When arranging the local area and parking in front of the garage, the owners of private estates face a number of very typical issues. For example, what material is better to buy for the design of the driveway, areas, and paths on the site – asphalt or concrete? How practical, wear-resistant, and durable will this or that material be?
Not so long ago, we considered which flooring in the garage is better (you can read more about this in this article). And today we propose to consider options for arranging the yard and parking area using concrete and asphalt in order to understand which of these materials is right for you.
Features of technologies for arranging a private territory
Asphalting technology and concrete pouring are the most common warrants for arranging a private driveway, a plot in front of a garage, a parking area, and an adjoining territory. Their popularity is due to the high strength of the coating, durability, and practicality of use. Speaking about which option is better for ennobling the territory of your home, it is important to understand the features and distinctive characteristics of each.
Asphalting technology
Asphalting is a simple procedure, but it requires the use of special equipment and machinery, as well as preliminary preparatory work. Asphalt pavement is laid in several stages. First, a pit is prepared for laying subsequent layers, then a special “pillow” of sand, geotextile, gravel, or crushed stone is formed, which is filled with a bituminous solution. Only after that, you can start laying asphalt on the same level as the ground on the site.
If you want to use asphalting technology on your site, then you will need to choose the ideal time frame for the work. The fact is that such a process of arranging the territory is recommended to be carried out under good weather conditions. In foggy, damp, rainy weather and at an outside temperature of + 5⁰C and below, asphalt is absolutely not worth laying. Otherwise, you risk getting a coating that is not at all durable, prone to deformation and destruction.
In small areas, asphalt can be laid in a few days. This material dries quickly and can be used within 2-3 days after installation.
Concrete placement technology
Pouring concrete on sites near the house and garage is a popular and reliable way to equip a driveway. It is convenient to knead and lay such material even without special equipment. A concrete solution is prepared by combining cement, sand, water, gravel, and additional additives in certain proportions. Depending on the quantity and quality of the binder fillers, the finished concrete coating can have completely different properties.
Concrete areas are highly durable. If during the installation of concrete, the base is reinforced, then such sites will be able to withstand heavy loads and weights.
You can fill small areas with concrete yourself. But if you plan to arrange large areas, it is better not to pour the mixture yourself along with the previously marked areas, but to order a factory-made ready-made solution. In this case, the cost of the material pays off in the long term and prevents cracking of the coating at the seams at the joints of the concrete sections from different mixes.
What is better to use?
To understand which method of parking lot and arrangement is better to choose, you need to pay attention to the following factors:
Service life and maintenance-free operation of the coating. Concrete will last 10-11 years without losing its original properties, and asphalted areas after laying can only be used safely for 5-6 years, after which they may need to be restored.
Material costs. The initial cost of pouring concrete is significantly higher than the cost of placing asphalt. However, during the operation and maintenance of the improved territories, the costs are practically equalized.
Wear resistance of the coating. Paved areas are suitable for medium loads (movement of cars and walks of people), and the coating of concrete mortar is able to withstand
Maintainability. If it is necessary to repair the asphalt or concrete pavement, the work must be planned and carried out in warm, not damp or rainy weather, at an ambient temperature above + 5⁰C.
Resistance to mechanical stress. Concrete is more resistant to external influences. Paved areas can be damaged by even minor impacts.
Aesthetics of the coating. Compared to concrete, asphalt has a more uniform and smoother surface. To obtain the same coating with concrete pouring, the surface will need to be periodically treated with special substances.
Resistant to temperature extremes and sunlight. The concrete pavement is highly resistant to low and high temperatures. But the asphalt can crack in conditions of extreme cold, and in the heat it can soften, deform and melt, during which bitumen will evaporate, which has an adverse effect on the atmosphere.
In general, with the help of asphalting technology, you can equip covered areas, sidewalks and paths in the yard. For spacious outdoor areas, driveways and parking lots, concrete is more suitable.
