By admin Asphalt Paving • Construction • Paving • • 0 Comments

What’s the Difference Between Asphalt and Concrete?

Asphalt and concrete are both viable hard surface options for parking lots and driveways, but despite what many may believe, the two are not the same. Yes, there are similarities, such as the importance of a solid base, basic material composition and the need to adequately cure. But to help you make a more educated decision for your refinishing needs, we’ve outlined the top 10 key differences between concrete and asphalt. Have a look:

  1. Longevity: Concrete can usually last upwards of 40 years, while asphalt has a lifespan of about half of that.
  2. Durability: To piggyback off the last point in terms of longevity, concrete tends to be more durable than asphalt, which helps it to last longer.
  3. Aesthetics: Concrete tends to be a lot more versatile of a material than asphalt. For instance, it can be stamped, comes in various colors and has an assortment of finishes available. Asphalt on the other hand is a little less aesthetically pleasing. It comes primarily in black and no finishing options are available.
  4. Cost: Cost is an important aspect of any project, and a new driveway or parking lot is certainly no exception. On that note, asphalt has a tendency to be cheaper, typically costing anywhere from $2.50 to $4 per square foot. Concrete tends to range from $4 to $6 a square foot.
  5. Climate considerations: Concrete is generally better in warm climates and asphalt in colder climates. That’s because concrete has a tendency to crack in freezing temperatures and can be damaged by salt. Asphalt, on the other hand, tends to soften in hot temperatures, potentially leading to deformation. Asphalt can get very hot to the touch in warm, sunny climates as well.
  6. The adhesive: One of the biggest differences between concrete and asphalt is the adhesive that binds the mineral, stone and sand materials together. In concrete, the adhesive is cement. In asphalt, it’s tar.
  7. Cure time: Concrete takes a few days to cure before it can be driven on, while asphalt takes just a few hours.
  8. Resurfacing: Asphalt can be resurfaced to give the lot or driveway a new top coat. Resurfacing isn’t possible with concrete.
  9. Crack repair: In order to repair cracks, stains or deformations, asphalt can be resurfaced. Standalone cracks and holes can also be easily repaired, with the end product blending in fairly well with the rest of the lot or driveway. This isn’t the case with concrete, as crack repairs are generally far more obvious and potentially unsightly.
  10. Maintenance: It’s recommended that asphalt lots or driveways be resealed once every three to five years to extend operational use. This is easy to do and doesn’t require any special tools or products. Good maintenance can extend the life of asphalt surfaces. Concrete doesn’t have to be sealed to last, as consumers typically choose to seal a concrete driveway to enhance its appearance.

As you can see, concrete and asphalt are far from the same material, and the differences that we’ve listed above are all important considerations to note when you’re deciding on your next resurfacing project.

So what is best for your parking lot or driveway – asphalt or concrete?

By admin Asphalt Driveway • Asphalt Paving • Construction • • 0 Comments

What are the Side Effects of Paving Asphalt over Concrete?

Many people who are looking for a new asphalt surface for their parking lot or driveway will simply pave over an existing concrete service. This can save time and money. However, many experts do not recommend it for a wide variety of different reasons. Asphalt paved over concrete tends to crack and be bumpy to the point where it could be dangerous for pedestrians and damaging to vehicles. This article lays out several reasons why you should consider having a concrete removed before the asphalt poured. To learn more about why professionals recommend the concrete be removed in the first place, read on.

The Surface Will Not Be as Smooth

The first and most obvious negative aspect of paving asphalt over concrete is that the surface will not be as smooth. You have no doubts seen when asphalt has been laid on over concrete and is bumpy and uneven. Even the best professional paving companies will likely end up with results that don’t meet your expectations due to the bumpiness of the surface. If the concrete itself has been poorly laid and is bumpy and cracked, this effect will be greatly exaggerated.

The Asphalt Will Be More Likely To Crack

Asphalt laid over concrete is also much more likely to crack. This is due to two main reasons. Number one, if the concrete is cracked or damaged below the asphalt it will not provide a stable surface and will likely cause cracks in the asphalt in the same places. Number two, concrete is known to expand and contract based on the weather conditions. This will cause cracks in the concrete as well as in the asphalt on top of it.

The Costs of Maintenance May Be Higher In the Long Run

The two above points, in effect, will cause the cost of maintenance to be higher in the long run. Maintaining asphalt is normally relatively cheap and not time-consuming at all. However, cracked and uneven asphalt will require a great deal more maintenance. While you may save a little bit of money by laying down asphalt over concrete in the first place, your cost will likely be higher in the long run.

The Surface May Actually Be Dangerous for Pedestrians

These days many businesses and even private citizens are worried about how dangerous surfaces could be a precursor to lawsuits. There is a small subset of people that are always looking for an opportunity to file a lawsuit. A poorly maintained or otherwise dangerous surface that causes a fall for a pedestrian could easily be the source of a lawsuit, as many different businesses have found out. For this reason and many others, you want your surface to be as even and smooth as possible.

The Asphalt May Have To Be Torn Up

Not only will maintenance of asphalt laid over concrete be higher in the long run, you may even have to tear up the asphalt due to damage from the underlying concrete. If this is the case, you will also have to tear up the concrete at the same time. This can be a very expensive proposition. This could easily be avoided by having the concrete torn up in the first place.

By admin Asphalt Paving • Construction • Paving • • • 0 Comments

How to Decide on the Right Contractor

Concrete services are incredibly versatile, and homeowners have a lot to choose from. The residential concrete market is booming, and today’s contractors are installing floors, patios and driveways at incredibly high rates. Available concrete professionals have their work cut out for them, and homeowners need to ask a few questions before settling on any specific provider. Finding the right concrete contractor can be tough. Settling on a single provider is a gamble, and it’s not one which should be taken lightly.

Before choosing a contractor, a few things should be considered. Below, we’re covering the best way to choose a concrete contractor.

Step One: Do a Little Research

First, you should research. A simple Internet search can return a list of potential contractors able to provide service in your area. If you want to get personal, ask your family members and friends for referrals and recommendations. Or, reach out to your area’s local concrete supply company and ask about commercial asphalt repair. Ask them to refer some decent concrete contractors. If you can compile a good list of contractor options, you’ll have a healthy supply of service providers to choose from.

Step Two: Assure Insurance Coverage

Next, you should make sure any contractor you work with has insurance coverage. Sometimes, things go wrong. A job site needs to be protected, and your service provider should have insurance coverage. Make sure you’re not going to be liable if an accident occurs. Before picking a contractor, make sure they have adequate insurance coverage. Their coverage should be enough to cover your home, the project and any injuries in the event of an accident. To help you determine whether a contractor’s insurance coverage is enough, contact their insurance company directly. Then, ask them to verify the contractor’s insurance—as well as their coverage policy’s dates.

Step Three: Determine Their Experience

A good contractor will have years of proven experience. Whether you’re looking at a commercial asphalt resurfacing provider or a number of driveway repair contractors, years in business is a huge indicator of direct potential. A lot of asphalt companies present their years in service up front for this reason—it’s a good advertising strategy. Some residential paving companies, meanwhile, can be difficult to pin down—experience-wise.

Choose between the providers which have at least five years of experience. Concrete contractors and businesses with at least five years of business tend to be more stable and reliable than most. Experienced contractors are, more often than not, highly active on different projects while also being capable suggestion and insight providers. You’ll want to choose a provider which can offer the right concrete mixes, who can suggest ongoing project options and who can enhance your home’s overall look.

Step Four: Ask for References

In the concrete contractor world, successful providers are backed by reputable references. Before signing any contract, ask your contractor for a list of references. Then, contact these references. Learn more about your potential contractor and their operations. Ask all references questions about the type of project they received service on, the project’s length and the project’s overall quality. Then, compare this information to other references.

Once you’ve compared several contractors, you can compare prices. While price should be a large determining factor of which services you’ll pick, it should be one of the last considerations you view. Insurance coverage and a solid track record are more important. They’ll assure high-quality work, and they’ll give you an idea of your project’s overall quality. Many residential paving companies exist, but not all can provide long-term project sustainability and great repair jobs. Be smart, check out several providers and make an informed decision.

 

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