Concrete vs. Asphalt: The Definitive Guide | Asphalt Paving Company, Wichita, KS

white parking lot stripes with curb stops

Concrete and asphalt are both highly popular construction materials favored for their strength and durability, but have you ever wondered what the difference between concrete and asphalt is? While both asphalt and concrete are mixtures of sand and aggregate, they utilize different binding agents to hold the material together. Our experts at Encore Pavement, a leading asphalt paving company in Wichita, Kansas, have detailed the key differences between concrete and asphalt, including their respective production processes, intended uses, and suggested preventative maintenance services.

Concrete Preventative Maintenance Services

While concrete and asphalt are both commonplace for parking lots, they require different preventative maintenance services and may be better utilized for specific paving projects. To determine which material will provide you the best return on your investment, it is best to contact an expert asphalt paving company also experienced in concrete services to determine which solution is right for you. Due to its versatility, concrete can be utilized in a variety of ways on many different projects. Even though it is championed for its extreme durability, it still requires regular concrete inspections and preventative maintenance services. Your concrete project’s maintenance services will vary based on a variety of factors, including location, daily use, regular traffic, and exposure to the elements.

Asphalt Preventative Maintenance Services

Asphalt has a much different deterioration process compared to concrete, and requires a more extensive and regular preventative maintenance plan in order obtain maximum longevity of your parking lot. How it reacts to weather elements, the effects of gas and oil leaks, the expansion and contraction rates during changing seasons, its susceptibility to cracking and surface oxidation, are all much different than concrete. Therefore, it is very important to implement a long-term maintenance plan from the very beginning if you install an asphalt parking lot. Refer to an asphalt paving expert to help develop your long-term plan and maintenance budget.