You have likely heard of both asphalt and concrete. If you are like many people you may think that the two are interchangeable and refer to the same product. But this could not be further from the truth. There are a few key differences when considering asphalt versus concrete and knowing those differences can help you decide which is better for your upcoming paving project.

What are the differences?

As stated above, there are several differences between asphalt and concrete. These differences include aesthetics, maintenance, cost, restrictions, and climate.

Both substances require similar a similar preparation process and foundation layers to be in place before pouring begins. Both are also made of the some of the same components, those being sand and stone. However, here is where they begin to diverge.

Adhesives

Asphalt uses tar as an adhesive to hold the material components together. In concrete, the adhesive is cement. Tar is less expensive than cement, making asphalt cheaper to pour overall, but it is also softer and degrades more rapidly than cement. So while asphalt may be less expensive, concrete will last longer.

Aesthetics

Aesthetics can be quite subjective, so it really is up to you what you prefer. If you are pouring a driveway, asphalt will be black due to the tar, so it will make your driveway look like an extension of the road. Concrete will be lighter in color, so your driveway will stand out from the roadway leading up to it. Concrete can also be stained or tinted in an array of different colors, so it can be matched to your home décor quite easily.

Climate

If you live in a very cold climate, concrete tends to crack and break under freezing temperatures. And the salt used to melt snow and ice can also leave behind unsightly pits and pock marks in the surface. On the other hand, asphalt can dry out, crack, and break under extreme heat. The tar can melt, making the surface a bit sticky feeling.

Maintenance

Asphalt maintenance is important for the longevity of the project. About 6 months to a year after the initial pour, you must have your asphalt pavement sealed.  It must also be resealed roughly every three years. The average lifespan of a well-maintained asphalt driveway is about 30 years.

Your concrete driveway will not need to be sealed in order to last a long time, sometimes upwards of fifty years. However, concrete driveways stain easier than asphalt, so sealing can help to preserve the overall look.

Resurfacing or filling cracks in asphalt is generally considered much easier and can be blended into the existing surface fairly seamlessly. This is nearly impossible with concrete due to the way the surface handles weathering.

Cost

Disregarding maintenance costs, asphalt is cheaper to install than concrete. There is some variation in the overall cost as the cost of crude oil fluctuates with the market. Concrete is more expensive thanks in large part to the cost of the cement. Any additions such as stain or detailed finishes will obviously add more to the overall cost.