Concrete Vs. Asphalt: Which One Should You Prefer For Road Construction?

1. Concrete Vs. Asphalt: Which One Should You Prefer For Road Construction? When it comes to picking the ideal type of surface material for a street, there are two options to consider: concrete and asphalt. Both have distinct advantages and disadvantages that make them viable for some areas and not others. That is why deciding what type of road to install in your residential or commercial area can often be overwhelming. In this article, we'll go over the main differences between these two popular materials, shared by expert asphalt and Concrete Contractors in Melbourne, so you can decide whether one of these would be able to serve the needs of your property. So let’s begin.

2. The Pros and Cons of Concrete and Asphalt Roads Advantages of Concrete Roads ●Durable - Concrete roads last for many years without needing to be replaced because of weather, traffic, or other factors that may cause damage over time. They usually have a lifespan of 20 to 40 years. ●Resistance - Concrete roads can be made wider to accommodate larger vehicles and heavier trucks, unlike asphalt or other road surfaces that are only designed to handle smaller vehicles and lighter trucks at a lower speed limit (i.e. 25 mph). ●Environment Friendly - The Production of concrete roads is more environmentally friendly than asphalt or other pavement materials because they require less energy to produce and use fewer resources during construction and maintenance. ●Looks Good - They're more aesthetically pleasing than asphalt or gravel roads. ●Temperature Resistant - Concrete is more resistant to the freeze- thaw cycle and, therefore, suitable for cold temperatures. Disadvantages of Concrete Roads

3. ●Expensive - Concrete roads are approximately 20% more expensive to construct than asphalt or other materials. They also tend to have higher maintenance requirements. ●Time to Cure - The concrete must be allowed to settle and gain strength over time before vehicles may run on it. Asphalt can be a better option in places or situations where traffic needs to get on the road rapidly. ●Difficult to Repair - Even though concrete roads provide more longevity, repairing them is difficult. The whole slab needs replacement in case of holes or cracks. You cannot simply patch them. ●Safety - Concrete roads have a lower elasticity compared to asphalt ones; the chances of slipping and accidents on concrete are higher in the rainy season. Advantages of Asphalt Roads ●Cost-Effective - Asphalt roads are less expensive to build, requiring fewer workers and machinery. This leads to lower road construction costs overall. ●Maintenance - Asphalt is easier to repair than concrete when sections start breaking up or wearing out. It can help save a lot on maintenance costs over time.

4. ●Safety - The roads made from asphalt are less prone to accidents or injuries due to their skid resistance property. ●Recyclable - Asphalt material is 100% recyclable. Once melted, it can be used again to construct new roadways. Disadvantages of Asphalt Roads ●Water Absorbing - Since asphalt is a porous material, it can allow water to seep through. Thus, it is unsuitable for areas with high water tables or areas that suffer from seasonal flooding. ●Non-Heat Resistant - Asphalt roads contribute to global warming by releasing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere after receiving heat from sunlight during the summer months. ●Lifespan - Asphalt roads usually have a lifespan of 10-12 years and require repair more regularly than concrete material. ●Less Durable - If improperly constructed, asphalt roads are easily damaged by wear from traffic. They are not suitable for heavy trucks or heavy traffic areas. Final Words In conclusion, while concrete and asphalt roads have many similarities, they also have several differences. Concrete is a good choice for long-

5. term preservation, but asphalt will likely provide more flexibility for new features (e.g., bike lanes) that people may want to incorporate into their streets in the future. So the decision to build your new roads with one type of material over the other ultimately comes down to your specific needs and budgets. Whether you go with concrete or asphalt, you can be sure that the quality of your new road surface will last for years. Choosing the right asphalt or concrete contractor in Melbourneis also important. If you’re looking for a road contractor in Australia, the expert team at Roadseal Civil can help! With over 25 years of experience in the industry, they are considered one of the best choices for concrete roads or Asphalt Driveways in Melbourne. Contact them today! Visit: https://writeonwall.com/concrete-vs-asphalt-which-one-should- you-prefer-for-road-construction/