Differences between Concrete, Asphalt

The two most common choices professional pavers use for driveways and parking lots are asphalt and concrete. Depending on factors like cost, maintenance, and durability, each has its advantages and disadvantages.

Both concrete and asphalt have a gravel base using sand and stone, yet they each use different adhesive materials. Concrete is made of cement, while asphalt is petroleum-based.

Major Differences Between Asphalt and Concrete Pavers

The following are the other major differences for the choices in paving Austin homes and businesses rely on for their driving and walking surfaces.

Cost

Asphalt is generally cheaper than using concrete to surface driveways and parking lots, though the price of asphalt does fluctuate with the price of crude oil. Concrete can be up to double the cost, with additional expenses for detailing, finishes, and stains.

Repairs and Maintenance

Both asphalt and concrete pavers will need repairs for cracks at some point. Asphalt cracks are typically easier to fix and wind up looking better than repairs made on concrete surfaces. Concrete driveways and parking lots do not need sealing repairs as often as asphalt, which typically requires sealcoating services within the first year of installation, and then again a few years later. Sealcoating serves to extend the life of the surface.

The process of making repairs to asphalt surfaces is much easier and less expensive than concrete, though asphalt repairs are needed more often. If an asphalt surface shows signs of wear and tear over time, a topcoat can be applied. Concrete is a more involved process, and areas that have been patched are obvious they have been repaired.

Climate, Weather Effects

Concrete can crack when exposed to extreme temperature and weather fluctuations throughout the year, and road salt can wreak havoc on concrete surfaces. Asphalt can soften during hot temperatures and wind up sticking to shoes, tires, and clothing.

Durability

While both surfaces tend to last several decades before needing replacement, if properly installed and maintained regularly, concrete can be expected to last 50 years or more, and asphalt can last up to 30 years.

Why Choose TexAsphalt?

TexAsphalt is a fully insured full-service asphalt company providing the finest quality asphalt driveways, walkways, and parking lots. A family-owned business dedicated to meeting the needs of homes and businesses in the Austin area, TexAsphalt is highly respected among the top asphalt contractors in Texas. From asphalt paving and sealcoating to parking lot striping and car stops, our talented technicians work hard to make sure your asphalt surfaces are in top condition for drivers and pedestrians that use them.

Contact TexAsphalt Today

Contact the asphalt experts and professional pavers at TexAsphalt today for complete information and a free estimate on our wide range of services for the installation, repair, and maintenance for a wide range of asphalt applications. Get started and have all your questions answered by a qualified customer service representative. 

Driving, Parking, Walking Safely in Parking Lots

When you drive onto a parking lot, you would like to think that you and your vehicle will be safe. The truth is that parking lots and garages are prime spots for criminals to vandalize vehicles and rob or assault pedestrians. TexAsphalt is an asphalt installation, repair, and maintenance company specializing in the upkeep of surfaces and parking lot striping Austin TX trust their lots and parking surfaces.

The following are common-sense tips and suggestions for keeping you and your car safe parking lots and other surfaces for asphalt paving Austin TX relies on.

Tips for Parking Lot Safety

Park in Well-Lit Areas

All parking lot areas are not lit equally. Parking in a dimly or poorly lit area of the lot will increase the risk of having your vehicle vandalized and getting mugged or robbed. When you park in lighted areas, you can more clearly see your surroundings both in your car and as a pedestrian walking to and from it.

Hide Any Valuables Out of Sight in Vehicle

If you leave your wallet, phone, or other valuables in plain sight on the seat of your car, it is an open invitation for thieves to try to gain access or perform a smash-and-grab to steal them. Stash any jewelry, electronics, money, or other valuables in the glove box, under the seat, in the trunk, or any other hidden compartments in the vehicle.

Roll-Up Windows

Open or even slightly cracked open windows make it easier for thieves to gain access to your vehicles. It is not worth the temperature variations of leaving your windows open compared to the risk of having your car broken into or vandalized. 

Avoid Potholes and Cracks in Surfaces

One of the worst things a driver can experience is driving over a pothole or large crack in the surface of the road or parking facility. It sometimes feels as if it is physically hurting your car.

Buddy Up

Big parking lots and dark garages can be dangerous places for you to be walking alone, especially at night and in riskier neighborhoods. When possible, it is best to avoid walking through parking lots to and from your car. Try to have someone walk with you or escort you to your car, even if it is a security guard who is working on the premises.

Why Choose TexAsphalt?

For over a decade, the industry professionals at TexAsphalt have been providing valuable Austin paving, sealcoating, and striping services for parking lots and driveways for residential and commercial properties. Talented, experienced technicians provide high-quality services to keep your Austin asphalt surfaces looking great and safe for all who drive and walk on them.

Contact TexAsphalt Today for Asphalt Services

TexAsphalt is a professional, experienced asphalt contractor that understands the importance of maintain, repairing, and parking lot striping Austin TX trust for the safety of their lots and garages. Contact us today for complete information or to get a free estimate on our wide range of parking lot, driveway, and garage asphalt services.