It is no secret that asphalt and concrete are two of the most commonly used construction materials in the modern world. However, many people do not understand the main differences between the two. We hope this blog post will help clear up any confusions about asphalt vs. concrete so that you can make an informed decision when choosing which material to use for your next paving project.
Basic Differences
Asphalt and concrete are two different types of construction materials that we use daily. Asphalt is used for paving roads, sidewalks, driveways, parking lots, etc. Concrete is typically used in buildings due to its strength. It can be poured over a rebar or steel mesh to provide extra reinforcement against earthquakes or other natural disasters.
Asphalt is made from petroleum, asphalt, aggregate (sand or gravel), and water. It is then heated to form asphalt pavement which creates a strong bond with the ground below it. This allows asphalt to have high resistance against moisture penetration and frost heave. Asphalt usually works better on road surfaces due to its high load-bearing capacity.
On the other hand, concrete is made from Portland cement, coarse aggregate such as crushed stone or gravel, and water. The mixture must be well blended to form a paste-like substance before being poured into its final shape. Concrete has higher strength than asphalt. However, it will crack over time due to moisture and temperature changes.
Skid Resistance
Skid resistance is a crucial aspect that asphalt and concrete road users should be aware of when driving. This value is determined by the pavement surface’s ability to maintain traction with the vehicles that drive on it, thus helping drivers avoid accidents or sudden skids. Asphalt roads have better skid resistance than their concrete counterparts because they are typically made of aggregate asphalt, which is a mixture composed primarily of gravel and asphalt cement.
Traffic Noise Reduction
Traffic noise is a massive issue in our cities. Traffic noise on asphalt roads is reduced by developing the asphalt mixture with old rubber tires which helps to absorb the noise. This specific combination provides more friction between the car tire and road, preventing the loud noise of cars driving at high speeds.
Stamped Colored Asphalt and Concrete Stamping
Stamped colored asphalt is asphalt with a colored surface layer stamped to mimic brick or stone pavers. The pattern of the stamping can be very similar to natural flagstone or slate tile patterns.
Concrete stamping is concrete with a pattern of color. Concrete stamping can mimic asphalt stamped patterns, but there are also many ornamental options for custom design projects.
Both stamped asphalt paving and concrete stamping are very high in demand in the landscape industry because they allow homeowners to add a unique design element to their yard while providing the durability of asphalt or concrete.
We have gone through the basic differences between asphalt and concrete to give you a better understanding of these materials so you can make an informed decision for your next paving project. If you live in Madison, WI, and would like more information about asphalt paving services and concrete paving services, get in touch with the experts at Doctor Asphalt LLC. Get a free quote today!
