When it comes to paving a commercial parking lot, the debate between asphalt vs. concrete rages on today. As a business or commercial building owner, you know that the parking lot plays an essential role in keeping your customers, employees, and vendors safe. You want to replace the pavement when some cracks and potholes threaten the safety of the cars using the lot. It’s time to consider asphalt vs. concrete for your parking lot.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Between Asphalt and Concrete
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution to the asphalt vs concrete driveway argument. The decision is in your hands, and it’s a significant one. You must thoroughly evaluate the factors between asphalt and concrete and decide the best solution for your specific commercial parking lot needs.
Cost
When it comes to cost, asphalt has a clear advantage over concrete. This advantage includes the cost of installation and the expense of repairs needed over the years. You can expect to pay less out of pocket for your new asphalt commercial parking lot. It’s important to note that both options are considered green. They can be recycled and used repeatedly, so the cost to the environment isn’t that big.
Durability
Concrete driveways and parking lots are better at handling large volumes of weight, such as tractor-trailer trucks making frequent pick-ups or deliveries. Concrete is affected by freezing and thawing, but not nearly as much as asphalt. Asphalt can become brittle and more easily damaged during this process. After installing the asphalt parking lot, you’ll find it provides a quieter ride than one on concrete. After a storm, an asphalt parking lot is better able to melt snow and ice because the black surface heats from the sun and warms up more quickly.
Lifespan
Concrete parking lots are the clear winner in the asphalt vs. concrete lifespan category. A concrete parking lot lasts between 20 and 40 years, while one made from asphalt lasts around 10 to 25 years with proper maintenance. During those years, both types of parking lots will require repairs at about the same frequency. It’s important to note that the asphalt parking lot will cost less to repair to help it reach its potential lifespan and beyond.
Characteristics
Asphalt is known for ease of maintenance and repairs. You can seal an asphalt parking lot and minimize needed repairs. It’s also known for standing up to cold weather. It will expand and contract without extensive damage, while concrete will crack and break. Also, asphalt isn’t susceptible to salt breaking it down. Concrete requires less maintenance than asphalt, but it’s not as easy to accomplish. It can also be stained, tinted, or stamped with designs, but asphalt parking lots are always black.
Installation and Composition
Concrete is made of cement, aggregates, and water, while asphalt is made from a blend of crushed stone, gravel, sand, and bitumen. Both of these materials are recyclable. Once asphalt is poured and leveled, it needs to cool and harden. You should be able to use your parking lot in around 24 hours. Concrete takes much longer to dry and set before you can use your commercial parking lot, for around seven days.
Make the Right Choice for Your Paving Needs With Sheedy Paving
No matter which option you choose, you need to find the right partner for paving your commercial parking lot. Sheedy Paving can answer all your questions and help you make your final decision. Our team provides you with a high-quality finished parking lot and outstanding customer service throughout the project. Contact us today.
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