While both concrete and asphalt are poured over a thick layer of aggregate, concrete driveways and patios typically have more characteristics in common than you might think. “Some concrete driveways have an almost sand-like texture, while others may have a slightly gritty texture as well”, explains a professional at https://www.concretemiamipro.com.
Asphalt is a hard and durable material that’s used in many forms. It’s used on roads, sidewalks, driveways, parking lots, playgrounds, patios, and pool decks. While it’s used in so many applications, it’s also a very expensive material. While the properties of the various adhesives used to set these materials together to make the differences between concrete and asphalt quite apparent, the physical features of these adhesives also amount to some of the biggest differences between the two primary driveway surfaces.
Concrete Driveways: Most concrete driveways have two parts, the exterior and the base. The base is the layer of aggregate that’s poured into the soil below the pavement. If you look closely, you’ll see the concrete being poured in the layers in a row. This is how the concrete is cured after it’s poured, and why it’s such a durable and tough material. The layers of concrete are then placed together over the aggregate, and they’re sealed with trowel undercoatings to provide extra protection against weather and water damage.
Asphalt Driveways: Because the base of concrete driveways is concrete, they tend to be made out of a mixture of aggregate and rubber. When the concrete is poured into the base, it’s baked under high temperatures to fuse the ingredients together. This makes the aggregate harder, which is what gives concrete the distinctive texture and look that makes them so popular. Asphalt is also poured into the base layers in thin layers, and the trowel undercoatings seal the surface against water and wear.
Concrete Driveways: Asphalt is left out of the final layer of concrete but is still present in the top layer. The reason for this is simple: the top layer has a layer of rubber undercoatings so that it stays intact even after the concrete layer has been applied and cured. Also, when concrete is poured into the top layer, the rubber creates a surface that has the same texture and color of the exterior layer, as seen when the concrete first was laid.
Concrete Driveways and Patios: Concrete Driveways has a final layer of rubber over coatings that’s mixed into the concrete when it’s poured into the base. This final layer is added to protect the concrete from future wear and tear, as well as to help prevent the concrete from drying out as it sits over the years. It also keeps it looking smooth and glossy. The finishing layer adds a little shine because of the finish rubber that’s added to keep the surface looking new.
While these two main types of concrete driveways have their own unique qualities, the finishing layer is the only thing that will affect how well the concrete looks once it’s laid. This is why it’s important to know your options before buying any driveway materials.
Whether you want a simple driveway or an elaborate driveway that includes several layers, concrete and asphalt are a great choice for your driveway or patio. If you’ve always wanted a new driveway, consider concrete, since it’s both a durable and affordable way to replace your existing driveway. If you’re considering a new asphalt driveway, make sure you consider the finishing layer as part of your overall decision-making process.
Of course, there are many different types of concrete driveway available to choose from, each with its own specific strengths, so you should do a little research to see what’s available. When making your final selection, consider the finishing layer and the amount of money you’re willing to spend on the project.
Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, you should be able to get the driveway and patio you need without too much trouble, although you might have to take into consideration what type of final layer you’ll use in order to avoid excessive scratches. And, as you can probably guess, you shouldn’t spend too much money if you don’t have to!
A good idea would be to shop around at several stores before settling on one that you’re going to work with before you make a final purchase.