Choosing the best hard surface for your application can be confusing. Fortunately, our knowledgeable Bay Area concrete and asphalt paving contractors have you covered. We’re here to help you determine how to choose concrete or asphalt in various scenarios, ensuring safety and lasting use. Which surface is best for your application?
Concrete Vs. Asphalt – What’s the Difference?
There’s much debate over which surface is superior – asphalt or concrete. Finding the best solution for your application will depend on many factors. Each surface is unique, presenting advantages and disadvantages that can impact project results:
Asphalt
- Made from bitumen, a crude oil derivative
- More affordable but less durable
- Requires more frequent maintenance and replacement
- Lasts about 15 years on average
- Less uniform surface prevents skidding/improves traction
- Flexible and able to adjust to sublayer imperfections
Concrete
- Made from crushed rock, sand, cement, and water
- Costlier, but more eco-friendly than asphalt
- Requires less frequent maintenance and replacement
- Can last 25 years or longer
- Smoother, more uniform surface texture
- More prone to cracking over time; however, new additives can minimize the impact
Why Use Concrete for Roads Instead of Asphalt?
Concrete reduces rolling resistance compared to asphalt. Its smoother surface improves fuel efficiency by 2-5%. Multiplied by each vehicle on the roadway, that’s a serious carbon reduction. However, in some settings, such as roadways with steep inclines or prone to icy conditions, using asphalt may offer a better solution. Asphalt’s rougher, less uniform surface increases rolling resistance but prevents skidding and improves traction in slippery and sloped settings. Since the best solution for your application may vary, we recommend consulting our Caltrans paving contractors for assistance. We’ll recommend the best option for your project, including concrete or asphalt formulations designed to withstand heavy traffic, reduce weight, improve flexibility and earthquake resistance, and more.
Should You Choose Concrete or Asphalt for Playgrounds?
Choosing between concrete or asphalt for playgrounds comes with many considerations. Safety, overall cost, and maintenance each play into finding the ideal playground surface. More important, however, is placement. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) does not recommend using asphalt or concrete below play equipment because these surfaces do not provide adequate shock absorption to prevent injury when children fall. Asphalt and concrete offer a better solution for neighboring walkways and sports courts. Rest assured, our design experts can help you create a fun, safe environment.
Why Is It Important to Resurface?
Regularly applying sealer offers a primary line of defense against surface damage. However, over time, surface protection alone won’t be enough to keep your pavement in prime condition. Resurfacing asphalt is essential when longstanding abuse from traffic and weather significantly wears down your pavement. By stripping away and replacing the top layer of asphalt, you can prevent moisture infiltration into cracks and potholes that cause permanent sublayer damage, extending asphalt life.
Create and Maintain Safe, Lasting Concrete and Asphalt Surfaces
Determine how to choose concrete or asphalt in various scenarios, ensuring lasting happiness with your investment. Find the right solution for your unique application with help from American Asphalt. Contact us at 510-723-0280 to schedule an in-depth evaluation and assessment and get an obligation-free quote for your project today.