All property managers and business owners who are planning to add a concrete or asphalt surface to their commercial property come across one fundamental question that can change the base of their project – what material to use?
The Pavement Group provides expert concrete and asphalt paving solutions to commercial clients in Boston, MA and other places in the U.S. Click here to get a free pavement quote.
For commercial areas like parking lots, roads, loading docks, and storage units, two paving materials are widely used – asphalt and concrete – which brings us down to the long-existing debate of which is better between the two.
Deciding between the two is a near-impossible task since each has its pros and cons, making them ideal for different sorts of projects, but if concrete is something you are leaning towards, let us give you the final shove.
Below are some areas in which concrete surpasses Asphalt as the leading paving material.
- Concrete is more durable and long-lasting than asphalt. A concrete surface typically lasts 30 to 50 years, while an asphalt pavement has a service life of 20 to 25 years.
- Concrete sealing is preferable but not compulsory, unlike asphalt sealing. Also, a concrete sealant lasts longer, so a concrete pavement requires less frequent sealing that asphalt.
- Concrete requires lesser maintenance and repair than asphalt, which means lower running costs.
- Concrete leaves more room for creative expression as concrete can be tinted in different colors, stamped with patterns and designs, and given different finishes. Asphalt, on the other hand, has a simple black appearance.
- Concrete gets stronger with time due to hydration, while asphalt bindings weaken.
There are some similarities between the asphalt and concrete as well. They both suffer a lot of damage during winters due to the freeze-thaw cycle and frequent use of salt for melting snow and ice.
Despite the numerous benefits of concrete, there is one factor that can significantly affect your decision to choose concrete over asphalt for your commercial paving project. If damaged, you must know that concrete repair options are very limited and noticeable.
However, concrete is a long-wearing material that is an excellent choice for parking lots and storage units, primarily because concrete is considered stronger than asphalt. This is why concrete is ideal for projects where the pavement is required to bear greater weight.
If you are still having trouble deciding which paving material will be best for your commercial pavement, then consult a professional paving company. Experts at a professional paving company will guide you better on what material will best suit your needs. They will advise you on which is the better option after factoring in other options like weather conditions in your area, based on their industry experience.
The Pavement Group offers long-wearing paving solutions to commercial clients in Boston, MA. Click here to get a free concrete or asphalt pavement quote.