Learn the Pavement and Asphalt Main Differences
What Are the Pavement and Asphalt Main Differences?
There are a variety of times you'll need to consider your paving options. Perhaps the most common is when looking for a company to install a new driveway. You have two main choices in driveway paving: asphalt and pavement.
Which is the best option? Is there a right option at all? That really depends on how you feel when looking at the pavement and asphalt main differences. There are several big differences between the two. Let's look further at this idea right now.
Table of Contents
- Asphalt vs. Pavement
- Understanding Asphalt
- Professional Driveway Paving Services
Asphalt vs. Pavement
You may be surprised to learn that asphalt and pavement are made differently on purpose, because they're not actually designed to meet the same needs. Concrete pavement is made to be walked on. For this reason, it has a high amount of grip that allows people to walk without slipping. Asphalt, on the other hand, is made with vehicle traffic in mind. That is why it is relatively smooth and can bear heavy weights for many years at a time.
Asphalt is less expensive to install than concrete, by several dollars per square foot. a 600 square-foot asphalt driveway will cost less than $300 in materials. A similarly sized concrete driveway will cost $850 in materials.
Despite the huge cost difference, it lasts for up to 25 years compared to 30 years for expensive concrete. Asphalt hides oil stains, because it is naturally the darker option. Asphalt is not affected by the cold and does not deteriorate from salt use, something very important for us here in Connecticut! Another fantastic quality of an asphalt driveway is that it hardens so quickly you can drive on it immediately. Concrete, on the other hand, needs to cure for about a week.
Understanding Asphalt
Asphalt is a mixture of aggregate (sand and crushed stone) and a binding agent. The binder is a black, viscous petroleum-based substance. It is usually very hot when the binder is combined with the aggregate, turning it into a very sticky substance that hardens when it dries.
Professional Driveway Paving Services
If you are deciding between asphalt pavement and concrete for your new driveway, we'd love to discuss this topic further with you. Pavement and asphalt are made with distinct purposes in mind. If you need a new driveway, you need asphalt and not pavement. This is because asphalt is made for driving and parking your vehicle on, and pavement is not.
There are several concrete and asphalt main differences to consider. Asphalt can be installed and used more quickly than concrete, meaning your new driveway can be laid and ready to use before you know it. Reach out to us now and let's talk about your upcoming driveway project!
Contact Asphalt Paving by GW
The three possible causes mentioned above are not an exhaustive list. To know for sure what is causing your home's driveways cracks and to learn more about asphalt paving, contact the friendly professionals at Asphalt Paving by GW.