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I need to put an apron in front of my new shop/garage. I’ll be doing additional paving with asphalt on the drive. I had the asphalt guy quote an apron (app. 38′ X 40′) and it’s a little less than half what the concrete guy quoted (apshalt @ 95 cents per square foot). So the question is: is concrete really that much better as an apron than asphalt? Why? Thanks!
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1. heavy spot loads can sit for a long time on concrete, will sink into asphalt.
2. Gasoline spills will leave a pothole in asphalt.
3. Oil leaks & spots won't show as readily on asphalt, look uglier on concrete, harder to wash.
4. concrete is generally easier to sweep or wash (except rust, dirty oil) than asphalt.
5. Concrete is actually cheaper as a DIY job (75 cents sq ft not counting labor or scrap wood for forms).
6. Easier to get a nice finish edge with concrete vs typical as rolled asphalt edge.
7. Asphalt can have better traction on a slope, immaterial if this is a level apron.
8. Nearby plant growth can send shoots thru asphalt - conversely, shoots won't come up thru concrete, but a whole plate can lift due to roots.
9. Asphalt is ready to drive on hte same day, concrete takes a few weeks minimum.
etc. etc.
*asphalt is not design forever, Four years if lucky. concrete will last for many,many years. go concrete. just ask gabe
*Thanks for the comments. I am about ready to try to pour a slab myself. Can you point me toward a good article or book.. or just post some hints on the best techniques to do this?Thanks again!
*There was a good article recently in either FHB or JLC, can't remember which, do a search here (breaktime) as there were some comments on it, I believe.These might helphttp://www.jlconline.com/jlc/archive/foundations/
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I need to put an apron in front of my new shop/garage. I'll be doing additional paving with asphalt on the drive. I had the asphalt guy quote an apron (app. 38' X 40') and it's a little less than half what the concrete guy quoted (apshalt @ 95 cents per square foot). So the question is: is concrete really that much better as an apron than asphalt? Why? Thanks!