Home upgrades sound more exciting when talking about kitchen renovations rather than pavements. However, pavements are more than a utilitarian necessity. Your choice for pavement material, whether asphalt or concrete is one of the most impactful decisions you can make for your property’s function, curb appeal, and longevity.
Asphalt and concrete are the two main materials often used for outdoor surfaces. However, their lifespan depends on far more than the material alone. It’s not uncommon for asphalt to last for up to 20 years while you can get upwards of 30 years use from concrete.
While these are true, pavement lifespan in real-life experience depends on how well the base was prepared, exposure to moisture and temperature changes, frequency and type of traffic, as well as maintenance habits over time. In this article, let’s look at how asphalt and concrete stack against each other, and other relevant factors that determine your pavement lifespan.
Asphalt LIfespan
For the surface of driveways and access roads, asphalt is often the preferred surface pavement. Although it comes at a lower price point, it is also flexible and resilient. This resilience gives asphalt an advantage, especially for freeze-thaw cycles as it expands and contracts with temperature changes. With this capability and proper maintenance, you can get 15 to 20 years out of your asphalt pavement with proper maintenance.
- Flexible, with less cracking under stress
- Surface repairs are quick and effective
- Maintenance is phased
Concrete Lifespan
Unlike asphalt, concrete is less resilient. When cracks appear on concrete, whether due to soil movement or water infiltration, they are usually permanent. For concrete, its longevity is highly dependent on base preparation and drainage.
The advantage of concrete is in its rigidity and strength. When correctly installed, concrete creates a stable and long-lasting surface that resists deformation under stress. Typically, you can get between 20 to 40 years of use out of concrete pavements.
- High compressive strength
- Resistant to fuel spills and surface abrasion
- Minimal routine maintenance
How to Determine Which Pavement Option to Use
Whether you want to install a pavement in your residential property or a commercial area, you should consider how the surface will be used to decide what kind of material you settle for. For driveways that get frequent vehicle movement, the flexibility of asphalt and its capacity to withstand stress make it a better option. You can choose asphalt if you:
- Want a lower initial cost
- Live in a climate with cold winters and salt use
- Can make do with scheduled maintenance
- Need a quicker installation
However, if you are looking for the right surface for a walkway or patio, you might benefit more from a concrete pavement. It offers long-term stability with minimal upkeep. Choose concrete if you:
- Want a long-term, 30+ year investment
- Live in a hot and sunny climate
- Want minimal periodic maintenance
- Prioritise design versatility and curb appeal
In mixed-use environments such as parking areas or access lanes, surfaces are often selected differently. This also depends on the load patterns.
Factors That Affect Your Pavement’s Longevity
The lifespan of the different pavement surface options does not only depend on the material. Your environment and maintenance routine also play a role in determining their longevity. Some of the factors that affect your pavement’s lifespan include:
1. Climate, Weather, and Drainage
Water, especially standing water, is detrimental to the longevity of your pavement. This is regardless of the material it is made from. Poor drainage shortens lifespan faster than almost any other factor. This is because standing water weakens pavement bases, and with freeze-thaw cycles, small cracks can expand. When water seeps into tiny pores, freezes and expands, then thaws again, it can cause surface scaling and ‘spalling’. Even de-icing can accelerate the damage. However, asphalt handles these changes better.
Even the sun gets its moments of shine and takes away from the lifespan of pavements, especially asphalt. It practically bakes out the essential oils in it, rendering it friable with cracks. On the other hand, concrete can withstand heat better, even though it may expand. In regions with extreme heat, commercial paving projects often specify special concrete mixes or asphalt binders that can resist rutting and thermal stress.
2. Maintenance
Lack of maintenance is the major reason why well-installed pavements do not reach their full lifespan. For instance, the maintenance routine of asphalt is periodic and more proactive. Fortunately, it is DIY-friendly, and you can get handy without needing to call in the professionals. However, you could also use their services for a more polished result, especially since it is less expensive per service. Here are the basic asphalt maintenance essentials you should know:
- Seal coating every few years to protect against moisture
- Inspect and fill cracks annually before water penetrates the base
- Promptly repair any localized damage
Meanwhile, concrete maintenance is more reactive. Rather than act ahead of damage, you watch out for problems and then fix them. These fixes are sometimes more complex and costly, but they are less frequent. The essential maintenance routine for concrete includes:
- Sealing joints before water infiltration
- Cleaning to avoid surface deterioration
- Monitoring for early hairline cracks
3. Subgrade and Installation Quality
You may have the best maintenance routines, but if the pavement is poured over a poor base, it can fail early. Proper excavation, compaction, and base thickness are all essential for making a pavement that lasts decades. You need a stable subgrade of crushed stone that is usually between 4 to 8 inches for proper drainage and support. Some of the common issues related to installation that can shorten your pavement lifespan include:
- Inadequate base depth
- Poor soil stabilization
- Rushed curing times
Endnote
Regardless of material, the lifespan of your pavement is not determined by the day it is installed. It is rather shaped by every decision that follows after installation. When you understand how the different pavement materials behave in certain conditions, you can plan better and make an investment that is best suited for your unique environment and needs.
Modern concrete offers design flexibility, while asphalt has a more glossy and classic appeal. While asphalt’s dark color fades faster than concrete’s resistance to stains, whatever choice you make should be one that reduces long-term costs and allows for full functionality, curb appeal, and value.
