Paving your driveway is a fantastic way to improve the accessibility and appearance of your property, but it’s also a big investment. You’re probably going to spend a sizable amount when working with a paving company in Saratoga Springs, NY, so it’s important to do plenty of research about your different options so that you are happy with the finished result. For most residential and commercial driveways and parking lots, the two primary options you have to choose from are asphalt and concrete. Both choices offer certain benefits and downsides, so it’s a good idea to weigh them carefully:
- Longevity: One of the most important things to consider when you’re thinking about paving your driveway is the projected longevity of the pavement option you choose. In general, asphalt does not last as long as concrete. Concrete typically lasts for 40 years or more, while asphalt lasts between 20 and 30 years. Still, the longevity of your pavement is largely dependent on how well you care for it. If you don’t invest in ongoing maintenance and repair for your concrete, it probably won’t last as long as it should.
- Maintenance: Maintenance will be necessary regardless of whether you choose concrete or asphalt. With asphalt, you can expect to get it resealed every few years, on top of ongoing crack filling as necessary. Concrete, on the other hand, doesn’t require regular sealing. Unfortunately, concrete is also far more difficult to repair than asphalt. While you can usually fix cracks and holes in asphalt with resurfacing, concrete must be replaced entirely when it’s significantly damaged.
- Cost: Homeowners and business owners often choose asphalt because it is significantly less expensive than concrete. In fact, concrete can cost between 50 and 100 percent more than asphalt. Even if you take into account the shorter average lifespan of asphalt and the cost of regular resealing, it’s still a more cost-effective option than concrete.
- Durability: Your pavement has to be durable in order to withstand vehicles and heavy machinery, not to mention fluctuating weather conditions. Concrete is very prone to cracking, especially when it’s placed under a significant amount of pressure or it’s exposed to extreme temperatures. Concrete is also more susceptible to damage from salt, which can be an issue in areas where road salt is used during snowy or icy conditions. While concrete pavement might fare well in a warm, dry climate, it probably isn’t a good choice if you’re in an area with cold winters or heavy precipitation.
When you need help with asphalt paving, call the team at Asphalt Industries. We are a paving company in Saratoga Springs, NY with years of experience providing paving, drainage and excavation services to commercial and residential customers in the community. Regardless of the size or scope of the paving project, we have the training, equipment and expertise necessary to tackle it. If you have any questions about what to expect from asphalt paving, or you want to schedule service, simply give us a call.