Road Works

The Great Debate

Asphalt vs. Concrete

We get dozens of questions about the differences between asphalt and concrete paving. While we always answer with the solution that is best for the specific situation, concrete paving often is the best long-term solution. There are several reasons for this:

* Asphalt relies on the hot, oil-based mixture to act as the glue that holds aggregates together when it cools. Concrete forms a harder substance.

* Asphalt can soften in extreme summer heat, allowing ruts and other damage to form.

* Because it is more durable, concrete requires less maintenance than asphalt, making the lifetime costs lower.

 

After discussing these and many other issues related to the advantages of concrete paving, more clients preferred concrete pavement. They can see the long-term benefit of reducing the maintenance costs and extending the life of their pavement to what can be up to 25 years with concrete compared to just 15 years for asphalt pavement.