Asphalt vs Concrete Roads: Which is Better?

Jul 30, 2021 | Asphalt Production

Choosing between asphalt vs concrete roads can be very tricky if you don’t know the strengths and weaknesses of each option. Each material is unique and works best in specific road construction projects. So, when looking for an option that suits your project, it’s imperative to consider the pros and cons of every option.

There’s no doubt most people only consider upfront costs when constructing a road or pavement. However, a cheap solution may sometimes not be what you want. You might end up with a short-term solution, which will be costlier in the long run. The following pros and cons will help you choose wisely.

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Concrete: Advantages and Disadvantages

Concrete roads have proven to be ideal for new construction over time. It’s also ideal for new roads and road expansion in urban areas.

Pros of Concrete

  • Have a longer lifespan of 20-40 years
  • Concrete is 100% recyclable
  • Requires fewer repairs and maintenance
  • Lower emissions due to lower fuel costs for repairs

Cons of Concrete

  • Higher paving costs compared to asphalt
  • Repairing a concrete pavement can be costlier
  • Vehicles slide more on concrete roads more than on asphalt when it rains

Asphalt: Advantages and Disadvantages

Asphalt is an excellent alternative to concrete for road construction due to its affordability. Here are the advantages of asphalt, along with the disadvantages.

Pros of Asphalt

  • Asphalt cost is less expensive than concrete
  • Building a road with asphalt takes less time
  • Asphalt is also recyclable as you can melt it for reuse
  • Thick asphalt structures last for many years

Cons of Asphalt

  • Asphalt is not ideal in areas with extreme weather conditions like heavy rains
  • Potholes are more common on asphalt roads than on concrete roads
  • Frequent repairs of potholes can be costly in the long run 

Natural Gas in the Asphalt Industry

Many states use asphalt to construct roads, increasing the demand for a safe and cost-efficient fuel for asphalt production. So, asphalt manufacturers use liquefied natural gas (LNG) because it’s cheap and non-hazardous. It can quickly evaporate when it spills.

Sapphire Gas in Asphalt

When you compare the differences between concrete vs. asphalt, you will find it easy to choose an option that suits your needs. However, most people use asphalt for road construction. That’s where Sapphire Gas comes in to offer LNG for asphalt production.

Contact us to learn more applications of asphalt other than road constructions.