If you’re installing a new parking lot or if you’re replacing an existing one, there are loads of intimidating decisions that have to be made. The parking lot is the first way that a customer or client interacts with your business, which makes the parking lot their first impression of your business. The first question to ask is: “What material should it be made out of?”
It’s essential to know the many advantages that an asphalt parking lot offers, compared to concrete and other options:
1. Longevity
Asphalt is an über-versatile material used for many different structures around the world, that will retain its strength for an extended period of time. Most of the world’s roads are paved with asphalt for a good reason. In fact, 94 percent of roads in the United States are made of asphalt, and there isn’t a viable substitute as of now.
An asphalt parking lot will readily give you 20 years of use when paired with preventative maintenance, such as sealcoating, crack sealing, and pothole patching. Proper installation and sealcoating will waterproof the surface and resist erosion from natural elements.
While asphalt is used mainly in road construction, there are many different uses. Some of which include: railway beds for high-speed passenger trains, airport runways, bridge decks, landfill bases.
2. Saves Money
It costs less to install and maintain asphalt pavements compared to the alternatives. The entire process is relatively quick, which means minimal labor costs. What’s more, your business won’t have to be closed for long at all. After 48 hours of drying and settling, the asphalt will be ready for high-traffic use.
Given the safety of asphalt, you’re exposed to much fewer potential hazards and liability claims. The black pavement contrasted with the white and yellow pavement markings/lines make driving and parking regulations more natural to follow. A crisp and smooth asphalt parking lot does wonders for your property’s value too. Your lot will look much more professional, which equates to better curb-appeal, high foot-traffic, and more customers.
3. Minimal Upkeep
If the asphalt parking lot has been properly installed (or replaced), there isn’t much reason to worry. Besides minor repairs, there isn’t much needed to do to maintain integrity and the appearance looking new. Most common repairs are relatively inexpensive, too, especially when you figure how much you’ll be saving in the long-run. Once every spring, one of our estimators will come and inspect your lot and evaluate any damages that may have occurred during winter. Routine cleaning the surface will get rid of oil stains and debris while keeping everything smooth. Preventative maintenance, like sealcoating, is another surefire way to ward off damage. We will take care of any cracks and holes before they have time to grow or expand.
4. Environmentally Friendly
When you hear the word “recyclable”, asphalt probably doesn’t even make the short-list of what comes to mind. Surprisingly, asphalt pavement is one of the most recycled materials in America! After damaged asphalt pavement is torn up, it’s able to be crushed and reused for new asphalt projects. Every year ~90 million tons of asphalt is recycled into new asphalt, which is almost double the combined amount of plastic, aluminum, glass, and paper. This obviously has environmental benefits, but offers excellent economic benefits (i.e., saving taxpayer money when repairing roads).
Pavement Solutions, LLC offers professional asphalt paving services for commercial and residential properties. Brand new asphalt construction, removal & replacement of existing, resurfacing, and more. Whether it’s for a massive parking lot or a school’s playground, we’d love to partner with you for your next asphalt paving project!
We offer commercial and residential concrete & asphalt paving, maintenance, and repair services in Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin. Check out our Service Areas to see if you’re in our territory! Request a free estimate or call us for one today.
Posted by C. Butler on 2/27/20