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Concrete vs. Asphalt Parking Lots
As a commercial business owner in Central Pennsylvania, you want to install a parking lot that is durable, affordable and can last a lifetime. Your parking lot is one of your customers’ first points of reference, and you want to create a lasting impression. Choosing a suitable commercial parking lot is one of the best ways to enhance your business aesthetic.
Concrete and asphalt parking lots are popular choices for many business owners. While both options have multiple benefits, they also have some drawbacks. Weighing the advantages and disadvantages of asphalt and concrete parking lots can help you select a suitable choice for your business.
How to Choose a Concrete vs. Asphalt Parking Lot
Choosing between a concrete or asphalt parking lot can be a big decision for commercial business owners. Parking lots are a long-term investment, and you need a material that suits your climate, budget and business goals. Asphalt and concrete offer many benefits, but one option may better serve your needs. Understanding the pros and cons of concrete and asphalt parking lots can help you choose.
Pros and Cons of Concrete vs. Asphalt Parking Lots
Here are some pros and cons of concrete and asphalt parking lots:
Pros of Concrete Parking Lots
The benefits of concrete parking lots include the following:
- Durable surface: A concrete parking lot is rigid, withstanding heavy vehicles, trucks and high traffic volumes. The rigidness of concrete makes your parking lot more durable against wear like cracks, dents and potholes.
- Hot weather resistance: A concrete parking lot can withstand hot weather. The light color of concrete reflects more light, staying cooler in extreme heat. A concrete parking lot reduces surface expansion in high temperatures. Concrete parking lots are an excellent option for regions that experience extreme heat in summer.
- Less maintenance: A concrete parking lot can save you time and money on maintenance. Concrete is strong, more resistant to wear from high traffic volumes and requires little maintenance.
- Multiple design options: You can customize your concrete parking lot to match your desired design vision. Concrete parking lots come in various colors, textures and design options. Create a unique and appealing commercial parking lot with multiple customization options.
- Long life span: If your top priority is installing a parking lot that can withstand years of wear, a concrete parking lot is a suitable option. Concrete parking lots typically last for many years and save you money in the long run.
Cons of Concrete Parking Lots
The cons of concrete parking lots include the following:
- Sensitive to cold weather: Concrete parking lots are prone to damage in winter. Freezing temperatures can create fractures and cracks in the concrete surfaces. Fractures fill up with water and freeze overnight, creating frost heaves and an uneven surface. Frost heaves often require patching and additional maintenance.
- Vulnerable to salt damage: Using rock salt to de-ice frosted concrete parking lots can cause surface damage. Constant exposure to salt weakens your concrete parking lot surface, and worn concrete parking lots require replacement.
- Longer installation time: Installing a commercial concrete parking lot often take longer than other materials like asphalt. The curing process in concrete parking lots can be long and prevent you from using your parking lot sooner. Waiting for your parking lot to cure can affect and delay your business operations.
- Water damage: Concrete is less porous than asphalt, requiring a water runoff system. Water buildup can deteriorate your concrete parking lot if you live in a region with heavy rains. Installing a water runoff system in your concrete parking lot can increase installation costs.
- More expensive: Concrete parking lots generally have higher upfront costs. The prices for materials, installation and labor can make concrete commercial parking lots a costly option.
Pros of Asphalt Parking Lots
The benefits of asphalt parking lots include the following:
- Quick installation: A commercial asphalt parking lot is typically quick and easy to install. Depending on your lot size and weather conditions, your asphalt parking lot can be ready for use in two to three days.
- More affordable: Asphalt parking lots have significantly cheaper installation rates than concrete parking lots. Plus, you want to consider the costs of labor and materials in addition to installations. Typically, asphalt parking lot materials cost less per square foot, so you can save money for other business expenses with an asphalt parking lot.
- Easy to repair: If your asphalt parking lot becomes damaged from weather or high traffic volumes, it’s easier to fix cracks and dents than on concrete surfaces. Asphalt repairs are generally inexpensive, so you spend much less fixing an asphalt parking lot.
- Resistant to cold weather: Unlike concrete, asphalt can withstand extreme cold. You’ll have peace of mind that your asphalt parking lot can last through freezing weather conditions like snow and frost.
- Availability: Commercial asphalt parking lots are popular for many business owners, making asphalt readily available. Your commercial parking lot can be ready more quickly with asphalt.
- More sustainable: If you are concerned with protecting the environment, an asphalt commercial parking lot can be an excellent option. Asphalt is recyclable and can be repurposed to create other parking lots or materials. Some asphalt materials also help with drainage and enable water to seep into the soil below your parking lot, promoting sustainable recycling.
Cons of Asphalt Parking Lots
The cons of an asphalt parking lot include the following:
- Higher maintenance: Commercial asphalt parking lots may require more preventive maintenance to preserve the surface quality and cost you more in the long run.
- Sensitive to hot weather: Asphalt’s dark color makes it more susceptible to heat damage. Hot weather can cause asphalt commercial lots to expand.
- Susceptible to surface damage: Leaks from gasoline and other vehicle fluids can stain your asphalt commercial parking lot and affect its appearance over time.
- Shorter life span: Commercial asphalt parking lots often have a shorter life span than concrete parking lots.
Contact CMI Paving to Install Your Commercial Asphalt Parking Lot in Central Pennsylvania
You want a commercial parking lot that offers value for money, years of service and lasting impressions. Commercial asphalt parking lots are affordable, durable and easy to install. When you need a new commercial asphalt parking lot in Central Pennsylvania, contact CMI Paving. With 35 years of industry experience, CMI Paving can install and maintain your commercial asphalt parking lot. Our professionals are experts in installing asphalt parking lots and can get your commercial parking lot in quickly and efficiently. We know how essential it is to have a high-quality and durable parking lot for your business, which is why we offer premium professional services.
Contact us online or call 717-774-6565 to schedule an estimate.
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