When it comes to choosing the right type of paving material for commercial properties, property owners are left with the choice of whether to pave with asphalt or concrete. Both offer similar results but with different benefits.
While asphalt paving tends to be more cost-effective, costing between 30% and 40% less than paving using concrete, there are other factors property owners should consider. These factors include the amount of traffic on their property, the type of traffic, the geographical climate, and their maintenance obligations.
Keep reading for our ultimate guide to choosing between concrete and asphalt paving.
Unveiling the Champions: Concrete vs. Asphalt
When comparing asphalt vs. concrete, it’s important to consider the composition and characteristics of both paving materials.
Concrete is a building material that is made up of cement, water, and aggregates that can also be used to construct driving surfaces. The cement acts as a binder for the aggregates (e.g., sand or gravel) and the water initiates the chemical reaction wherein the mixture hardens, also known as the curing process. If the concrete has impurities or is not formed correctly, it can weaken over time.
Asphalt pavement, also referred to as bitumen, is constructed with crude oil. As a binder to crushed stone, gravel, and sand aggregates, the oil is used to form a durable and water-resistant material for walkways, roads, highways, and driveway surfaces. Asphalt is very durable, which allows it to be used for paving surfaces because it can withstand exposure to traffic, environmental elements, and harsh weather conditions.
Comparing Key Factors: Asphalt Paving vs. Concrete Paving
| FACTORS | ASPHALT | CONCRETE |
| Installation | Quick with low disruption time. | Time-consuming and labour-intensive as several steps are involved. |
| Cost | 30% to 40% cheaper than concrete. | Costly for materials and labour; high costs for repairs. |
| Maintenance | Sealcoating every 3 to 5 years | Sealing every 2 to 3 years with additional de-greasing frequently. |
| Durability | Long-lasting structural integrity. | Dependent on exposure to environmental conditions. |
| Crack Resistance | Susceptible to cracking with exposure to the UV rays. | Susceptible to cracking with freeze-thaw cycles. |
| Heat Resistance | Softens in extremely hot temperatures. | Resistant to extreme hot temperatures. |
| Cold Weather | Helps to melt snow/ice; resistant to cold temperatures. | Susceptible to cracks from freeze-thaw cycles and road salt damage. |
| Aesthetics | Smooth surface; sealcoat colouring available. | Rough surface; textures and colours available. |
| Drainage | The porous composition allows for easy drainage. | Less porous which can cause water pooling. |
| Curing Time | One day | 7 to 14 days |
Picking Your Winner: Considerations for Your Project
To find a viable solution, property owners should assess their project needs and consider the steps involved in concrete or asphalt repair, maintenance, and installation.
- Budget: Asphalt typically offers more bang for your buck, both in initial costs and long-term maintenance. With the local weather conditions, fluctuating cold and hot temperatures, and frequent snow and ice storms during the long winter months, asphalt provides more resiliency. Asphalt’s flexibility makes it better suited for colder climates, whereas concrete can be a great choice in hotter areas.
- Lifespan: Investing in a driveway or parking lot project requires planning for long-term continencies since the lifespan of concrete and asphalt vary. While concrete can last between 30 to 40 years and asphalt lasts between 20 to 30 years, it’s the minimal upkeep that makes asphalt a better choice. One of the major benefits of using asphalt is that sealcoat can be applied once every two years as part of the maintenance plan to ensure the pavement lasts longer.
- Traffic Volume: High-traffic areas benefit from asphalt’s easier repair process. If installed correctly, the asphalt’s subbase will be strong and thick enough to bear the weight of heavy vehicles, such as delivery trucks.
- Aesthetic Preferences: If customization is key, both concrete and asphalt offer choices. Concrete can be coloured and stamped with a pattern but requires a higher financial investment for both installation and maintenance when repairs are needed. The protective sealcoating layer can be manipulated for colour with cheaper initial and upkeep costs.
- Maintenance Requirements: Asphalt may need more frequent attention, but it’s simpler and cheaper to maintain. If repairs are needed, asphalt repairs tend to have a lower price tag compared to concrete.
Beyond the Basics: Additional Points to Consider
Some additional things to consider when it comes to choosing between asphalt vs. concrete include local regulations, contractor availability for installation and maintenance, and the impact on the environment.
It is important to note that local regulations and restrictions for constructing highways, roads, parking lots, and driveways encourage the use of asphalt due to its durability and low maintenance costs. In fact, more than 93% of the province’s 400 series highways are constructed with asphalt.
For installation, maintenance, and repairs, there are many asphalt paving contractors located across Ontario compared to concrete contractors. Having a reliable local asphalt pavement source can save property owners time and money.
Concrete and asphalt are both considered environmentally friendly. Of the two, however, asphalt is a greener choice due to its permeability and 100 % recyclable contents. Since asphalt is manufactured from crude oil, it can be broken down and repurposed as recycled asphalt or used as roofing shingles, tires, newspaper ink, paint, waterproof underlay for tiles, and cable coatings, just to name a few.
Let Sure-Seal Pavement Maintenance Inc. Guide You to the Right Paving Solution
Sure-Seal Pavement Maintenance Inc. provides comprehensive and cost-efficient pavement maintenance solutions to fit your budget and asphalt needs. For more than 30 years, we have been installing, maintaining, and repairing asphalt paving in Toronto and the GTA.
Our certified technicians use top-quality, eco-friendly materials, along with state-of-the-art equipment to guarantee customer satisfaction. Our services are backed with an extensive seven-year material and labour warranty.
Contact us today for a free onsite consultation and to get a quote on how you can protect the integrity and aesthetics of your commercial property.