Asphalt is commonly used for roadways and highways because it provides a durable surface that can withstand heavy traffic and diverse weather conditions. It is also popular for airport runways due to its ability to handle the stress of takeoffs and landings.
Asphalt is made from aggregate (like sand and crushed rock) bound together by bitumen. The binding agent is a dark, thick liquid derived from petroleum. Click the Asphalt & Concrete to learn more.
Asphalt is a less expensive option than concrete, making it an attractive choice for many projects. It’s also quicker to install, which speeds up construction and minimizes disruptions for homeowners or business owners. Its flexibility is a benefit in cold climates, as it can expand and contract without cracking during freeze-thaw cycles. It also holds up well under traffic loads and resists damage from oil spills.
However, it can be damaged by hot weather and requires regular maintenance, such as resealing, to maintain its durability. Its dark color absorbs sunlight and heat, which can be uncomfortable for pedestrians and pets who walk on it in flip-flops or other footwear with thin soles.
Another cost factor is the price of oil, as asphalt is a petroleum product. Fluctuations in the price of oil can significantly impact the overall cost of a project, as asphalt prices rise when oil is more expensive.
Concrete is a strong, durable material that can last 30-40 years or more if constructed correctly. Its lifespan can be increased by adding an anti-corrosion seal to the surface. It is also a more environmentally friendly option than asphalt, as it uses less energy during production and can incorporate recycled materials. However, its initial cost can be more costly than asphalt, as it is a heavier and thicker material.
The decision of whether to choose concrete or asphalt depends on a variety of factors, including local climate conditions and maintenance requirements. Consulting with a professional paving contractor can help you determine the best choice for your specific circumstances.
Durability
Concrete is a very strong and durable material, especially when it has been properly constructed and maintained. It can support heavy loads, which makes it a great choice for areas that will be used by vehicles or other large machinery like cranes. Concrete also resists weathering better than asphalt, meaning it can stand up to the elements and still look beautiful after years of use.
However, this durability comes at a cost. Because it is made from a cement mixture, concrete is more expensive to produce than asphalt. The high initial cost can make it a less attractive option for budget-conscious project owners. Concrete surfaces require more maintenance, including frequent resealing and crack repair. This can add up over time, increasing the overall cost of the project.
Asphalt is more affordable than concrete, but it does not hold up as well to wear and tear. Its surface can become damaged by repeated freezing and thawing cycles, as well as damage from deicers like road salt. It is also more prone to staining and discoloration from oil spills.
Despite these drawbacks, asphalt is a good option for projects that need to be cost-effective and versatile. Its dark color absorbs sunlight and heat, which can help it melt snow faster than concrete. It also has the ability to naturally rebind minor cracks during warm weather, which can prolong its lifespan.
Another benefit of asphalt is its ability to reduce noise. This quality is beneficial for residential streets and commercial parking lots, making it an ideal paving choice for busy urban areas. Its textured surface can also provide better traction, which makes it a safer paving option for wet conditions.
Both concrete and asphalt are susceptible to weather-related damage, but the type of damage they experience varies by climate and topography. For example, concrete may heave or crack in cold environments, while asphalt can become sticky in hot climates. These weather-related issues can impact the longevity of a paved area, so it is important to keep the intended usage and environmental conditions in mind when selecting a pavement material. Kilgore Companies understands these nuances, which is why we offer customized solutions and use climate-responsive construction techniques to ensure the longevity of our clients’ concrete and asphalt projects.
Appearance
Asphalt is dark in color, so it absorbs sunlight and releases it slowly, while concrete reflects sunlight. This makes asphalt up to 10 degrees hotter than concrete, which can be a problem if you walk on it wearing flip-flops or other footwear with thin soles. In addition, you should never let your pets walk on hot asphalt, as it can blister their paws. While asphalt does not look as aesthetically pleasing as concrete, it’s an excellent material for pavement and parking lots because of its durability and low cost.
Asphalt can be laid in a variety of different ways. It can be poured and compacted, or it can be laid on a prepared granular base and rolled. The latter is typically used on road surfaces that require higher load-carrying capacity and greater flexibility than those required for highways. It is also a common choice for sidewalks and other pedestrian areas.
Both concrete and asphalt are made of a combination of materials, including aggregates (granules, sand, or crushed rock), cement, and water. The aggregates provide strength, while the cement and water form a binding agent. The aggregates are shaped and graded to suit the intended use of the finished product.
Concrete is commonly used for building foundations, floors, and walls because it has great compressive strength, which makes it an ideal construction material. It is also versatile and easy to work with, which is why builders chose it for massive structures like skyscrapers. Concrete is also a good choice for pavement, because it provides durability and low maintenance.
Concrete can be poured in layers and allowed to cure before being leveled off and paved over with asphalt or another material. During this curing process, it’s important to keep the temperature consistent to ensure proper strength development. In some cases, accelerated curing techniques may be used to speed up the process and achieve a stronger final product. However, this can result in some variations in texture and strength, which can reduce durability and longevity. It is also important to consider the climate where you live when choosing between concrete and asphalt. Hot summers can cause asphalt to soften and become gooey, while cold winters can cause concrete to heave or crack.
Maintenance
Asphalt requires less maintenance and repair than concrete, but both require regular sealcoating to maintain their integrity and appearance. This upkeep is essential for long-term performance. Concrete is a more durable material that stands up better to traffic, but it may require more frequent and expensive repairs than asphalt. The decision to choose one material over another depends on several factors including the initial cost of construction, the cost of upkeep and ultimate replacement, the location of subsurface utilities, and the kind and volume of traffic that will use the road.
Both asphalt and concrete are constructed from a base of aggregate, which is composed of gravel, crushed stone or recycled concrete. Aggregate comes in various sizes and types, but each type must meet certain specifications for the resulting pavement to be strong enough to support vehicles and other elements. Generally, larger stones and aggregates are used for highways and heavily-traveled roads, while smaller sizes are typically used for residential and commercial pavements.
Both concrete and asphalt have similar lifespans, but asphalt has the advantage of being more flexible in cold climate conditions and resisting damage from freeze-thaw cycles. The flexibility of asphalt also means that it is less likely to crack than concrete, which tends to be more rigid in cold temperatures.
Before applying a new layer of sealcoat, it is important to thoroughly clean the surface of the existing pavement. This removes dirt and debris, which can prevent the new coating from adhering properly. In addition, the removal of oil spills and other contaminants is a must, as these materials can deteriorate the asphalt.
Older asphalt surfaces might have minor surface cracks, which can be filled with a hot rubber crack sealant to prevent water from seeping into the base and damaging the structure. If the cracks are too extensive or alligator cracking is present, the surface will need to be removed and replaced.
Asphalt is often preferred for recreational paving projects, like walking paths and bicycle lanes. Its softer surface is gentler on joints than concrete, and it blends well with natural surroundings. Additionally, asphalt is used inside tunnels to provide a fire-resistant, waterproof layer.