Blacktop Pavement vs Concrete

Blacktop Pavement vs Concrete: Which Works Best?

The friendly neighborhood paving pros from Hoerr’s Blacktop & Sealcoating can help answer pressing questions like, “blacktop pavement vs concrete: which works best?” Our family-owned paving company has provided asphalt paving, asphalt repair, asphalt sealcoating, and concrete pavement services since 2009. Count on us for affordable, competitive prices and the best results when it comes to paving for driveways, streets, parking lots, public lots, and more. If you have an upcoming pavement project, contact us for a free quote or recommendations on what will work best. Our contractors handle blacktop and concrete projects throughout Central Illinois, including Peoria IL, Pekin IL, Morton IL, Washington IL, East Peoria IL, and Galesburg IL.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Blacktop Pavement?

It is important to understand the strengths and weaknesses of both solutions when trying to figure out which will work best for you in the blacktop pavement vs concrete argument. There are several factors to consider when trying to decide on the most effective pavement surface. Let’s review some of the important considerations when it comes to blacktop pavement.

• Affordability
  • Pros – New asphalt paving projects cost less than installing concrete.
  • Cons – Asphalt will require added maintenance cost with periodic sealcoating services required to maintain it. On the other hand, concrete offers a relatively maintenance-free paving solution.
• Durability
  • Pros – Blacktop pavement can last up to 20 years or so with proper maintenance.
  • Cons – Blacktop paving offers great short-term strength. However, it may not hold up as well as concrete with traffic that includes frequent heavy loads.
• Weather Conditions
  • Pros – Blacktop pavement is an ideal solution for the colder weather we experience here during Central Illinois winters because it is less prone to cracking if installed and maintained properly.
  • Cons – Blacktop will absorb heat from the sun during the summer. So, it can soften and leave tire tracks or stick to your shoes during extremely high temperatures.
• Repairs
  • Pros – Blacktop paving is relatively easy to repair. Periodic cleaning, crack sealing, pothole filling services can extend the useful life of the pavement for many years.
  • Cons – As mentioned previously, asphalt requires more maintenance and repair work overall than concrete.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Concrete Pavement?

Next, we will consider the advantages and drawbacks of concrete to help inform your decision if you are trying to pick a side in the blacktop pavement vs concrete argument. Like asphalt paving, there are several important considerations when it comes to concrete pavement. Here are some of the things to think about when it comes to concrete paving:

• Durability
  • Pros – Concrete withstands the damaging effects of weathering, erosion, and wear and tear from heavy usage better than asphalt.
  • Cons – Though concrete is more durable, its lack of flexibility means it is harder and more expensive to repair if damage does occur.
• Aesthetics
  • Pros – Concrete offers more options when it comes to appearance. Customers can choose from different slab sizes, textures, styles, and colors. Therefore, it offers a more customizable option than blacktop paving.
  • Cons – Though some customers may appreciate the look of concrete, others may not like the price tag for the aesthetic flexibility compared to a cheaper option like blacktop paving.
• Affordability
  • Pros – The upfront cost of concrete is more substantial than blacktop paving. However, customers may save more money with concrete over the life of the pavement because long-term maintenance costs are lower.
  • Cons – For budget-conscious customers, the initial investment in concrete may price it out of consideration compared to a more affordable material like blacktop paving.

Contact Us

Are you still trying to choose a side in the blacktop pavement vs concrete debate? Then, let Hoerr’s Blacktop & Sealcoating contractors offer a qualified, professional opinion on what will work best for your needs. Send us a message through our online contact form or call 309-222-2979 to schedule a consultation. We are your home for complete pavement solutions!