withstand heavy use without wearing it out. Asphalt paving is overall less durable than concrete and requires more repairs. However, it is by no means weak.
Additionally, asphalt also becomes far more durable when Sealcoated which creates an extra layer of protection keeping the asphalt sturdy. That all being said, concrete also requires many repairs and is much harder to fix than asphalt whenever it wears down.
Price Comparison
So how do asphalt and concrete differ pricing-wise? Asphalt paving is much cheaper than concrete. Concrete can cost $5 to $10 per square foot and, as mentioned before, concrete is a tough repair job which makes it cost even more in the long run.
Alternatively, asphalt paving is both inexpensive to install, as well as quick and easy to fix. This saves a lot of money over time as weather and regular wear will have less of an effect on your asphalt paving project.
Have More Questions?
You can count on Walt’s Paving to complete your residential or commercial paving project in an efficient and timely manner. We have over 40 years of experience paving asphalt driveways, making asphalt repairs, and seal coating asphalt. We are located in Osceola IN and service homeowners and businesses within 50 miles of Elkhart IN. If you have any further questions regarding our services, do not hesitate to contact us today.
