Concrete Road Construction Contractor Los Angeles

Who wants to off-road it in Los Angeles? Let’s face it, if you are fortunate enough to own a large parcel of land in Los Angeles, you don’t want to drive on dirt to get from the public street to your home. Did you know that you can build your own road on your property?

Asphalt or Concrete?

When it comes to road building, you may think that the only option is asphalt. After all, aren’t all roads covered in asphalt? But if you’re building your own road, you have options.

New Asphalt Private or Public Road Construction  

Asphalt is probably the most obvious go-to when it comes to building your own private road. Here are some reasons it should be a go-to for you:

• Price – When it comes to price, asphalt beats concrete all the time. It costs about $10 to $15 per square foot to pour a new asphalt road.
• Water Drainage – When poured correctly, water doesn’t pool on asphalt. Instead, it percolates through the asphalt, back into the ground.
• Eco-Friendly – Most asphalt is recycled. So, that new asphalt road you're constructing on your property? It probably lived a previous life as a parking lot.
• Aesthetics – If you’re building a road, you probably want it to look like a proper road. But you don’t have to just stick with the road aesthetic. You can use stamping to make your road resemble a brick road or some other type of pattern.

While asphalt does have its perks, there are also some downsides to pavement.

• Maintenance – Seal your asphalt. You have to remember to reseal your asphalt about every two years. This helps mitigate cracks and keeps your asphalt looking fresh and new. Also, you have to keep an eye on your cracks. If you forget to fill the smallest crack, all it takes is one good rain storm to turn it into a pothole, which requires even more maintenance.
• Lifespan – Asphalt will last about 10 to 15 years, even with the best maintenance. After that time, water, UV rays, and the elements wear down asphalt to the point where it needs to be replaced.
• Durability – Asphalt melts. It’s a reasonably durable substance, but in extreme heat, it will get soft, causing the driving surface to warp and the pavement to stick to your shoes. 

New Concrete Private or Public Road Construction 

Since you’re building your own road, why not consider concrete? You may be thinking concrete will be slippery in the rain, but you don’t have to have a smooth finish on your concrete road. There are several types of finishes that have the rough surface needed for driving – exposed aggregate, salt finishing, brush finish, etc. Here are some other reasons why concrete may be a better option:

• Durability – Concrete is one of the most durable construction materials on the planet. Concrete can easily withstand the temperature extremes we see here in Southern California – from our dry, hot summers to our cool, wet winters.
• Lifespan – Concrete outlasts asphalt. Sure, asphalt can last up to 20 years if you take very good care of it. Most concrete paving will last 30-50 years, perhaps even longer if it is properly installed and well-maintained. 
• Maintenance – Maintaining concrete is a breeze, when compared to asphalt. Power wash it every five years or so and fix those minor cracks, and you’re in business. 
• Safety – Concrete is going to be easier to see in the dark. Let’s face it, if you are pouring a private road on your property, are you also going to include the street lighting? If you’re not planning on including lighting, you’re going to want to have a reflective surface. Concrete is that reflective surface. 
• Flexibility – Concrete is the best choice for all your transportation needs. When poured properly, concrete can withstand the intense stress of semi trucks being driven over it and parked on it repeatedly. 

Why might concrete not be a better option?

• Price – When it comes down to it, installing concrete is always going to be more expensive than pouring asphalt. It costs about $30 per square foot to install a concrete road on your property. 
• Repairs – Making repairs on concrete roadways can be more costly and difficult. Chances are, you’ll have to have a chunk of concrete sawed out and completely replaced. With asphalt, the repairs are smaller and quicker. 
• Slippery – While there are many different types of surfaces that have good grip, concrete is more slippery than asphalt as a driving surface.

How do I install a private roadway on my property?

If you are planning on installing the private roadway on your personal property, there are some hoops you’ll have to jump through. You will need to get the necessary permits from the city or county – depending on where your property lands. You’ll also have to consult a surveyor and various engineers (civil engineer, soil engineer) to assess your property and design your road. 

Of course, you’ll have to hire a licensed asphalt or concrete contractor to complete your road. General contractors are not up to the challenge of building a road. A contractor who specializes in asphalt and concrete understands the specifics involved in constructing a road that suits your needs. If you’re just planning on driving cars on the road, that’s going to require different engineering than if you are planning on driving trucks on the road. 

Ready to install a new road on your property? Give us a call today for a free estimate.