Deciding between asphalt and concrete for your parking lot can be a difficult task. They each have their pros and cons meaning that you will have to weigh the value of each before making a decision. In order to find out what you want you must first learn what each material has to offer for your parking lot. Let’s go over the benefits of each and discuss asphalt vs concrete for your paving project!
The Benefits of a Concrete Parking Lot
Concrete is sturdier than asphalt. Its denser material allows it to withstand more pressure meaning that you won’t have to worry as much about what sort of weight you are driving over your concrete parking lot. Concrete also tends to have a longer life than asphalt so you will not have to replace it as often. Along with this, it also requires a lot less maintenance than your average asphalt parking lot.
Despite these benefits, concrete is not perfect. Overall concrete is a lot less flexible than asphalt. This means that it is more prone to cracks from freezing temperatures. On top of that, concrete also takes a longer time to install. If you want a project that is both quick and cheap then installing concrete is not the material for you.
The Benefits of an Asphalt Parking Lot
Asphalt is a lot more flexible than concrete meaning that it absorbs shock better and is resistant to temperature changes. Asphalt also comes at a far cheaper price than concrete. If you have time or budget constraints then asphalt is the way to go! It is important to remember that just because it is cheaper than concrete, that does not mean its quality is poor. Asphalt will serve as a parking lot just fine as long as you are not abusing it.
Despite being quite sturdy, it is no secret that asphalt lots can not handle as much as concrete lots. This means that you will have to perform more maintenance over time, repairing your asphalt parking lot as it deteriorates. These repairs are cheap; however, they can be a headache to deal with depending on the severity of the situation. If you are someone who wants to avoid upkeep then asphalt is not the material for you.
What Material is Best for a Parking Lot?
As mentioned above, asphalt and concrete each have their own strengths and weaknesses. Which material is best for a parking lot ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you are looking for long-lasting and heavy-duty then you should consider going with concrete. On the other hand, if you are looking for inexpensive and flexible then you should go with asphalt. In both cases, you must give some consideration to restriping the parking lot.
While there are numerous benefits to both asphalt and concrete, contacting a professional paving service like Sipes Asphalt and Concrete Paving is one of the best ways to identify your needs and ensure the best paving solution possible. Since we offer both asphalt and concrete paving in residential areas, our team of professionals can guide you through the process and boost your curb appeal.
How Can We Serve You?
The professional paving contractors at Sipes Asphalt & Concrete know the ideal conditions for pouring concrete or asphalt. Whether it’s a new driveway, parking lot, or crack sealing, we’ve got you covered. Call Sipes for your paving estimate and the best paving solutions in the Indianapolis area.
