If your commercial property needs a new parking lot, road or walkway, one of the first decisions you will make is which material is better for your project, concrete vs. asphalt. In rare circumstances, commercial properties may opt for something else, but for the majority of projects, either concrete or asphalt is the right pavement material.
As for your paving project, here is what to consider when choosing between asphalt and concrete:
- How much traffic the pavement will receive
- How long the pavement needs to last
- The climate the pavement will be exposed to
- How quickly the pavement can be installed
- Your initial project budget
- Maintenance expectations following installation
A reputable paving crew can help you determine whether concrete or asphalt are the better option for your commercial property.
When is Asphalt the Best Option for a Commercial Property?
Asphalt is a frontline pavement material for a variety of commercial projects, because it brings the following advantages to the job:
- Flexible structure – Asphalt is a mix of fine aggregates and a bitumen-based binder that keeps it all together. This makes for a naturally flexible structure that bends (but doesn’t break) when exposed to traffic-related forces. With its flexible design, asphalt can be installed in areas where space is limited or where significant traffic is expected.
- Good weather resistance – Asphalt handles most temperatures well and maintains its performance characteristics (traction, flexibility, etc.) in most climates. It is particularly well suited for cold climates, where concrete sometimes has issues. Since asphalt is a flexible material, it can flex and shrink with thermal stresses effectively.
However, asphalt can have issues with extreme heat where it tends to soften, and in wet climates where water intrusion accelerates wear, but these can be mitigated with proper maintenance.
- Rapid installation – Asphalt is quick to install and cure. Depending on the scale and nature of the project, experienced pavement crews only need a few days to place and cure the asphalt. If time is of the essence with your pavement project, asphalt will provide the fastest turnaround.
- Easy maintenance – Asphalt requires consistent preventative maintenance to remain in good shape, but this maintenance is generally easy for experienced pavement crews to manage. Asphalt sealcoating, crack repairs and the occasional pothole fix are standard forms of asphalt maintenance. It is also a good idea to overlay the asphalt and restore its surface every so often.
- Lower cost – Compared to concrete, asphalt costs less upfront to install. It does require more maintenance than concrete, but this maintenance is less complex and less expensive in most instances.
When is Concrete the Best Choice for a Commercial Property?
Concrete has been a mainstay for commercial pavement projects for over a century and remains a top material choice for pavement. Here are some of the reasons for this:
- Unmatched durability – Concrete’s number one advantage is its durability. It can withstand heavy traffic, including commercial traffic, and it will last for decades with proper maintenance. If your pavement project requires a long-term solution, concrete will give you maximum service time and durability. Concrete can also be waterproofed and used as the primary material for your drainage structures.
- Strong thermal resistance – Concrete withstands thermal stresses extremely well if it is properly cured and jointed. With thermal expansion joints, concrete can safely expand when exposed to heat without cracking.
- Minimal maintenance – If it is expertly installed and cured, concrete does not require the same amount of maintenance that asphalt does. It is far less likely to form potholes and severe, deep cracks.
However, it is critical to install concrete on a stable base. It is a rigid pavement material and is susceptible to cracking if it is placed on an unstable foundation. In other words, to minimize concrete maintenance, your project site will need to be expertly prepared.
Concrete vs. Asphalt: A Quick Guide to Choosing the Better Material for Your Commercial Pavement
So which material is the better fit for your commercial pavement project? Here is a quick guide to help you determine which is best:
- Does your pavement need to last as long as possible? – Choose concrete
- Will your pavement be exposed to rainy weather? – Choose concrete
- Concerned about the project interfering with your property? – Choose asphalt
- Do you need to install the pavement in a small area? – Choose asphalt
- Are you looking for a low maintenance material? – Choose concrete
- Do you have budget concerns? Choose asphalt
It may not be clear which material is the right fit for your commercial project. When there is any doubt, consult with an expert pavement contractor first and consider a detailed inspection. Following an inspection, your pavement contractor will have a clear idea of whether concrete or asphalt is the better choice.
Whether You Choose Concrete or Asphalt, have a Reputable Paving Contractor Handle the Job
Concrete and asphalt are both proven, frontline materials for a variety of commercial projects, and there is an ideal pavement material for your project, no matter its location or scale.
The question is whether the ideal material is concrete or asphalt? Fortunately, commercial property owners don’t have to figure it out on their own. An expert pavement contractor can inspect your existing pavement or new site and determine which material will provide the best results.
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