Whether you’re tired of dealing with a cracked, faded hardscape or thinking about building one from scratch, you’ll need to choose the material to use for a new installation. Concrete and asphalt are popular options for driveways, patios, roads, and parking lots. Learn about the pros and cons of each, so you can choose the right material and paving service.

Concrete

Concrete is a composite made from cement paste and aggregate. It can be poured into any mold and shaped.

It’s a favorite for driveways because of its durability. It also has a lot of design versatility. Concrete can be dyed countless colors and stamped with textured tools. Results can mimic natural stone, brick, and even wood.

Concrete can be a low-maintenance material with proper care. It only needs to be sealed with an additive-based protective coating once every 50 years to keep moisture out. If dirt and debris build up, they can be easily blasted away with a pressure washer, and degreasers can remove most auto stains.

On the other hand, concrete can be problematic in extreme cold. Freezing temperatures may lead to cracking, and salt and deicers can damage the surface.

Asphalt

Asphalt is a semi-solid material that binds aggregate to create hardscapes. It’s an affordable, highly durable material, which is why it’s used to build roads, parking lots, and larger hardscapes. It dries quickly, so you’ll be able to begin using your hardscape right away.

Asphalt has to be sealcoated more often—usually every few years—though it’s much easier to repair. Paving services will simply pour the amount needed into a pothole or large crack and smooth it.

This material is also more flexible under temperature strain than concrete. With proper care, it can last upwards of 20 years.

Price is the leading appeal—it can be much cheaper than concrete, which is why it’s preferred for larger commercial or municipal hardscapes.

Whether you’re looking for concrete or asphalt, turn to GMG General. Backed by over 30 years of experience in Anchorage, AK, the paving service contractors handle everything from surface preparation and concrete demolition to road construction and parking lot resurfacing. Call (907) 349-7854 to request a free estimate, and check out their previous projects online.