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The Advantages of Asphalt for Any Large Paving Job

16 March 2015

Lawrence Kim

Asphalt and concrete both have their advantages when it comes to large paving jobs such as roadways and commercial parking lots, but asphalt may be the better choice for you for a variety of reasons. If you're in charge of a paving crew or own a commercial lot and need it repaved, consider why asphalt can be the right choice.

1. Asphalt is cheaper

Asphalt is usually much cheaper than concrete, both for materials and for labor needed for the paving work itself as it doesn't need to be mixed onsite. This is why it's often a preferred choice for larger jobs, as those costs can easily add up. If you're on a tight budget then you may want to consider asphalt for that reason alone.

2. Asphalt is faster to install

Concrete usually requires several days if not a week or more to dry before a vehicle can drive over it, but asphalt can be ready for traffic the same day it's installed or the next day at the latest. This is something that road crews need to consider especially, as not only will traffic be disrupted during paving work but in some cases, electrical and plumbing systems may also need to be shut down while concrete is set and poured. Using asphalt can mean less disruption of traffic and utilities.

3. Asphalt shifts with the ground

In tropical areas, soft ground can often cause small sinkholes that cause the top layers of soil to shift. Because concrete is so dense it may tend to settle and then crack or chip. Asphalt however is much softer and tends to shift and expand or contract with the ground. This will result in less repair work to be done when you install asphalt over softer or more moist soil conditions.

4. Asphalt provides better traction

The bumpy surface of asphalt actually provides better traction for vehicles than the soft surface of concrete. If you're located in an area with frequent snow and ice, it's good to choose asphalt as this can mean easier stopping and fewer collisions on the road.

5. Asphalt is warmer

Along with providing better traction, asphalt is often warmer than concrete as the dark color holds heat better. This too can make it a safer option in areas with lots of snow and ice on the roads, as the asphalt can help to melt these faster than concrete. Concrete may actually hold the cold and in turn, snow and ice stay, creating hazardous driving conditions.

For more information, check out companies such as D & M Excavations and Asphalting Pty Ltd.

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