Whether you are building a new home or revamping your current one, it is very important that you use the right material for paving. The most commonly used materials for paving are concrete and asphalt. Before you make a choice, it is very important to understand the difference between paving with these two materials so that you can make the right choice. Though they are very different from each other, they do have some similar aspects. Pavements are usually rigid or flexible, wherein the rigid pavements are made of concrete and the flexible ones are made of asphalt. You should hire commercial concrete contractors for large concrete and asphalt projects.
Here are some of the most common differences between the two materials:
- Maintenance and repair: When planning maintenance you must be aware of the differences of asphalt and concrete. Pavement sealing requirements vary greatly in those two materials. Asphalt pavements need to be sealed in around six months after installation and then once every three to five years. This sealing will add to the longevity of your paving. On the other hand, concrete paving does not need sealing. Concrete sealing adds to the look and finish of the pavement. Cracks are equally common in both paving and need regular maintenance to fix the cracks. Asphalt cracks are easier to repair and the finish is better, whereas the concrete cracks are difficult to fix and resurface is not perfect.
- Cost: Asphalt pavements typically cost less than concrete pavements. Your choice of stains or sealing options can effect the cost. You can hire concrete contractors in okc to get the paving installed.
- Durability: Asphalt is generally considered to be less durable as compared to concrete and lasts for about 30 years with proper asphalt maintenance. On the other hand, concrete has a longer life span and can last for more than fifty years with occasional repairs and is more sturdy.
- Aesthetics: The paving material contributes greatly to the look of your parking lot, driveway or pavement. Concrete paving allows you to experiment with tints, stains or stamps to get the look that you desire. However, asphalt is not compatible with stamping, etching and finishes. You can use some sealants with a tint but these have limited options in color.
There are multiple factors that you must consider when choosing between concrete and asphalt paving. The most common aspects have been listed above, but there are other nuances like your local weather. You must weigh in all these factors before you call an expert, altough at First Water Contracting our professionals will help walk you through all the options.
For advice on concrete construction and asphalt resurfacing contact First Water Contracting at 405-664-6200.
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