{"id":1647,"date":"2022-02-26T03:24:01","date_gmt":"2022-02-26T03:24:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/whatblueprint.com\/?p=1647"},"modified":"2023-04-14T13:17:09","modified_gmt":"2023-04-14T13:17:09","slug":"concrete-v-asphalt-in-cold-climates","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/whatblueprint.com\/concrete-v-asphalt-in-cold-climates\/","title":{"rendered":"Concrete vs. Asphalt In Cold Climates"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
There is nothing worse than being caught off guard by snow or a cold front and left having to deal with shoveling snow off your driveway. Before the cold climate makes its appearance, ensure that you have the adequate essentials and a suitable driveway surface. Concrete vs. Asphalt In Cold Climates, which would be a better option?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Asphalt is better suited to colder climates, while concrete performs better in hotter climates. Removing snow from asphalt is also a lot easier. During cold temperatures, the frost can cause the concrete to crack. De-icing products used on driveways can also damage the concrete finish.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Asphalt and concrete are both used in the manufacture of driveways, yet one product seems to be more suited to the harsh elements of winter. Let’s delve deeper to find out in contrast which products, asphalt or concrete, are more suited to the colder climates and the pros and cons of both. I am sure this will help you choose the most appropriate to suit the inclement weather conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Asphalt is a mixture of stone, sand, asphalt made from petroleum. The asphalt mixtures vary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Asphalt properties change with temperature. Lower temperature prevents the particles from moving, achieving the required density.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Concrete is a composite with a coarse aggregate of sand, natural gravel, and crushed stone bonded with water and cement to form a cement paste that hardens and cures over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Abrams law, \u201cA lower water to cement ratio yields a stronger durable concrete, whereas more water would give concrete a higher slump. Over time, too much exposure to moisture, frost, and snow can adversely affect and cause a premature collapse of the concrete surface.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Intense cold weather can also lead to frost heave, which is a process that causes upward swelling of the soil, which can, over time, result in the formation of cracks on the driveway, eventually leading to more extensive damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Icy surfaces can often be hazardous; often de-icing salts are applied to driveways to prevent falls. The challenge of using these salts on concrete driveways is that the chloride irons can penetrate the concrete surface, causing osmotic pressure, leading to corrosion damage and visible surface cracking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Asphalt tends to soften during intense heat, leading to cracks on the surface, causing the asphalt residue to stick to shoes. However, the worse is having the wrong driveway surface, becoming a safety hazard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although concrete compared to asphalt is not the preferred driveway choice for cold climates, there are some benefits of having concrete in cold temperatures;<\/p>\n\n\n\n Concrete is low maintenance even in cold weather. Although snow and frost are not suitable for concrete, it does not require seal coating like asphalt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If properly maintained, concrete can last up to 50 years. It dominates asphalt in this department, as it generally only lasts 10 to 30 years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although concrete may seem dull and gray, you have the flexibility of staining it or stamping patterns to suit the color and ambiance of your home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Concrete is more aesthetically pleasing. Your driveway does not have to look like an extension of the road.<\/p>\n\n\n\n During colder weather, snow, frost, and even heavy rains can penetrate below the surface of the concrete and cause the heave to move upwards. Although you can repair this, it is quite a substantial financial outlay to attend to the repairs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even concrete with its longevity and popularity will crack under pressure. The extreme temperature swings that mother nature dictates in areas prone to cold weather will cause cracking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Concrete is more expensive than asphalt. If exposed to a cold climate considering the effects of this weather on the product, it will be costly to repair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Concrete has a reputation for getting stained by de-icing salts. It may be common to use de-icing salts on driveways to prevent slipping. However, in the case of concrete, these salts have an adverse effect, leading to the weakening of the concrete.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Over time, the increments of cold climate will take their toll on concrete, leading to extensive cracking. Unfortunately, it is not possible to resurface concrete.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat Is Asphalt?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Why Is Asphalt Suitable For Cold Climates?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What Is Concrete?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Why Is Concrete Not Suitable For Cold Climates?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Pros of Concrete In Cold Climates<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Low Maintenance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Concrete Is Long Lasting<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Concrete Is Versatile<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Concrete Offers Neater Edges<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Cons Of Concrete In Cold Climate<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Concrete Can Develop Frost Heave<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Concrete Can Crack<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Concrete Is Expensive<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
De-Icing Salts Can Cause Damage And Stain<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Concrete Cannot Be Re-Surfaced<\/h3>\n\n\n\n