Asphalt Vs. Interlocking Walkways

Asphalt vs. Interlocking Brick Walkways

• Asphalt and interlocking brick materials can both be used as a solid-carpet surface for consistent and stable footing on walkways. Asphalt requires more maintenance than interlocking brick, needing to be resealed every three to five years on average. For residential sites, Interlocking brick costs more but lasts longer and is more aesthetically pleasing. Both materials need similar site preparation. An adequate sub-base and compaction for either material are key to the durability and condition of the surface of the walkway.

Asphalt

• Asphalt is known as one of the least expensive paving materials for large-scale projects. It's especially comfortable for wheeled traffic and widely used for multi-use public trail systems where capital cost and utility are major concerns. Asphalt needs regular maintenance to repair cracks and potholes and should be edged with concrete or wood. Water penetrating the base will lead to the deterioration of an asphalt surface. In hot weather asphalt becomes plastic, making it susceptible to variations in the surface level.

Interlocking Brick

• Interlocking brick is available in a variety of patterns and colors. For residential sites it offers more design choices and architectural diversity. Brick can serve as a landscape feature in itself with particularly elaborate patterns; more subtle ones serve to establish site character through the scale and direction of the walkway. Interlocking brick is simple to repair and maintain and requires little site disturbance during construction. Like asphalt, brick can be laid in curves as well as rectangles and squares.

Impervious and Porous Characteristics

• Asphalt contributes to the impervious cover of a site. Interlocking brick is a porous installation; it permits the infiltration of storm water runoff into the soil. This is an important distinction in areas with environmental sensitivity, near wetlands or water bodies. Local codes may specify the use of pervious materials or reduction of impervious surfaces in such locations. Excess water will undermine the integrity of both materials; ensure the surface is sloped to shed water from the walkway surface.