Concrete vs. Asphalt Parking Lots: Pros and Cons

When you’re looking at your business’s exterior, the condition of your parking lot is something that might not immediately jump to mind. However, it actually plays a big role in your curb appeal and how your property appears to customers. Getting a new parking lot in Philadelphia, PA is a big decision, and it’s important that you feel comfortable with the entire process. A big part of that is knowing what factors will have the biggest impact on your project and help you achieve long-lasting results:

  • Weather: The weather can have a huge effect on which type of material you should choose for a new parking lot. Concrete is usually a better choice in warmer climates, because an asphalt parking lot can soften in hot temperatures and even become oily, which can be a very unsettling thing for customers to encounter.
  • Maintenance: Concrete parking lots require less maintenance because the material is so durable. Maintenance is usually limited to an annual cleaning and some joint sealing now and then. Asphalt is likely to require more frequent attention, including regular sealcoating.
  • Going green: Asphalt can be thought of as the more environmentally friendly option because it can be ground down and reused for new projects. You can also choose types of asphalt that help with water drainage, meaning you won’t have to worry as much about runoff because the water is moving right into the ground below, rather than into drain systems that also need to be maintained.
  • Time and cost: Asphalt has concrete beat when it comes to cost—it’s much cheaper to pave, and its price actually moves with the price of oil, so if you time it right, you can get yourself an even better deal. Concrete parking lots also take time to pave—they need up to a week to cure and set, whereas an asphalt parking lot will be ready for use in about two days.
  • Aesthetics: One benefit of a new concrete parking lot in Philadelphia, PA is that there are quite a few options for color and texture designs. Asphalt, meanwhile, basically comes in one color and appearance. If you’re looking for a fancier or more unique option, concrete might be the material that’s right for your project.

Your choices for parking lot materials can seem overwhelming, and that’s why the team at Philly Concrete & Asphalt Paving, Inc. is here to help you go over your options and ensure you’re making a decision you’ll be comfortable with for the long term. Working with parking lots is something we’ve been doing for almost 25 years, and we believe we have the best team in the business. If you’re in the market for a new parking lot, you have more design options to think through than you might expect, so you’ll want to have an experienced contractor on your side to help you through the process. Reach out to us today to learn more or schedule a consultation—we look forward to working with you soon!

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