When it comes to a professional parking lot, property and business owners typically have two options. If you are ready to install a new parking lot or your current lot needs to be replaced, you have the choice between asphalt pavement or concrete. Both have their own advantages and disadvantages that you might take into consideration when deciding between the two.
To help you decide, we are going to compare the two today. Specific things to look at when trying to decide which material include what look you are trying to achieve, lifespan, maintenance needs, cost, and installation. Keep reading to see whether asphalt or concrete is best for you and your business.
Look
There is no doubt that asphalt offers a very different look than concrete. Asphalt provides a dark color that over time will fade to gray. Concrete is typically a light gray color and will always stay the same color from the day it is installed. It is completely your opinion as to what look you are going for as to which material too choose.
Lifespan
Simply put, a concrete parking lot can last longer than one made of asphalt. Concrete can have a lifespan of up to 50 years whereas asphalt has one up to 30. This is based on the fact that proper maintenance is complete. It is extremely important for either material to live up to their expected lifespan for them to be professionally maintained.
Maintenance Needs
Both concrete and asphalt require some maintenance in order to keep it in working order. Asphalt has a more simple maintenance plan, but requires it every 2-3 years. Crack filling, pothole repair, and sealcoating are required for asphalt. Concrete can be coated to add a layer of protection from the elements, but when cracked, it will require a completely new slab to be laid. Asphalt will expand and contract less in the winter than concrete, but concrete is more stable during the summer.
Cost
Cost is often a defining factor when choosing one material over another and when it comes to cost, asphalt is going to be the less expensive choice. But, concrete will have a longer lifespan and require less maintenance costs over time. These are all things to consider when choosing between asphalt and concrete for your new parking lot.
It is important to note that it is almost inevitable that your parking lot will be damaged, no matter which material you select. When considering cost, concrete repair is more difficult and quite expensive where asphalt repair is less costly and can be done quickly.
Installation
The process of installing an asphalt parking lot will look quite different than installing a concrete one. Both will take at least 48 hours to completely cure and have the ability to withstand vehicle traffic. However, asphalt is a quicker installation over concrete as it pores quickly and smoothly. Concrete is the opposite and requires several truckloads and someone to physically smooth it by hand. Asphalt is the answer if you are looking for an efficient installation that will not shut down your property for an extended period of time.
Is Asphalt Best For Your Parking Lot?
If you want to learn more about why an asphalt parking lot is superior to a concrete parking lot, contact Toste Construction today. Our team will not only further help you decide, but we will also assess your lot and provide you with a FREE quote for a new installation. We have several years of experience and our team is ready to make sure your next parking lot is professionally installed.