Asphalt Vs. Concrete: A Cost-Benefit Analysis

There are hundreds of big and small decisions you’ll need to make when embarking on any kind of construction project. One of the biggest ones is choosing what type of material you’ll want to build your parking lot or other paved surfaces out of. Asphalt and concrete are the two most popular choices; both options have certain advantages and disadvantages.

If you have questions about what the right choice of material would be for your unique project, our knowledgeable paving professionals can discuss your options with you in detail and offer advice about what would best suit your needs. That said, below is a brief cost-benefit analysis comparing asphalt and concrete as outdoor pavement options for businesses and private residences in Austin and across central Texas.

Asphalt: Cheaper and Faster, But Not Always Simpler

The primary benefit of asphalt pavement compared to concrete is a simple one: asphalt can generally be installed and ready to use very quickly compared to concrete, which may take up to twice as long to be ready for regular use after the installation begins. Putting down asphalt pavement is also often a bit cheaper by square foot compared to concrete, and it is generally more environmentally friendly by comparison as well.

However, asphalt also tends to require more consistent and active maintenance compared to concrete, and a lack of regular upkeep can lead to serious structural problems that can be expensive to fix. You also won’t have any unique options regarding the design, color, and texture of your lot, and—perhaps most important of all in a place like central Texas—your asphalt lot may break down more quickly in hot weather compared to concrete.

Concrete: Flexible and Durable, With a Higher Front-End Cost

Generally speaking, concrete pavement has a higher upfront cost than asphalt pavement. You’ll likely have to wait several days or even a full week after installation before concrete pavement has set enough for regular use. If you have the money to spend now and you can wait a bit for installation to be finished, though, you’ll have a strong and long-lasting surface that can be tailored to fairly detailed design specifications.

On top of that, concrete does not need nearly as much regular maintenance as asphalt to remain in good working order. In most situations, you’ll only need to make sure your lot gets an annual cleaning and keep an eye on the sealing around joints to avoid long-term issues. Finally, concrete is much more resistant to degradation caused by extreme heat—so if your lot’s going to see a lot of Texas sunshine, you may want to choose this option over any others.

Learn More About Your Options for Asphalt and Concrete Paving Solutions

Of course, it’s worth emphasizing that the information provided above is just a broad overview of the costs and benefits that asphalt and concrete may provide under average conditions. Depending on what type of use you expect your lot to see, how big your project is as a whole, and even what type of business or residence your pavement will need to serve, you may need to consider a host of other factors that aren’t mentioned here in order to find the ideal solution.

Fortunately, you have guidance available to you from the seasoned experts at Integrity Paving & Coatings. Call today to learn more about our area-leading services and start working on your project.