One of the biggest decisions you will have to make when starting a paving project is whether it will be asphalt or concrete. Not all paving materials respond the same way to the Massachusetts climate. Determining which one is right for you can be a daunting challenge. Cassidy Paving is here to help you with this big decision by educating you on the pros and cons of each paving material. Here are the basic things to consider before beginning your next paving project.
The Cost
If your budget is one of your top concerns, it is important to get estimates from both an asphalt and concrete contractor so that you know what your cost range will be. According to Home Advisor, on average asphalt will cost approximately $2-5 per square foot while concrete will run you anywhere from $3-10 per square foot. Concrete is more durable and flexible in design, but this estimate is a big difference to consider if you have a tight budget. Unless you live in a hot climate, asphalt is just as durable, which makes it the perfect choice for a residential or commercial property in the Northeast.
Other than laying down the pavement, you will also need to think about maintaining your driveway or parking lot over time. There are costs associated with how durable your pavement is. Asphalt will require sealcoating after the first 6-12 months and then every 1-3 years. It can also be patched. Concrete will not require sealing, but doing so can help prolong the life of the material. The downside to concrete is that the repairs are extremely expensive.
The Durability
Durability and longevity are very important to your paving investment. No doubt you will want something that can last for years to come regardless of what the climate or your vehicles throw at it. Asphalt is known for its durability because it can expand and contract with the weather, unlike concrete. Because of this, asphalt does better in extreme cold than concrete, which is what you want for a Massachusetts’ driveway. Concrete is much more likely to crack when it gets bitterly chilly.
Oil, salt, and any other de-icers, also stain concrete easier. As for lifespan, asphalt lasts a long time if properly sealcoated and maintained. On average, it lasts 20-25 years, but can be well-maintained long enough to last beyond that estimate. Having a maintenance plan in place from a certified contractor like Cassidy Paving is an excellent first step to getting several years out of your asphalt.
Ready to Decide?
If you’ve gotten through this article and think that asphalt will be a great choice for your next project, we would love to chat. Asphalt tends to be a superior choice throughout New England because it can stand our extreme cold, costs less to install and maintain, and lasts for many years. If you already have asphalt, but haven’t been able to maintain it as you’d like, it can easily be resurfaced and we can usually repair cracks caused by the extreme weather shifts in the Northeast. We are certain that asphalt will be a great choice for you. Give us a call today at 866-978-9788 to receive a free estimate.