When it comes to paving projects, whether for a driveway, parking lot, or roadway, one factor should always top your priority list: durability. In a city like Auckland, where weather conditions can be unpredictable and traffic volumes high, making the right paving choice can save you time, money, and plenty of headaches.
There are two major choices when it comes to having something paved: asphalt or concrete. While they might seem the same on the surface, if you dig a little deeper, there’s a clear case for selecting asphalt over concrete. In this blog post, we’re breaking down why that is.
Whether you’re a homeowner seeking the right material for your driveway or a business owner considering an update, you’re in the right place. Read on as we explore the benefits of asphalt paving as compared to concrete.
Benefit #1: Asphalt Paving Can Stand Up to Auckland’s Weather
If there’s one thing we Kiwis know, it’s that Auckland’s weather is nothing if not unpredictable. With frequent rain showers, occasional heatwaves, and the odd chilly snap, your chosen paving solution needs to endure it all.
Asphalt is a flexible material, meaning it’s great at expanding and contracting with temperature changes without cracking. In a city with such unpredictable weather patterns, abrupt shifts are a concern, which is why the adaptability of asphalt makes it a great choice.
On top of that, asphalt’s dark surface easily absorbs heat to speed up the evaporation of rainwater. This means fewer puddles in your driveway or car park, which translates to less chance of erosion of your paved surfaces over time.
Benefit #2: Traffic-Friendly Strength
As the largest city in New Zealand, Auckland’s roads and commercial areas are no strangers to heavy vehicles and high traffic volumes. Asphalt is the preferred solution for handling such pressures, as the composition of asphalt includes strong aggregates and binders that contribute to an incredibly durable surface.
This is why asphalt is the choice for roads and car parks across the country. Whether it’s lighter vehicles like cars or heavier vehicles used in construction, asphalt can do the job.
Traffic isn’t just a consideration for commercial, industrial, or civil property owners either. For homeowners, asphalt driveways and pavements mean fewer costly repairs and a much easier maintenance checklist.
Benefit #3: Low Maintenance and Cost-Effective
Speaking of which, asphalt has the unique honour of being both a budget-friendly choice and a long-lasting one. Asphalt repairs – whether hot patch or cold patch – are usually very straightforward and cost-effective. This makes it a budget-friendly choice for initial installation and long-term upkeep.
Additionally, regular maintenance, like sealing, can extend the lifespan of your asphalt surface by many years, making it a smart upfront investment. Concrete, while versatile, may require repairs slightly more often.
Benefit #4: Environmentally Friendly Solution
Sustainability isn’t a priority for everyone, but if this value underpins your decision-making, then asphalt ticks the box. Plenty of asphalt mixes today incorporate recycled materials or reused gravel, while bitumen coatings can reuse rubber that wouldn’t find a home anywhere else. Combined, these recycled materials can heavily reduce waste and conserve vital resources.
Plus, once the asphalt has been laid, that’s not the end of the cycle. When it’s time for resurfacing, the old asphalt can be removed, recycled, and reused in new paving projects, making it a highly sustainable choice. This is why we often recommend asphalt to Auckland homeowners or business owners who are seeking a practical choice that honours their sustainable values.
Benefit #5: A Smooth, Polished Look
Finally, there’s no denying it: asphalt looks great! Beyond its functional benefits, asphalt delivers a sleek, dark finish that gives driveways and car parks a polished, professional appearance. Once applied, this look complements both residential and commercial properties effortlessly.
Additionally, over time, proper maintenance will keep your asphalt looking fresh and well-kept, so your property always looks its best.
So, what’s the overall argument for choosing asphalt paving? While this isn’t an exhaustive list of benefits, it’s clear that asphalt paving is an ideal choice for Auckland’s climate and traffic.
Whether you’re managing a busy commercial car park or upgrading your home’s driveway, you’ll find a material built to handle anything in good old asphalt. Enjoy greater resilience to weather and a high-quality finished surface that looks as good as it performs.
The key to tapping into these benefits is partnering with an experienced asphalt paving company that won’t skimp on the details. Luckily, we have someone in mind…
Talk to the team at Asphalt & Civil about your paving project today.
Ready to reap the rewards of asphalt paving from the industry’s top team? We’re here to help you make the right call for your property, no matter what your needs are. With extensive experience, industry-specific tools and a range of options available for your paving and driveway construction projects, we are your asphalt specialists.
Get in touch with Asphalt & Civil for your free estimate today.