Concrete Versus Asphalt, what’s the difference?

You might walk, drive or play on it everyday, but many people don’t know the difference between concrete and asphalt. Even if they do, they may think that they can be fixed the same way. (Hint: they can’t be). Asphalt is a sticky black liquid or semi-liquid that is a form of petroleum (Asphalt.), it is most often used to make roadways or driveways. Asphalt is mixed with bits of other aggregate materials and laid down to form the roads or drives. When asphalt is poured it is black, but over time as the sun rays beat down on it, it may fade to a darker gray. Concrete, on the other hand, is made of aggregate pieces of materials, sand and cement. Concrete is used for driveways, roadways, buildings and so much more. Concrete is the color of whichever type of sand and gravel is used in its construction. Normally, it is a light gray or sandstone color. Concrete only discolors due to mold growth or dirt in its surface. 

Temperature can affect both concrete and asphalt in different ways. Asphalt is used more in colder climates because it softens and becomes sticky when it gets hot. Concrete, however, stays hard no matter the temperature, but it does expand in heat and contracts in cold weather. 

Concrete is a stronger material than asphalt thus it can hold more weight and last a longer amount of time. The typical lifespan of concrete is 50 years or more, while the lifespan of asphalt is 25 to 30 years. Both materials are prone to cracking and settlement, but only concrete can be lifted back into place. Cracks in asphalt can be sealed with an asphalt patch or other epoxy materials (SmartLevel Concrete does not do this). Concrete cracks can be sealed using many types of sealers but we recommend a silicone-based sealant such as NexusPro. 

Both concrete and asphalt are great materials for creating roadways, driveways or sidewalks but it depends on where they are best used. Here at SmartLevel Concrete we specialize in concrete repair such as lifting and leveling, sealing cracks and joints, and sealing the surface of concrete. To learn more about our products visit our services tab! 

Sources: 

“Asphalt.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 14 Sept. 2022, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asphalt. 

“Concrete.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 19 Sept. 2022, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Concrete.