If you are preparing to install a new parking lot for your business or commercial property, there are a lot of decisions to be made. Early on in the planning process, you might be deciding between asphalt and concrete for the pavement material. Both are extremely popular options and each comes with its own advantages.
Depending on the climate in which you live can help you decide between asphalt and concrete. In a climate that sees a wide range of weather, like Charlotte, asphalt is the better choice. A concrete parking lot is more susceptible to freeze/thaw expansion and contraction along with deterioration from weather patterns.
Asphalt parking lots come with several advantages. Keep reading to learn Toste Construction’s top three!
3 Advantages of an Asphalt Parking Lot
1. Long Lifespan
The typical asphalt parking lot can last upwards of 20 years. In order to last as long as it should, professional installation and proper maintenance is essential. During the installation, the right mix of materials should be used in order for the pavement to cure properly. Furthermore, annual preventative maintenance is required.
Completing annual maintenance will not only ensure your parking lasts its full lifespan, but also keep it looking like new for a very long time. Typical maintenance includes filling any cracks or potholes on a regular basis. Once this is complete, a layer of sealcoat should be applied to prevent moisture intrusion while refreshing the rich, black color of the asphalt. Sealcoating is a cost-effective maintenance item that can help ensure a long lifespan for your asphalt parking lot.
2. Quick Installation
While an asphalt parking lot will still take time, it is a much quicker process than that of a concrete parking lot. Typically, an asphalt parking lot can be completed in about two to three days, depending on the size and complexity. Concrete takes on average at least twice as long to install and then an even longer time for it to cure.
The quick installation of an asphalt parking lot will also save you money. Not paying for additional days of labor can end up being significant savings! Your parking lot will not need to be closed or disrupted as long as it would if you chose to install a concrete parking lot. If you are concerned about losing business because of it, the disruption is a lot less with an asphalt lot installation.
3. Environmentally Friendly
Asphalt is considered to be environmentally friendly because it can be recycled. The new asphalt parking lot can be created by grinding up the old asphalt from a parking lot. The recycled asphalt mix is also a stronger and longer-lasting material than that of a new mix. Concrete does not have the ability to be recycled like this.
If you are looking for a greener option for your business or parking lot, asphalt is definitely the way to go! Being environmentally friendly is one of the greatest advantages of installing a new asphalt parking lot.
There are several advantages of a new asphalt parking lot.
The dark color can help melt snow in the winter months much more quickly than concrete. Additionally, asphalt is not affected by the cold and does not deteriorate from excessive salt use. An asphalt parking lot will require much less maintenance and provide your business with a beautiful welcome mat.
If you are in need of professional asphalt maintenance services, contact Toste Construction today. Our team is available to assess your parking lot and provide you with a FREE estimate for any necessary work. Our team brings nearly two decades of experience to each an