Concrete vs Asphalt Which is Better?
Concrete vs asphalt. That is the question we asked ourselves when we were in the process of deciding what to do with the hardscape of the property we recently purchased. The asphalt was 42 years old and not properly installed or maintained. After much research here are the pros and cons of both asphalt and concrete.
Asphalt is currently less expensive per sq ft. I received a quote for all new asphalt for $17,000 for this project. The concrete was $27,000 for the final project. Asphalt is much less expensive than concrete or so it would appear. If you are just looking at a pure budget standpoint, asphalt is the clear winner. But asphalt does require sealing which in the case of this 3,100 sq ft driveway would be about $930 every time I would need it done or every 3-4 years. After 30 years without inflation that would be $9,300 or just about the cost of the concrete driveway, we had installed.
Asphalt also cures quickly. After one day it is ready to drive on. Concrete takes two weeks to reach 90% strength, so no driving or parking on it for at least 7 days. 14 days is better. Asphalt wins in that category if you are in a hurry to finish the project. Asphalt does need more future upkeep as I mentioned. You will need to seal it every 3-4 years for the life of the asphalt. The average lifespan is 30 years for asphalt. Concrete doesn’t need to be maintained so unlike asphalt it is a one-and-done deal. The lifespan for concrete is 40-50 years.
Asphalt gets hot and retains heat. In very hot regions that can be a drawback. In extreme heat, it can soften. Concrete does not get nearly as hot. Extreme heat does not affect concrete. Concrete can crack in colder freezing areas. Asphalt is cold weather resistant. But asphalt by its nature tends to crack and chip much more than concrete as you can see from the 42-year-old driveway in the video. So concrete overall is more durable.
The overall look of concrete is better and you can do more with concrete. In two of our other projects, we had the concrete colored and stamped. You can get asphalt now in different colors, but the stamping can only be done with concrete. After the first year asphalt tends to fade and look older faster. Although asphalt does hide oil stains and other stains better than concrete. Concrete remains the same year after year but can be stained by oil and metal objects. Overall I like the look of concrete much better than asphalt.
Regardless if you choose concrete or asphalt the installation and base are the one key element of the longevity of the project. The asphalt in the video was not prepped with care. Some of the areas were 3” thick, other areas 4 ½” thick. It was also not level and there was no compacted gravel base. It was poured over unleveled dirt back in 1981.
Contrast that with the concrete project by All Season Turn. It was reinforced with rebar and the dirt was overlayed in 8 scoops of gravel which was compacted down making it a firm and hard base. It was also carefully measured so that all of the concrete was 4” thick from the edge of the house to each wood frame.
About All Season Turf
Leo Moya, known as the Turf doctor, was born in Sinaloa, Mexico on January 18, 1979. He immigrated to the US at age 16 to pursue the American dream.
His first job was at the Color Spot Nurseries in Fallbrook, CA. After that, he had various other jobs before opening his own company, All Season Turf, in 2002—shortly after marrying his wife, Chaila Archuleta-Moya. Now their daughter, Alexa Maria Moya, is also involved in the business. When not busy with work or school the family enjoys baseball games, Disneyland, and spending time supporting their community.
You can count on Leo Moya and everyone else at this family-owned and operated business to provide high-quality artificial grass, perfectly installed, for your residential or commercial property.
All Season Turf has remained loyal to Synthetic Grass Warehouse and Tiger Turf over the years. As a result, All Season Turf has enjoyed many benefits, including the best prices and products.
All Season Turf Service area, Los Angeles County, Ventura County Orange County, San Bernardino County, San Diego County, Riverside County, Imperial County
To contact All Season Turf
(866) 365-TURF (866) 365-8873
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