While concrete is a popular option for homeowners and commercial property owners, asphalt paving is also an excellent choice for parking lots and residential driveways. There are many advantages of asphalt installation versus concrete and knowing a bit more about these materials and the installation process can help you decide the right choice for your commercial or residential property.
Asphalt installation is more affordable than concrete and often easier to maintain and repair. Asphalt also offers more traction and less glare, while concrete might last longer than asphalt before it needs replacement.
Since your choice of paving materials is a costly investment in your property, consider some differences between an asphalt installation and concrete, and some reasons why you might choose asphalt over any other material for a commercial or residential property! You can then discuss your options with an asphalt installation contractor near you and decide the right choice for your needs in particular.
Asphalt installation is fast becoming a popular choice for residential properties as well as commercial parking lots and public roadways, and for many good reasons. Note some important differences between asphalt versus concrete and why you might choose blacktop for your property or a public road for which you’re responsible:
One last, very vital point to consider is that asphalt installation and asphalt repairs are often far less costly than concrete installation and repairs. If you have a large parking lot or lots of roadway to cover, you need to keep in mind your installation costs as well as the long-term costs of repaving and repairing that material over time.
One advantage of concrete over asphalt is that concrete does tend to last for a few more years than asphalt, but this doesn’t mean that concrete is necessarily a better choice for roadways and driveways. A concrete installation might last some 30 years whereas an asphalt installation typically lasts between 20 and 30 years.
While asphalt might need repaving sooner than concrete, note that a very affordable chip seal covers over spalling and other such asphalt surface damage. A chip seal is comprised of the same materials as asphalt but is applied in layers, starting with liquid asphalt and then chips or aggregates. The chip seal is then pressed and allowed to harden, creating a new surface for asphalt.
A chip seal extends the life of your asphalt by several years while creating a fresh, solid surface that is safe for vehicles and pedestrians. A new chip sealing also improves the look of your pavement in an instant, providing a solid base for new parking and driving lines. When comparing the cost of new asphalt installation and the cost of an eventual asphalt chip seal, you might find that it’s the better choice overall, even if concrete does tend to last longer than fresh asphalt.
While you might save money by putting an asphalt installation over concrete, it’s often recommended that an old driveway or parking lot be removed instead. Note a few reasons why it’s sometimes best to plan on a full concrete driveway tear-out as part of your new asphalt installation:
Only an asphalt paving contractor near you can determine if your property is a good candidate for installing asphalt over concrete, but whatever the case, consider the benefits of removing that concrete first before you choose a new asphalt installation.
The expected lifespan of your new asphalt installation will depend on the quality of the asphalt mix and its installation itself, as well as the stability of its base. However, how you maintain your new asphalt will also affect its overall condition throughout the years. Note a few tips on how to maintain your new asphalt installation and keep your new driveway or parking lot in tiptop shape:
Your asphalt installation contractor can also note any added tips for ensuring your asphalt stays stable and strong throughout the years, and can inspect your property for needed grading, drainage, and other such upkeep.
How often should you seal an asphalt driveway?
While seal coating is vital for the maintenance of your new asphalt, you also don’t want to seal coat a driveway too often as too much sealant might damage the surface of asphalt. Typically you need to sealcoat a driveway once every two to three years and no more.
Is two inches of asphalt enough for a driveway?
While a residential driveway doesn’t need to be overly thick, a layer of asphalt that is too thin might crack and buckle easily. Most residential driveways are four to six inches thick, or your asphalt paving contractor might apply four to six inches of gravel or aggregate and then three inches of asphalt over that.