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When I first started working in construction, I’ll admit—I didn’t know the main differences between concrete and asphalt, and I know I’m not alone! Many people use the terms interchangeably, but these materials have distinct differences in cost, appearance, durability, and best use cases. Today, let’s break down these differences so you can make an informed decision for your driveway, parking lot, or other project. Choosing the right material will ensure you know what to expect in terms of appearance, maintenance, and longevity. Let’s dive in! First, let's explore the key differences of concrete and asphalt a little deeper. Appearance and Composition Concrete: Light grey and may see small specks of sediment and rock upon close examination Made from aggregates, water, and cement which acts as the binder Admixtures may be added to enhance the behavior of the concrete in certain conditions Asphalt: Black and consistent finish Made from sand, gravel, and aggregates with bitumen acting as the binder Curing Method: Concrete cures due to a hydration reaction between the cement and water Concrete is laid down and finished by hand Asphalt hardens as it cools down, as opposed to a chemical reaction like concrete Asphalt is rolled by a machine to flatten out the surface Installation & Curing/Dry Time Concrete: 24 to 48 hours is dry enough for light traffic, but at least 7 days until you should drive on it May take up to 28 days to fully cure The thicker and bigger the concrete area is, the longer it will take. Asphalt: 2-3 days, however, it cures fully over the span of a year Average Lifespan of a Driveway Concrete: 25 to 30 years on average if you take proper care during the changing seasons Can last up to 50 years Asphalt: 15 to 30 years with proper care Now that we discussed the key differences, I’d like to also explain the Pros and Cons of each product. From there, you can make your own decision on which product best suits your project! You can use the photos below as a reference to see the difference between the two.
If you own a driveway or parking lot, you’ve probably heard of seal coating—but do you know how often it’s needed? Regular maintenance can prevent costly repairs and keep your asphalt looking great for years to come. Sealcoating, by definition, is applying a sealing coat over an asphalt paved surface to improve durability and longevity. While it is just one of several maintenance strategies you can use to protect your asphalt, it is an important step that not only enhances appearance but also provides a protective barrier on the top layer. However, keep in mind that for deep cracks or structural issues, you will need to go a different route to repair them. These repairs would need to be done before sealcoating for the most effective result. Now, this begs the question… how often is sealcoating necessary? Well, if you want to be on the SUPER safe side, you may opt to sealcoat each year before winter comes. However, that is typically not needed, and you can go 2-3 years in between each coat. It is integral that you keep an eye out for any cracks, stains, or other damage and address them as soon as possible. Signs It’s Time to Sealcoat Cracks forming Fading color You can't remember the last time you got it seal coated Increased wear from traffic
