Considering asphalt for an upcoming paving project in your home? Asphalt is one of the two big types of materials available for paving construction purposes. Concrete is the other material. As the debate between the two paving options rages on, it's clear that each offers a unique combination of advantages and disadvantages that must be carefully reviewed before making an investment decision.
If you want to understand why many homeowners choose asphalt over concrete, take a look at the following advantages.
Asphalt Paving Has A Lower Initial Cost
There are multiple factors to consider when pricing out your paving project. However, one thing you will typically see is that the upfront cost of asphalt tends to be much lower than concrete.
As a general rule of thumb, concrete can cost more than asphalt, on average. If your primary aim is to save money on the initial pavement installation, asphalt is your best bet. However, if you're looking to get the most cost-effective solution, it's recommended you undertake a life-cycle cost analysis of your paving project first to determine if asphalt has the greatest potential for cost savings over the long term.
Asphalt Paving Looks Better
If you compare the blacktop appearance of asphalt pavement surfaces with the plain-gray color of concrete pavements, it's easy to see why asphalt comes out on top.
A professionally installed, smooth-looking asphalt surface in itself is a sight to behold. Unlike concrete, it does not require additional finishing to look good. This allows you to install beautiful pavements without incurring the extra cost of decorative finishes, resulting in greater savings on asphalt installation.
Asphalt Paving Requires A Shorter Installation Time
Under normal conditions for pavement installation, asphalt tends to cure faster than concrete, meaning you'll be able to walk or drive on it sooner than it would take for concrete to be ready for use. Since this is the case, you should choose asphalt over concrete. This is especially important if you're hard-pressed to finish laying your pavement when conditions are still favorable or when you want to start using your new pavement at your earliest convenience.
Asphalt pavements generally require more maintenance and repairs than their concrete counterparts, which can increase the total cost of the investment substantially. To figure out whether or not asphalt paving is the right choice for you, feel free to consult a local paving contractor. A company like Phend & Brown can provide more information.