It isn’t always easy to determine which type of pavement material is best for the needs of your commercial paving project. However, this direct comparison of asphalt vs. concrete is here to help you see which of these two materials is best for your project, including both the benefits and drawbacks of each.

Comparing Concrete Roads vs. Asphalt Roads

Asphalt’s Benefits

There are many benefits of asphalt for your next paving project in Michigan. Some of the most notable reasons to choose asphalt include

• Cost-effectiveness: Asphalt is one of the most affordable paving materials  

• Ease of application: As a paving material, asphalt cures quickly and is typically safe for use within a fraction of the time concrete requires to cure.

• Flexibility: Because it’s a softer material, asphalt is more flexible and can withstand colder temperatures without cracking as easily.

• Repair: Asphalt is much easier and faster to repair than concrete with patching and crack-filling. Whereas concrete needs several days to cure, motorists can drive on a newly patched piece of asphalt within hours.

• Durability: With proper maintenance, asphalt can withstand 30 years of use and still have a clean, sleek look.

Asphalt is easy and relatively inexpensive to install. It’s an ideal paving material for driveways, parking lots, and residential roads because it’s designed to last for years while withstanding extreme weather conditions.

Drawbacks of Asphalt

While asphalt offers an easy, affordable option for your paving needs, some drawbacks come with it. These include:

• Maintenance needs: Asphalt needs regular sealing and may also require patching if any spots deteriorate.

• Lifespan: While it can still last several decades, asphalt doesn’t have the same longevity as other types of materials like cobblestones or concrete.

• Price fluctuations: Because one of the primary components of asphalt is crude oil, the cost of your next asphalt project is largely dependent on oil market prices.

Concrete’s Benefits

At a glance, the benefits of concrete include:

• Low maintenance: Concrete doesn’t require much upkeep once it’s installed and properly cured.

• Unmatched durability: While most roadways and paths may require maintenance after several decades, concrete has been trusted for millennia because it has the durability to withstand wear and tear.

• Chemical resistance: Concrete can withstand exposure to oil or gasoline from cars and is less likely to degrade with frequent road use than other types of materials.

For some applications and situations, concrete may be the better option. For example, if your project entails paving a road or lot that has higher traffic volumes or accommodates heavier vehicles, concrete may be more suitable. It can also be more easily stamped or painted to improve safety or add aesthetic appeal.

Drawbacks of Concrete

While there are many benefits to using concrete for paving your street, driveway, or parking lot, it isn’t always the best choice. Some of the most notable disadvantages of using concrete include:

• Cost: Compared to other paving materials, concrete is expensive to apply and needs more specialized equipment. Maintenance can also be quite expensive.

• Curing time: While asphalt is typically ready for use within a matter of hours at most, concrete can require days or weeks to cure properly, making installation more disruptive.

• Cold intolerance: Concrete more easily splits and ruptures in cold weather compared to asphalt and other paving materials.

• Installation needs: Professional installation from a licensed concrete contractor is the best option for installing your concrete surface. Otherwise, you could potentially face issues with quality or degradation.

Why Asphalt Is Best for Michigan

When comparing concrete vs. asphalt for your paving project, it’s also important to consider your local climate, soil conditions, and typical weather conditions. For projects in Michigan, asphalt is the most beneficial option.

Asphalt is the ideal choice within Michigan and throughout the northeast because it’s more flexible and better at handling temperature fluctuations. Concrete is more likely to crack in cold winter temperatures.

Although one of the best-known benefits of concrete is its durability, asphalt can hold up just as well if applied correctly—all while being more cost-effective. It’s also easier to repair and patch, even on heavily used pavement.

How to Extend Your Asphalt’s Lifespan

While it can be more cost-effective to install, asphalt can degrade more easily without proper installation and maintenance. However, you can take a few steps to extend its lifespan:

• Patching: Filling in cracks or holes in your asphalt can help it last longer and keep it from breaking apart.

• Sealcoating: Regularly sealcoating your asphalt can protect it from damaging agents like rainwater, snow, or oil from vehicles.

• Resurfacing: By applying another layer over your existing asphalt every few years, you can restore its condition and help it last longer.

Get Paving from the Experts at Michigan Paving & Materials

The best way to guarantee proper installation and maintenance is to leave it to the experts. Consider Michigan Paving & Materials for your next commercial paving project and see how we earned our national recognition for yourself. Connect with us for a quote today.