We know that when it is time to install your new paving project you have a lot to consider. One of the biggest decisions you will make is whether you choose asphalt or concrete for your material. Regardless of if it’s a driveway or industrial need, there are a lot of factors to consider in making your choice. Of course, at Cassidy Paving, we are experts on asphalt paving, but we understand that there are pros and cons to each option. We aim to give you the most information on both concrete and asphalt so that you can make the best decision for your particular set of circumstances.
Your Budget
Budget concerns are one of the biggest deciding factors when it comes to choosing the best driveway material for you. Angie’s List reports that a basic asphalt driveway costs between $2-$5 per square foot, while concrete in comparison will cost you between $3-$10 per square foot. Concrete is highly customizable, but also increases in cost when you do so. Just from sheer affordability, asphalt would be the best choice for you if you need to spend as little money as possible.
Wait Time
If you need your driveway or other projects ready as soon as possible, with no time to spare, there’s one choice that stands out. When curing asphalt pavement, you can drive on it immediately. There’s barely any downtime with asphalt, but concrete will require at least a week of curing before it is ready to withstand any loads. Some contractors may say that you can drive on the concrete sooner, but most will tell you to wait up to 7 days to be safe. You don’t want to ruin the cure before it has time to set.
Durability
One upper hand that concrete seems to have on asphalt is that it is known to last up to 30 years, while on average asphalt has a lifespan of about 25 years. Concrete is durable, but any maintenance that has to be done on it will be expensive. Not only is asphalt cheaper to install, but it is also cheaper to maintain. The difference between the two is only a few short years and sometimes thousands of dollars in cost. Concrete is also known to crack under extreme pressure and extreme weather, while asphalt expands and contracts to adjust to harsher climates. Asphalt is reliable and can be patched quickly and easily during any time of year. Home Advisor says that when it comes to comparison, asphalt is “easier to repair, cheaper and not subject to temperature variations.”
Ready to Choose?
If you’ve done your research and educated yourself on the pros and cons of asphalt and concrete and your best fit is asphalt, Cassidy Paving wants to start your project right away. You can give us a call at 866-978-9788 to start the process of getting your new paving project underway. We offer paving for residential, commercial, and industrial customers and we are certified, bonded, and pre-qualified in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
