Asphalt or concrete for driveways and parking lots – which is the better choice? If you’re considering paving your driveway or parking lot, we know there are many different things to take into account when making your decision, including:
- How your driveway or parking lot may look
- Material performance and longevity
- Cost over all
- Time of installation
Each of these is an important consideration, and the answer as to whether concrete or asphalt is the best choice for you depends on a number of different things, such as the process of installation, the climate in your area, both long-term and short-term maintenance, overall lifespan, and more. Let’s look at some of the pros and cons.
Installation Process
One of the first things you will want to consider when trying to decide between concrete and asphalt for your driveway or parking is how long it will take to install. Simply put, asphalt is fastest. Liquid asphalt pores quickly and installs smoothly. It can be ready for use in just two days in many climates.
Maintenance and Weather Considerations
When choosing between asphalt versus concrete, climate is one key factor. In cold weather, concrete can crack from freezing or thawing, making maintenance more costly than asphalt. The reason for this is that concrete can contract and expand when it freezes or thaws. However, intensely hot weather can cause asphalt to soften.
Either concrete or asphalt needs to be sealed in order to last long and stay in good shape. And both will need routine maintenance. While reapplying a surface coating of asphalt every few years is an expense, concrete can become brittle and risk cracking, which leads to costly and often more extensive repair.
When it is installed properly, an asphalt driveway or parking lot receiving regular preventive maintenance can last 20 years, even in the very coldest of climates. Asphalt can handle both freezing and thawing quite well. And the dark surface of asphalt absorbs the heat and light of the sun, which means that snow and ice will both melt more quickly, too.
Overall, concrete changes more in cold weather than hot, and is more stable in warmer climates.
Cost Considerations
When it comes to cost, asphalt installation is less expensive than concrete. But, concrete can have a longer lifespan over many years. Factor in overall longevity with maintenance costs and the environment in which your driveway or parking lot is located, along with the initial cost of installation.
Remember that both asphalt and concrete parking lots will get damaged after time. Concrete parking lots have long lifespans and relatively low maintenance but when it is necessary, concrete parking lot maintenance is often both difficult and quite expensive. Parking lot repair is easy, less costly and fast with asphalt.
Learn More about Asphalt Driveway and Parking Lot Paving
Ready to learn more or schedule asphalt driveway paving now? With our many years of asphalt paving expertise, our professional team is ready to make sure your new driveway or parking lot is installed using our best practices for skilled installation.
Contact our professionals at TopWest Asphalt for your next asphalt project, paving, and repairs. We’re here to help – reach out to us today!
