Reasons To Choose Asphalt For Your Commercial Lot
When deciding on the paving material for your commercial lot, look no further than asphalt. It provides many benefits compared to concrete.
Longevity
One of the main reasons to opt for asphalt paving is its longevity. Asphalt surfaces can last for decades if properly maintained. The asphalt itself is more elastic than concrete, which means it is less likely to crack or crumble in response to minor ground shifts and weathering.
Further, asphalt is more easily repaired compared to concrete, so if small damage occurs, you can usually fix them rather than having to put them in an entirely new paved area. Asphalt is especially well suited to areas that experience heavier traffic, such as parking lots and loading zones, because it's elasticity makes it better able to handle frequent use.
Maintenance
Maintenance is relatively simple and inexpensive for asphalt, but keeping up with it is key if you want it to last for many decades. Most of the main maintenance is done in spring. Any small cracks or potholes can be patched with a hot mix asphalt compound. Then, the lot is sealed to prevent further moisture damage and cracking. Cleaning every few months to remove oil and grime is also recommended.
If the surface becomes badly cracked or discolored, replacement is often not necessary. Instead, asphalt can be resurfaced and given new life. This is its main benefit over concrete, as resurfacing is much less expensive compared to replacement. Resurfacing consists of installing a new layer of asphalt over the old. It makes the paving look and behave like new again.
Appearance
One issue some have with asphalt is its appearance, as asphalt can become faded and mottled over time. Sealcoating protects the asphalt and prevents this unsightly mottling from occurring. A sealcoat consists of a mix of asphalt and polymers. It is applied over the surface to create a seal against weathering, and in the process, it evens out discoloring and camouflages patches and stains. Sealcoating is often done right before striping in a parking lot since it covers over the old faded striping.
You can also skip out on the dark gray or black asphalt and opt for vibrantly colored asphalt. New dying technology allows you to choose from bright colors like green, terracotta, and red. The color is mixed into the asphalt so you don't have to worry about chipping.
Contact a commercial paving service near you for more help with designing an asphalt surface for your business.