When it comes to installing a new surface, there’s a lot to consider. From the budget you’re working with over your longevity needs to your time constraints, there are any number of factors that contribute to what will ultimately be the best surface solution for you. But one of the first, and arguably most important, decisions you’ll have to make is the material you’ll use for your surface. And for that, you have two primary options to consider: concrete or asphalt.
To help you break down which material is better suited for your needs, let’s examine the pros and cons of asphalt for your surface.
Pros of Using Asphalt for Your Surface Project
Asphalt is less expensive than concrete
Generally speaking, asphalt isn’t as costly as its concrete counterpart. If your needs are vast—for instance, if you have wide stretches of roads or a very large parking lot you need installed—consider the lesser cost of asphalt. Contractors Asphalt has been the go-to asphalt company in Austin and Central Texas for over 30 years.
Asphalt cures faster than concrete
Unlike concrete, once an asphalt surface is installed, you can walk and drive on it almost immediately. This, of course, makes it a great option for individuals and businesses with needs that are more immediate.
Asphalt is easier to repair than concrete
Cracks, holes and dips in asphalt are relatively simple to repair, especially when compared to concrete. Concrete repairs also tend to be more expensive. At Contractor’s Asphalt, we’re well-versed in asphalt crack repair, skin patching and any other asphalt repairs you may need.
Asphalt can be resurfaced
The materials asphalt is comprised of make it relatively easy to extend your surface’s life through a structural repair process known as resurfacing. If your asphalt surface is run down, rather than pay for a completely new one, resurfacing will typically meet your needs at a much lesser cost.
Cons of Using Asphalt for Your Surface Project
Asphalt doesn’t endure heat as well as concrete
If you’ve lived in Texas for any amount of time, you are aware of the extreme heat, which takes a toll on any surface. And while asphalt is generally durable in a cold climate, hot climates like ours will cause it to soften more quickly than concrete.
Asphalt must be sealcoated more frequently
Asphalt sealcoating is a process we use to extend the life of any asphalt surface by protecting it from destructive hardening and oxidation caused by extreme temperatures. Typically, a seal coating schedule is set at regular intervals to maintain the best results. Concrete, on the other hand, doesn’t need seal coating applied as regularly as asphalt due to its material makeup.
Asphalt has messier edges than concrete
If you’re a stickler for a clean, hard-edged line on your surface, consider the fact that asphalt edges are more difficult to make (and keep) perfectly straight. This is due to its flexible and buoyant nature.
Asphalt is more difficult to customize than concrete
While it’s true that there are different stains and finishes available for asphalt, you’ll always be working with a relatively dark surface. If you want to have more flexibility with respect to design and color, concrete is a worthy consideration.
Ready for a new asphalt surface in Central Texas? Give us a call today or simply fill out an online form. Using over 75 years of combined experience, our team of Austin, Texas asphalt contractors will give you a free, comprehensive estimate based on your unique needs. We work with you to come up with a suitable plan that will leave you with a brand new surface in no time.