Asphalt v. Concrete:
Which is the better Driveway surface?
Asphalt or concrete, which is better driveway surface? If you’re about to embark on a project, like residential driveway paving, road construction, or laying a tennis court, asphalt or concrete are the traditional options. Choosing between the two pavement materials can be difficult. Learning the history of asphalt and concrete, their similarities and differences, and what it takes to maintain and repair them can help you decide which one is the best fit for your needs.
What is asphalt?
Asphalt, also referred to as blacktop, is a material that is a mixture of two main ingredients - crushed stone and bitumen. Bitumen is a tar-like, dark (usually black), thick and sticky material, a cross between solid and liquid that’s made from petroleum distillation.
Many people think asphalt and blacktop are the same when actually blacktop is a type of asphalt. Asphalt is often used to pave streets and highways whereas blacktop is commonly found on residential streets, pothole repairs, and driveways. Blacktop is made at a much higher degree of heat is one of the main differences between traditional asphalt and blacktop.
Asphalt very eco-friendly. It is the most recycled product on earth. The recycling of asphalt even helps in recycling other products. It fights sound pollution too because it reduces noise levels by three to five decimals.
Natural asphalt is found in the surface of the earth. But not a lot of people know who invented asphalt as we know it today. Man-made asphalt used in construction today got its start in Belgium in 1870 when a chemist named Edmund J. DeSmedt poured the first asphalt pavement in the United States. The asphalt was a sand mix that was fashioned after a natural asphalt pavement on a French highway that was built in 1852.
Many people think asphalt and blacktop are the same when actually blacktop is a type of asphalt. Asphalt is often used to pave streets and highways whereas blacktop is commonly found on residential streets, pothole repairs, and driveways. Blacktop is made at a much higher degree of heat is one of the main differences between traditional asphalt and blacktop.
Asphalt very eco-friendly. It is the most recycled product on earth. The recycling of asphalt even helps in recycling other products. It fights sound pollution too because it reduces noise levels by three to five decimals.
Natural asphalt is found in the surface of the earth. But not a lot of people know who invented asphalt as we know it today. Man-made asphalt used in construction today got its start in Belgium in 1870 when a chemist named Edmund J. DeSmedt poured the first asphalt pavement in the United States. The asphalt was a sand mix that was fashioned after a natural asphalt pavement on a French highway that was built in 1852.
Strength of asphalt
Asphalt is made by mixing crushed stone or sometimes, crushed rock, asphalt cement, or sand with bitumen. It is heated to a high temperature and is them ready to be dumped out while steaming hot, leveled with a rake, and then compacted, usually by a heavy-duty steamroller.
Asphalt is rated on a scale called a Structural Number (SN). The SN is the empirical strength value that is given to a specific material. Rather than being composed of units, an SN uses a relative number to compare different materials, like asphalt and cement. The strength of asphalt is a value of 1.0 for each inch of its thickness. The strength is determined by the actual ingredients used in mix, the quality and quantity of those ingredients, and the heating process.
Conditions Associated with Pouring Asphalt
It’s important to estimate the unit weight of asphalt to figure how much will be needed to complete a project. Asphalt weighs 1.297 per cubic inch. Since most projects are cover relatively large areas, the asphalt weight per yard is calculated. In order to assure accuracy, an asphalt tonnage formula is used to estimate the number of tons of asphalt required for a job.
Due to its chemical make-up and extreme heat, hot asphalt should not be poured when the temperature outdoors is under 40 degrees. Various types of asphalt exist that can be poured in cold weather, so the kind that is used can be changed as needed.
Types of Asphalt
Three main types of asphalt exist - Hot Asphalt, UPM, MC Cold Mix. There are different varieties of each of the three types which are usually divided into winter and summer uses.
When the weather is below 40 degrees, MC Cold Mix asphalt can be poured. Generally this is just done to create a temporary patch, like a pothole repairs. As the name implies, this type of asphalt is poured cold rather than steaming hot like traditional asphalt is. UPM is a cold mix that is high-quality and high-performance and is therefore used for permanent situations than MC is.
Asphalt is rated on a scale called a Structural Number (SN). The SN is the empirical strength value that is given to a specific material. Rather than being composed of units, an SN uses a relative number to compare different materials, like asphalt and cement. The strength of asphalt is a value of 1.0 for each inch of its thickness. The strength is determined by the actual ingredients used in mix, the quality and quantity of those ingredients, and the heating process.
Conditions Associated with Pouring Asphalt
It’s important to estimate the unit weight of asphalt to figure how much will be needed to complete a project. Asphalt weighs 1.297 per cubic inch. Since most projects are cover relatively large areas, the asphalt weight per yard is calculated. In order to assure accuracy, an asphalt tonnage formula is used to estimate the number of tons of asphalt required for a job.
Due to its chemical make-up and extreme heat, hot asphalt should not be poured when the temperature outdoors is under 40 degrees. Various types of asphalt exist that can be poured in cold weather, so the kind that is used can be changed as needed.
Types of Asphalt
Three main types of asphalt exist - Hot Asphalt, UPM, MC Cold Mix. There are different varieties of each of the three types which are usually divided into winter and summer uses.
When the weather is below 40 degrees, MC Cold Mix asphalt can be poured. Generally this is just done to create a temporary patch, like a pothole repairs. As the name implies, this type of asphalt is poured cold rather than steaming hot like traditional asphalt is. UPM is a cold mix that is high-quality and high-performance and is therefore used for permanent situations than MC is.
What is Concrete?
Concrete is a structurally hard material that consists of fine and coarse aggregate, typically sand and gravel, that is bonded together by cement and water. It is used in the construction of many things like building extremely strong structures, paving roads and driveways, and even swimming pools and pool decks. Cement is the most-used material in the entire world.
The first form of concrete dates back hundreds of years when ancient Babylonians and Assyrians used clay as a bonding material. Sometime later, the Egyptians mixed gypsum and lime to achieve their building purposes. The closest substance to the concrete we know today was created in 1824 when an English inventor named Joseph Aspdin mixed limestone and clay together. Since then, the formulation has been altered a little and perfected a lot.
The material used in making the cement in concrete are called aggregates. They are usually defined as fine (0.001 to 0.25 inch) or course (0.25 to 1.5 inch and sometimes larger). Any impurities in the aggregate will greatly diminish the quality and the strength of the cement.
The first form of concrete dates back hundreds of years when ancient Babylonians and Assyrians used clay as a bonding material. Sometime later, the Egyptians mixed gypsum and lime to achieve their building purposes. The closest substance to the concrete we know today was created in 1824 when an English inventor named Joseph Aspdin mixed limestone and clay together. Since then, the formulation has been altered a little and perfected a lot.
The material used in making the cement in concrete are called aggregates. They are usually defined as fine (0.001 to 0.25 inch) or course (0.25 to 1.5 inch and sometimes larger). Any impurities in the aggregate will greatly diminish the quality and the strength of the cement.
STRENGTH of concrete
The aggregate or cement used in making concrete is characterized by the methods used to produce the product or by its specific qualities. The ratio of water-to-cement is an important factor.
For the strongest concrete, a lower amount of water is used in the mix, generally just enough to make sure each of the particles of aggregate are surrounded by the cement paste. Too little water will make pouring the concrete difficult or impossible. Too much water will render a weak final product. Another ratio widely used for determining the strength of cement is a three-part-ratio. The less aggregate, the stronger and more durable the concrete.
Concrete strength is measured in pounds per square inch of force that is required to crush a sample that is of a certain age and hardness. The strength of concrete is greatly affected by the environment it is exposed to, especially moisture and temperature.
Conditions Associated with Pouring Concrete
When initially pouring concrete, it is imperative for it not to dry prematurely or it will be stressed and faulty. To keep it from drying too quickly and to prevent shrinking, it is kept damp which is referred to as curing. Low temperatures also have adverse effects on freshly poured concrete so calcium chloride is often added to the cement when the weather is cold in order to raise the temperature.
Types of Concrete
In addition to traditional types of concrete, such as that used on a patio or driveway, concrete is sometimes hardened onto metal (generally steel) that is imbedded. This form of concrete is called reinforced concrete. Reinforcement can be in the form of bars, mesh, or rods. Reinforced concrete is super strong and is often used in situations where there are extreme risks, like hurricanes or earthquakes.
Pre-stressed concrete is a masonry innovation where cables, wire, or ropes are put in an empty mod and are stretched and anchored into place. The concrete is then poured and set. Through a careful process, the concrete is compressed and is incredibly strong without the need for heavy steel to reinforce it. This type of concrete is typically used on bridges and sleek and elegant structures.
Self-cleaning concrete was invented and perfected within the last three decades. It is quite popular, especially in areas where a fresh, clean look is important. In order to make this type of concrete, catalytic material is added during the process of making it.
For the strongest concrete, a lower amount of water is used in the mix, generally just enough to make sure each of the particles of aggregate are surrounded by the cement paste. Too little water will make pouring the concrete difficult or impossible. Too much water will render a weak final product. Another ratio widely used for determining the strength of cement is a three-part-ratio. The less aggregate, the stronger and more durable the concrete.
Concrete strength is measured in pounds per square inch of force that is required to crush a sample that is of a certain age and hardness. The strength of concrete is greatly affected by the environment it is exposed to, especially moisture and temperature.
Conditions Associated with Pouring Concrete
When initially pouring concrete, it is imperative for it not to dry prematurely or it will be stressed and faulty. To keep it from drying too quickly and to prevent shrinking, it is kept damp which is referred to as curing. Low temperatures also have adverse effects on freshly poured concrete so calcium chloride is often added to the cement when the weather is cold in order to raise the temperature.
Types of Concrete
In addition to traditional types of concrete, such as that used on a patio or driveway, concrete is sometimes hardened onto metal (generally steel) that is imbedded. This form of concrete is called reinforced concrete. Reinforcement can be in the form of bars, mesh, or rods. Reinforced concrete is super strong and is often used in situations where there are extreme risks, like hurricanes or earthquakes.
Pre-stressed concrete is a masonry innovation where cables, wire, or ropes are put in an empty mod and are stretched and anchored into place. The concrete is then poured and set. Through a careful process, the concrete is compressed and is incredibly strong without the need for heavy steel to reinforce it. This type of concrete is typically used on bridges and sleek and elegant structures.
Self-cleaning concrete was invented and perfected within the last three decades. It is quite popular, especially in areas where a fresh, clean look is important. In order to make this type of concrete, catalytic material is added during the process of making it.
How to choose between ASPHALT and concrete
While many think that concrete is stronger than asphalt, that’s not true. When compared on equal designs in equal measurements, the traffic-carrying ability of each are approximately the same or close to it.
The general material used to make asphalt and concrete is the same - stone and sand. The adhesives they use are different though which accounts for some of the other differences between the two, price and durability. Asphalt is less expensive because tar is the main aggregate is cheaper and more abundant than concrete’s aggregate, cement. Asphalt is also less durable. With proper care, however, asphalt can last about as long as concrete.
A well-compacted base is required before laying both concrete and asphalt. Both have to dry, or cure, before they can be driven or walked on. Asphalt dries within hours while concrete usually take a few days. Asphalt can be utilized within two days after drying while concrete typically takes twice as long.
While the weather can be too cold to lay cement, a cold mix asphalt can be laid during the winter. Asphalt is quicker to lay. It is also smoother and quieter to drive on as a rule. It is easy on the wear and tear of vehicles driving on it too while concrete isn’t.
Asphalt repair and maintenance is made much easier due when a seal coat is used. After it is applied and the short seal coat dry time is complete, tending to asphalt is practically a breeze. Cement, on the other hand, can be costly to maintain, in part due to the flaking that sometimes occurs due to certain mixtures. Cement stripping is generally time-consuming and expensive.
Because asphalt is dark, it doesn’t show repairs and patches as much as cement does. It is also easier to keep a cleaner appearance. Snow and ice melt on asphalt quicker because it is dark which can make it safer. But, during hot weather, it can be hot to walk on.
Which is the better choice for your project - concrete or asphalt?
Some deciding factors are:
Purpose
What are you wanting to achieve with your project? The material you would choose to put on your driveway might be difference from the one you’d select to pave a private road on your land. Evaluating the best option for the specific project is a great place to start when deciding between asphalt and cement.
Regulations
Check to see if there are any building codes in your area that have specifications on what material you can use. If you live where an HOA exists, your decision made already be made by their restrictions and rule.
Aesthetics
What look and feel are you hoping to achieve? Some individuals love the appearance of a dark asphalt driveway while others don’t like it at all. Asphalt basically comes in black or dark colors which may factor it in...or out. Cement is generally light in color. Both, however, can be treated to somewhat stray from the traditional colors.
Concrete is a little more versatile in that it can have different designs and can be stained, tinted, or painted. Until recently, there wasn’t much variance from the dark asphalt. The dawning of sealant has saved the day with integral coloring that can be added into the mix.
Budget - Asphalt is typically less expensive to install although crude oil price fluctuations make a difference since oil is a factor in the formulation. Concrete can cost more, especially if you plant on adding a finish and detail work. Asphalt is usually less costly to repair.
Climate
If you live in an unusually cold climate, concrete may not do well. It tends to crack and is slick when covered with snow and ice. Asphalt can retrain the hot summer heat and become tacky if it gets too hot. It can be treated, however.
Maintenance
Asphalt that is sealed fares very well where maintenance is concerned. With sealing in place, an asphalt surface may last thirty years or longer. Cement surfaces can last up to fifty years or longer but can be difficult and expensive to repair. Cement patching tends to stick out while asphalt patches can blend right in.
The general material used to make asphalt and concrete is the same - stone and sand. The adhesives they use are different though which accounts for some of the other differences between the two, price and durability. Asphalt is less expensive because tar is the main aggregate is cheaper and more abundant than concrete’s aggregate, cement. Asphalt is also less durable. With proper care, however, asphalt can last about as long as concrete.
A well-compacted base is required before laying both concrete and asphalt. Both have to dry, or cure, before they can be driven or walked on. Asphalt dries within hours while concrete usually take a few days. Asphalt can be utilized within two days after drying while concrete typically takes twice as long.
While the weather can be too cold to lay cement, a cold mix asphalt can be laid during the winter. Asphalt is quicker to lay. It is also smoother and quieter to drive on as a rule. It is easy on the wear and tear of vehicles driving on it too while concrete isn’t.
Asphalt repair and maintenance is made much easier due when a seal coat is used. After it is applied and the short seal coat dry time is complete, tending to asphalt is practically a breeze. Cement, on the other hand, can be costly to maintain, in part due to the flaking that sometimes occurs due to certain mixtures. Cement stripping is generally time-consuming and expensive.
Because asphalt is dark, it doesn’t show repairs and patches as much as cement does. It is also easier to keep a cleaner appearance. Snow and ice melt on asphalt quicker because it is dark which can make it safer. But, during hot weather, it can be hot to walk on.
Which is the better choice for your project - concrete or asphalt?
Some deciding factors are:
Purpose
What are you wanting to achieve with your project? The material you would choose to put on your driveway might be difference from the one you’d select to pave a private road on your land. Evaluating the best option for the specific project is a great place to start when deciding between asphalt and cement.
Regulations
Check to see if there are any building codes in your area that have specifications on what material you can use. If you live where an HOA exists, your decision made already be made by their restrictions and rule.
Aesthetics
What look and feel are you hoping to achieve? Some individuals love the appearance of a dark asphalt driveway while others don’t like it at all. Asphalt basically comes in black or dark colors which may factor it in...or out. Cement is generally light in color. Both, however, can be treated to somewhat stray from the traditional colors.
Concrete is a little more versatile in that it can have different designs and can be stained, tinted, or painted. Until recently, there wasn’t much variance from the dark asphalt. The dawning of sealant has saved the day with integral coloring that can be added into the mix.
Budget - Asphalt is typically less expensive to install although crude oil price fluctuations make a difference since oil is a factor in the formulation. Concrete can cost more, especially if you plant on adding a finish and detail work. Asphalt is usually less costly to repair.
Climate
If you live in an unusually cold climate, concrete may not do well. It tends to crack and is slick when covered with snow and ice. Asphalt can retrain the hot summer heat and become tacky if it gets too hot. It can be treated, however.
Maintenance
Asphalt that is sealed fares very well where maintenance is concerned. With sealing in place, an asphalt surface may last thirty years or longer. Cement surfaces can last up to fifty years or longer but can be difficult and expensive to repair. Cement patching tends to stick out while asphalt patches can blend right in.
With the pros and cons of asphalt and concrete laid out, it's up to you to decide what the best paving material is for your driveway.
