Are you considering paving your Jefferson County parking lot for aesthetic or safety reasons? You might consider asphalt or other materials commonly used for parking lots. But what if there was a better option? Asphalt is the most common material used for paved surfaces because of its cost, ease of maintenance, and availability. However, it has some downsides that can make concrete an equally good, if not better, alternative. In this blog post, you will learn about the advantages of concrete vs asphalt as materials for parking lots.
Durability
The first thing to consider when comparing concrete vs asphalt for parking lots is the materials’ durability. Asphalt is a softer surface that will wear down faster when heavier vehicles drive on it. Concrete’s hardness means it will last longer than asphalt and not show signs of wear as quickly, and is better suited for heavy traffic.
Environmental Benefits
Concrete parking lots have many environmental benefits over asphalt surfaces. First and foremost, concrete is carbon negative. Concrete production emits less carbon dioxide than it absorbs from the atmosphere. The process of production and installation of asphalt, on the other hand, emits more CO2 than concrete. Concrete is also more sustainable than asphalt as it can be broken down naturally by water and carbon dioxide. So concrete won’t be around for hundreds of years like asphalt, a petroleum product, will.
Crack Resistance
Crack resistance is essential in the debate on concrete vs asphalt paving for parking lots. This is because cracks in a surface can grow and lead to more significant issues over time. Asphalt relies on a binder to keep the surface together, which, due to weather and other elements, breaks down, losing the binding properties over time Concrete, on the other hand, uses the weight of the objects on top of it to hold everything together. Because of this, concrete is the first choice for contractors building large structures like skyscrapers. Concrete is stronger and more durable and will not crack or break down as quickly as asphalt, even over time.
Slip Resistance
Slip resistance is an important quality in a parking lot surface for safety reasons. The surface you choose for your parking lot should be easy for everyone to walk on without falling. Concrete has a high coefficient of friction and therefore offers better slip-resistance than asphalt. Low-friction surfaces can be hazardous for pedestrians. Because slip-and-fall claims can cost businesses and their liability insurance an average of $20,000, choosing a concrete parking lot can save you money and headaches in the long run.
Concrete Can Be Customized
For some, the aesthetic value of parking lots is just as crucial as the above structural advantages in the debate between concrete vs asphalt. Business owners can customize concrete surfaces to fit specific needs, landscaping or architectural requirements, including coloring the mix and stamping the poured concrete with patterns and designs. These options can help to create a truly unique design for your parking lot.
Additional Reading: What Is Stamped Concrete?
Concrete vs Asphalt for Parking Lots - The Clear Winner is Concrete
Parking lots are a vital to commercial buildings and business. They are the entry point for visitors and employees and must be durable, crack-resistant, safe, and aesthetically pleasing. The one surface that fits all of these criteria is concrete.
At Arnold Ready-Mix, we have been providing concrete to construction projects large and small throughout Jefferson County since 1963. Our vast experience means we know what concrete mix is perfect for your project, and our three plant locations equal unparalleled customer service.
Speak with one of our concrete specialists today to get started.