Which is better concrete or asphalt? This question still remains unanswered
. In order to answer this question you must take multiple factors into consideration, such as: What pavement option is better for the specific area being covered? Is concrete or asphalt more cost effective? What is the up keep on concrete versus asphalt? These are the three questions, among many others, you must consider when deciding if concrete or asphalt is better. However, all three questions can have three different answers depending on each individual job and your budget.
The specific area being covered and what purpose it serves helps determine whether to use concrete or asphalt. If you have a deck around a pool you will not want to use asphalt because after the suns exposure it will be extremely hot on your bare feet. But when you are consider the structure of thick asphalt to totally tear out and replace the entire project is very rare. Since there will only be the weight of people walking on the pool deck you would not need the structurally sound asphalt which is normally used for heavier objects.
In the economic crisis we are in now, cost is always a consideration. The initial cost is not the only thing to consider. There are different ways to maintain each paving option. The initial cost of concrete is usually more than asphalt but the maintenance of asphalt is considerably more than concrete. Concrete can be pressure washed with chemicals and usually become clean again. Asphalt does not show as much as concrete but fades over the years and would need to be sealcoated to obtain a new appearance.
Different jobs may call for totally different mixes, removing and/or reconstructing at the end of their
design life. This is where the job should be looked at individually. There are different needs and
situations where concrete will be better suited and others where asphalt should be used. Before
deciding what you will use for your specific job you should consult a construction professional to get an expert opinion. There are many variable to consider and if you are not familiar with the construction industry and the different situations your job calls for there can be expensive consequences. Also get several opinions before you decide to do one or the other. A licensed contractor should be able to review your jobsite and recommend whether to use concrete or asphalt.