The Difference Between Asphalt and Brick Paving

If you’re planning to redo you commercial driveway or parking lot, you have a few options to choose from. Driveways and parking lots experience a lot of wear and tear from heavy vehicles, foot traffic, and weather conditions. They need to be paved with a heavy-duty material that can withstand the wear and tear, such as asphalt. Less durable materials, such as brick or paving stones, can easily get damaged. 

Since asphalt and brick are the two most commonly used paving materials, this article looks at the differences between the two in terms of longevity, costs, and other important factors. With the help of a reputable asphalt paving contractor in Toronto, you can upgrade your driveway to ensure it lasts for decades!

What Is Asphalt and Brick Paving?

Asphalt paving refers to the use of a mixture of bitumen and aggregates to enhance the aesthetics and functionality of a driveway or road. Bitumen, which is a by-product of crude oil, is used as the binding agent and allows a variety of aggregates to be used. These can include stones, sand, recycled concrete, and gravel particles. 

With brick paving, the ground base may be a layer of concrete or compacted soil. Commonly referred to as block paving, pre-molded bricks or paving stones made of fired or sun-dried clay, or concrete, are used to create the driving surface. Bricks are available in a variety of colours, shapes, and sizes to artistically design a unique patterned driveway. 

Asphalt Vs Brick Paving

Differences	Asphalt Paving	Brick Paving
Cost	Less expensive for material and labour	More expensive for both material and labour
Lifespan	15 to 20 years with maintenance every three years	20 years with regular maintenance
Quality	Durable	Prone to shifting
Installation Time	One day	Several days
Advantages	Safe Smooth Cost-Effective Quiet Environmentally friendly Attractive Durable Reduces runoff 100% recyclable	Environmentally friendly Weather-resistant Attractive Stain-resistant Available in a variety of colours
Disadvantages	Colour fades Long curing time Edges can crumble Needs proper installation	Slick when covered in ice Expensive Requires regular maintenance Allows weeds to grow

Why Choose Asphalt Over Brick Paving?

Analyzing the pros and cons of both asphalt and brick can help you decide which material to use for your commercial driveway or parking lot. Aside from the aesthetic value, the durability, cost, and lower required maintenance of asphalt puts it in the top of the list for the best paving options. 

Asphalt requires less time for labour and installation than brick, which translates to a lower cost. Maintenance entails general care with crack filling and sealing, which can be done every two to three years, depending on the condition of the asphalt.

The condition is dependent on the location of the property and the exposure to any extreme environmental elements. Soaring summer temperatures and fluctuating winter temperatures are no match for the durability of the materials within asphalt. The components allow for expansion and contraction as the asphalt bends from the thawing of ice and snow.  

With the current climate crisis, using asphalt is one step towards creating a more environmentally friendly world. Asphalt is made with natural products, often times created from used asphalt pavement that has been removed from lots. Using a recycled material such as asphalt is a great choice for your property.

How and When Is Asphalt & Brick Used?

In regard to paving, there are three major advantages to consider: aesthetics, climate, and price. 

Aesthetically, asphalt provides a clean, sleek look to a property’s landscape. Asphalt is created to withstand extreme weather conditions, including ice and heat. The low cost for production and installation makes asphalt the favourable choice. 

Bricks as paving provide an elegant aesthetically-pleasing look for most landscapes, especially as they can be individually set in an array of patterns. While bricks are durable in most weather conditions, they can be hazardous for locations with frequent ice storms. The cost for brick is higher than asphalt as the production costs and the labour are time-consuming. 

Contact a Professional Asphalt Paving Contractor in Toronto

If you’re looking for a leading asphalt paving contractor, choose the experts at Sure-Seal Pavement Maintenance Inc. We provide top-quality products with excellent customer service and a seven-year guarantee. Our services include installation and asphalt repair as well as catch basin installation and repairs, and line marking. 

Over the past 30 years, we have become the top choice of property managers, owners, and for professional contractors throughout the Greater Toronto Area. Contact us today to discuss how our superior products can enhance your commercial properties.