Posted on February 20, 2020
Working in the ever-expanding construction industry means you need to stay well-informed of industry trends. Perhaps you're in charge of an upcoming paving project. So, you're curious about the benefits of using concrete vs asphalt cement for the project.
Well, the good news is that you've come to the right place by reading this article. Detailed below is everything you need to know about why choosing concrete is in your best interest.
There are a variety of benefits to choosing concrete over asphalt cement. For one thing, concrete is a more sustainable material for the overall environment.
An emphasis on eco-friendly construction practices could do wonders for your organization's public image. After all, even experts recognize the value of sustainable branding for businesses.
The Costs of Concrete vs Asphalt Cement
As a responsible party managing a paving project, you have a specific budget to stick to. This includes the budget regarding the paving materials themselves.
Well, you might notice upon initial research and estimation that asphalt has a lower upfront cost as pavement. Concrete can cost anywhere from $2 to $5 more per square foot than asphalt. Still, the long-term benefits of paving with concrete make that initial investment worthwhile.
For one thing, asphalt requires significant repairs and resurfacing. This is the case often as soon as six months after the original paving project. Concrete, though, can last several decades longer than asphalt with minimal repair.
If you want to consider long-term profits for your paving project, concrete is the ideal material for you. Asphalt requires too much upkeep and further financial resources.
Don't Underestimate the Value of Concrete's Sustainability
Perhaps the most significant advantage of concrete pavement over asphalt is that of sustainability. It might be surprising to you that the root of this eco-friendly characteristic is concrete's light color. Asphalt's dark, almost black appearance causes more problems than it solves.
The great thing about the lightness of concrete is that it doesn't generate too much heat in the area. This contributes to a lower overall carbon footprint. In other words, even the environment itself would prefer you to work with concrete over asphalt!
Another perk of the brightness of concrete is the fact that city planners don't have to use as much electricity to keep streets well-lit at night. This saves money for all the taxpayers in the area as a result. For more specific details, keep reading about the sustainable benefits of using concrete.
Feel Free to Get Creative When it Comes to Using Concrete
When you decide to work with concrete, be willing to get creative when it comes to any potential decorations. Concrete is much easier to work with as far as flexibility and durability of the material go.
That's why you might see even ornate concrete designs in some of the wealthier neighborhoods in your area. It's true that customized concrete pavements or even sculptures can cost a pretty penny. Still, the aesthetic effects are worth it for many project managers and designers.
On the other hand, asphalt is not nearly as easy to work with. If it's in an irregular shape, it can be too brittle to last. In fact, that's why asphalt requires so much repair and maintenance on a consistent basis.
Instead, work with concrete for any paving, building, or even art project. Its flexibility and toughness won't let you down.
Research Your Potential Supplier of Concrete Before Investing
Don't hire just anyone to pour concrete for your upcoming pavement project, by the way. Instead, it's worthwhile to do plenty of research ahead of time about that company's brand.
For instance, do they have a significant online presence that they clearly invest in? Businesses who take pride in their brand's reputation with their consumers often take pride in the quality of their work, too. That's the best way they can hope to stand out ahead of local competition.
After all, it's a vast and growing industry in the world of modern construction practices. In fact, consider the following statistic regarding concrete contractors throughout the country. It suggests that in the single year of 2019, the market size was $49 billion overall.
You should also check out any available online reviews or testimonials from previous customers. Doing so could give you great insight as to what kind of experience you can expect from that company, too.
In addition, don't hire a concrete contractor who doesn't make you feel one hundred percent comfortable. They should prioritize customer service every step of the way when interacting with you.
If your potential contractor doesn't seem to want to give you the time of day, let it go. You deserve to only work with concrete experts who care about all of your expectations with this pavement project.
Invest in a Reliable Concrete Pavement for Your Upcoming Project
At this point in the article, you have a thorough understanding of the benefits of concrete vs asphalt cement in pavement projects. Choosing concrete will showcase your organization's brand as a sustainable one.
Your customers will appreciate that dedication to eco-friendly practices. That public image can have long-lasting positive effects on your business's overall profit margins.
Other than sustainability, there are plenty of other reasons to choose concrete instead of asphalt for your paving project. Concrete doesn't generate as much heat as the blackness of asphalt, for one thing. Plus, concrete can be a more affordable pavement material in the long run.
Still, it's your responsibility to only hire a reliable concrete contractor. The fortunate thing is that we can help you along those lines.
That's why we encourage you to browse through the rest of our website today. We want to help ensure your upcoming pavement project is designed and completed efficiently.
To start, check out our blog where we feature modern trends in the paving and building design industry. Then, take the time to see how our concrete paving services could benefit you.