When it comes to any pavement project, property owners and facility managers have two options: Asphalt or Concrete. Which pavement has the most benefits? Which will last longer? Which makes the most sense for your specific job and, most importantly, your budget?

“There are three main factors to consider: initial cost, time to first rehabilitation, and cost of total reconstruction or major rehabilitation at the 40- to 50-year mark,” said Dave Newcomb, P.E., PhD, vice president of research and technology with the National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA).

Asphalt vs. Concrete

1. Cost: While initial cost should not be your primary concern, let’s be honest; initial cost is a huge factor. On average, the initial cost of concrete is approximately 35% higher than the cost of asphalt. However, the NAPA and American Concrete Pavement Association (ACPA) recommend looking at maintenance and rehabilitation costs over initial costs. According to the Concrete Paving Association of Minnesota, federally funded studies have shown that concrete Interstate pavements cost 13-28% less in the long run than asphalt Interstate pavements.
2. Durability: Typically, asphalt performs better in the extreme conditions than concrete does. Also, concrete does not react well to salt, which is commonly used as a de-icing agent. Salt can damage the surface of the concrete and cause it to pit and/or spawl.
3. Maintenance & Rehabilitation: According to the Minnesota Department of Transportation the average life expectancy of concrete pavement is 27.5 years before repair, while asphalt pavement has an average life expectancy of only 15.5 years before repair.
4. Overlay: One of the main benefits of asphalt is the ability to install resurfacing layers (overlay). This provides a much more cost effective alternative to complete reconstruction. When concrete pavement has reached the end of its’ lifespan, you will need to completely remove the existing concrete and reconstruct the area.

So which pavement is better?

“Concrete and asphalt are comparable in many ways,” said Scott Haislip, director of streets and roads with the ACPA. There is no clear cut winner.

If you have any further questions about Asphalt vs. Concrete, please contact PTG Enterprises aka My Pavement Guy today by calling 410-636-8777, or click here today! You can check us out on Facebook and Twitter as well!

Sources:

1. Asphalt versus Concrete Public Works Magazine
2. Concrete vs. Asphalt Concrete Paving Association of Minnesota