Whether you’re putting in a driveway, a road, or a parking lot, the paving material you choose will impact the maintenance, life span, and appearance of the surface as well as your satisfaction. Here’s a brief guide to the benefits of asphalt paving and concrete.

The Differences Between Asphalt & Concrete

Asphalt Paving

Asphalt paving is affordable—often a fraction of the cost of concrete. The cost advantages of asphalt increase as square footage increases. This is why it’s routinely used for paving roadways and parking lots.

When properly maintained, asphalt is durable and long-lasting. It performs well in locations that experience temperature extremes and  changing temperatures because it expands and contracts to adapt. It resists cracking in freezing temperatures, for example, and unlike concrete surfaces, cracks are easy to repair with a filler.

Because it also resists stains, it’s a smart choice for pavements that sustain a lot of traffic, such as driveways and streets. It also disguises oil stains better than concrete.

Commissioning a pavement contractor to seal coat your asphalt drive every few years will protect it from wear and keep it looking fresh and new.

Concrete

Because it stays cooler in extreme heat, it’s more comfortable to walk across concrete surfaces when it’s hot outside. It also gives homeowners more options to alter a surface’s appearance. It can be stamped or tinted to mimic other materials, such as brick pavers or tile.

Concrete tends to require less maintenance than asphalt, but repairs are more disruptive and expensive. Crack repairs may require digging under the surface, and patches may be more visible. Concrete may serve homeowners best if reserved for smaller paved surfaces, such as backyard patios and short walkways.

Carl Burns-Hotshot Asphalt in Union, MO, is the leading paving contractor in the St. Louis region. They use state-of-the-art equipment and high-quality materials to produce superior asphalt paving results. They’ll also help keep your paved surface in pristine condition with seal coating and repairs. Every project comes with an exclusive one-year warranty. Learn more on their website about their residential services, and call (636) 584-7283 to request a quote.