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Depending on who you are asking you may get three different answers to the question “what’s better… asphalt or concrete or brick pavers?” Here are some answers we have heard over the years:
“Asphalt is better because it’s most cost effective to install, easier to repair, it shrinks and expands better with weather changes, it hides oil and other stains, and it can last a really long time… 15-20 +/- years” says an asphalt paving contractor salesman.
“Concrete is better because it has much less on-going maintenance, it looks more professional than asphalt, has less trip hazards than bricks, less likely to have potholes than asphalt,, it is stronger than asphalt, it lasts longer… it has a lifespan of 30 to 40+/- years sometimes longer” says a concrete contractor salesman.
"Brick pavers are the best option because they are the most aesthetically pleasing, if installed with a permeable base you may qualify for tax incentives and/or there may be perks from your local city / county or state for having permeable surface on your property, they are greener option, they can last a really long time if installed properly… I mean look at downtown Chicago alleys, they still have brick pavers that have been there for over 90 years!” says a brick paving company salesman.
The reality is the answer to whether asphalt or concrete or brick pavers is better starts with defining the word “better” for your organization. At AC Construction Corp we install asphalt, concrete, and brick pavers. We do not need or want to steer you in one way or another. The point is, to answer this question we would first seek to understand your short-term and long-term goals, your budget, and your specific property / facility. The reality is there are many projects where the answer is actually all three should be used on the same project in different areas. Whether you work with us or another contractor, here are the types of questions and topics your contractor should be discussing and reviewing with you:
This article is not intended to overwhelm you with information, the point is if a contractor tries to push you toward concrete or asphalt or brick pavers, you should probably think twice about that contractor’s motive. Are they actually trying to help you? Did they take the time to understand and listen to your needs? Or are they pushing you towards the surface that his/her company sells and makes money from? If you'd like to see a side-by-side comparison, we created a chart to compare the pros and cons of each option. While it isn’t perfect and there are always exceptions to these generalizations, we are attempting to provide a simple way to review the three options.