In the construction industry, there has been a long debate on whether asphalt or concrete is best for paving. Truthfully, we see pros and cons to both, we are going to lay the facts out and let you decide what would be best for your project.

 Asphalt – it’s been around for a long time and we see it on our roads and highways every day. Asphalt installation is quick; within 24 hours you can drive on it, which is really convenient. Although you have to maintain asphalt quite often, it is easy to repair; cracks and holes can simply be filled in and will cure within hours. One great quality of asphalt is that it actually flexes with the soil and sand beneath it, so it is less likely to break in the hot summer months and frigid winter months. Asphalt is known to have a lifetime of about 20 years before it needs to be replaced.

 Concrete – we trust it to our sidewalks, bridges, and even buildings. Is the higher cost of concrete worth it? Let’s see. Installing concrete pavement is a time-consuming project. After the concrete is laid, you cannot walk on it until 3 days after and you cannot drive on the concrete until 5 days after, so you have a long waiting period before it is usable. There is not a lot of maintenance for concrete as it is very durable, but in the case that something does go wrong, it can be a very complicated and expensive repair. Concrete does cost 2-3 times as much as asphalt but does last 30 to 40 years before it needs to be replaced.

 Foundation is key – whether you choose asphalt or concrete, preparing a solid foundation for them to sit upon is essential to making each last longer and be more dependable. Having an expert lay the foundation is highly recommended and will result in a smooth pavement that will last for many years.