Replacing or laying a new driveway for your home? Paving a parking lot for you business? When it comes to residential or commercial paving, a common question is whether to use asphalt or concrete. Both materials have pros and cons and some jobs are better suited for one or the other. Colorado has a unique and at times rather harsh climate, so this can be an especially important question when considering asphalt or concrete paving in Denver, CO.
As your choice asphalt and concrete contractor in the Denver metro area, we've put together this quick guide to help steer you in the right direction by breaking down the biggest considerations.
Affordability
Asphalt paving is notorious for being quite affordable, which is one of the reasons it's so popular. Concrete, on the other hand, is one of the more expensive paving materials out there, especially when it comes to a residential paving project. Where a concrete driveway or sidewalk may cost many thousands of dollars if done correctly, the same project done in asphalt wouldn't rack up quite as big of a bill. Asphalt is the clear winner for affordability.
Ease
Another reason for asphalt's popularity is because it's so easy and quick to install, maintain or replace asphalt pavement. When asphalt must be replaced, the top layer is usually the only part replaced, with the other layers being reusable. This also helps keep asphalt more affordable than concrete, which typically has to be completely removed and re-poured when being replaced.
Maintenance
Concrete surfaces are typically rather low maintenance because of concrete's superior strength. While it's important to deal with obvious damage to the surface as it appears, concrete often requires little maintenance throughout its lifespan. With that said, when concrete does need to be repaired it can be rather expensive as compared to asphalt. As discussed under affordability, asphalt is cheaper than concrete and that rings true for maintenance and repairs as well. Asphalt, however, does typically require more maintenance than concrete to achieve the longest possible lifespan. Asphalt can be more susceptible to things like cracks or general deterioration. While these asphalt maintenance measures should always be done as they appear, they are very affordable and easy, and can greatly extend the life of your asphalt surface.
Climate Factors
Colorado has a unique and at times rather harsh climate - seeing the extremes of intense dry heat as well as bitter cold, snow and ice. Asphalt is unique in that it has the ability to expand and contract as the temperature changes, whereas concrete is more prone to damage and deterioration as the temperature fluctuates. Concrete also suffers deterioration from salt, while asphalt does not.
Aesthetic
We all know how pleasing a freshly laid asphalt blacktop, and the aesthetic benefit does end there. Due to it being black, asphalt shows less of things like stains and tire marks which can plague the appearance of a white cement surface.
Lifespan
Both asphalt and concrete have impressive lifespans, part of the reason they are the two most common and popular materials for surface paving. Concrete being the strong of the two can last as much as 4-5 decades if laid and maintained properly. Asphalt doesn't boast quite the longevity as concrete, but if properly maintained can still last an impressive 2-3 decades.
Conclusion? It Depends.
Ultimately it's clear that both concrete and asphalt have their place at the top of the paving world - which one to choose for your job really depends on the project and location. For an expert opinion on how best to approach your unique paving project, reach out to us for a free consultation. Whether commercial or residential, we're your choice asphalt and concrete contractors in Denver, CO.