How to compare the differences between concrete vs. asphalt for a parking lot.
A parking lot is an important investment for business owners and commercial properties. Learning the key differences between concrete vs asphalt is essential in helping you make the right choice. Asphalt and concrete share a few similarities, but they are also different in many ways.
An asphalt parking lot is often preferred due to its many benefits, while concrete paving is a great option for sidewalks. Reaching out to a local parking lot services company is always a great idea to help you compare the differences between using concrete vs asphalt.
Here are a few of the main reasons why choosing asphalt is the best choice for parking lots.
Quick Installation Process
One reason to consider asphalt pavement is that it’s a much quicker installation process compared to using concrete. Typically, an asphalt parking lot can be ready to use in only a couple of days after installation.
The best time of the year is either spring or summer due to the warmer temperatures for installing a road or parking lot. On the other hand, it can take concrete up to a week to set and cure. Being longer to set up is especially problematic for businesses that are forced to close down until their parking lot is ready to use.
Asphalt Saves You Money
Another benefit of using asphalt for a parking lot is that it’s a more cost-effective option compared to concrete. For example, concrete can often cost anywhere between 25% to 50% more per square foot compared to asphalt.
The installation process is also nearly twice as long, which further drives up the price of concrete pavement. It’s also recommended to reach out to multiple contractors to compare bids. You can often save yourself thousands of dollars by choosing asphalt paving services for your parking lot.
Asphalt is Easy to Maintain
Investing in maintenance and repairs is critical to extending the lifespan of your parking lot. Fortunately, parking lot maintenance for asphalt isn’t complex. An asphalt repair company can easily take care of cracks with a sealant application or quickly patch potholes.
Sealcoating your parking lot every couple of years will also keep it looking great for many years. On the other hand, concrete is more susceptible to staining, which decreases the curb appeal of your property. You will also need to schedule concrete maintenance to help you limit the need for parking lot repair work.
Durability
Durability is often a top concern whenever you compare concrete vs asphalt. An asphalt parking lot will usually last around 20 years, while concrete can last up to 50 years. The heat from the sun can damage an asphalt parking lot over time, as it’s important to schedule parking lot maintenance to further boost its lifespan.
However, one of the advantages of using asphalt is that the top layer is usually only replaced once it reaches its end of the lifespan, which makes it an affordable option over the long term.
Contact PLS to Learn More About Concrete vs Asphalt for Parking Lots
Parking Lot Services (PLS) specializes in asphalt paving for businesses and commercial property owners in the Tampa Bay area. Our experienced team can help meet all of your needs, whether it’s asphalt maintenance, concrete repair, sealcoating, ADA compliance, or parking lot striping services. We can also answer any of your questions or concerns about the differences between concrete vs asphalt. Keeping each customer happy with top-quality parking lot services is always our top priority at PLS.