One of the most important things to think about when building a business is determining the best material to use for your parking lot. Concrete is a modern choice, popular for its appeal, but concrete can hold up a parking lot for as long as your business runs. We compare the two materials to help you decide which would be best for your property.
Design and Curb Appeal
Concrete parking lots have become a popular choice in residential construction, but asphalt parking lots tend to lead when it comes to commercial properties. Asphalt tends to work best in areas where there is a lot of traffic, coming in and out of a property. Both materials tend to perform well in terms of aesthetics.
Weather and Climate
It is important to consider how either an asphalt or concrete parking lot will perform under the climate in which your property lies. Concrete parking lots are more likely to form cracks in the colder months. Asphalt parking lots tend to soften and become oily due to extreme heat during the summer.
Durability
Both asphalt and concrete are some of the most durable materials out there when it comes to parking lots, but, of course, they both have their limitations, and you must choose which would be easier for you to work with. Concrete can cover more surface area and last anywhere from thirty to forty years. Asphalt is better if you do not have too much surface area to cover your parking lot.
Maintenance and Repair
Just like anything else, concrete and asphalt will have some wear and tear over the years. Concrete parking lots have long lifespans, but can chip and crack more often than asphalt can. Asphalt has as long a lifespan as concrete, yet both materials call for the same amount of maintenance and repairs.
Installation
Asphalt parking lots require much less time than concrete. Asphalt parking lots can be ready to use within one to two days after application, depending on the weather. Concrete takes about twice as long to set and cure, meaning it could take up to a week for it to be ready to use. If time is something you’re trying to keep short, asphalt would work best for you and your property.
Get Started on a New and Improved Parking Lot with Rick’s Paving
Here at Rick’s Paving, we provide all the paving and asphalt services one could ever need for their commercial property, including repairs, replacements, and maintenance. If you are in need of professional paving services, do not hesitate to contact us today!
