If you are considering parking lot paving, you must be
debating the question of whether to use concrete or asphalt. These two
materials differ in costs, durability, and maintenance. As experts in parking
lot paving, many customers have come to us with this dilemma. Today we at McFarlane Paving want you to consider the pros and cons of each material before making a
choice when it comes to parking lot paving in Bergen county NJ.
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| Parking Lot Paving in Bergen County, NJ |
Concrete pros
• Wider
variety in design: Concrete paving comes in different colors and texture. It is
also possible to do decorative patterns on concrete.
• Durability:
Concrete is able to withstand high weight loads. It can be used in curbing,
dumpster pads, entrances, and exits. Concrete is also able to withstand high
temperatures like those common in the Southwestern US. Concrete has a lifespan
of 30-40 years and can go for 25 years before the first repair.
Concrete cons
• High laying
costs: It has been estimated that laying concrete costs three times more than the cost of laying asphalt.
• Cold
weather: A concrete is likely to be subject to frost heaves which require
repair. The freeze/thaw cycle is also likely to make concrete crack. The spread of salt for de-icing causes damage
to concrete. This makes concrete
unsuitable for harsh weather areas.
Asphalt pros
• Quick
installation: The typical commercial sized parking lot will take less than 3
days to cover with asphalt. We have seen that installing asphalt typically
takes half the time that is used to lay concrete. It is less disruptive to
commercial activities.
• Lower
maintenance: Maintenance of asphalt involves doing overlays which is replacing
the top layer. This is less costly than replacing concrete which involves
replacing the entire damaged surface from the base.
• Good for
the environment: It is possible to recycle asphalt by grinding it again. This
is lighter on the earth’s resources as less energy will be used with this
recycled concrete. It is also less disruptive to the ground as less stone will
be needed. Porous and permeable asphalt is better on the soil as it allows
water to get through.
Asphalt cons
• Hot weather:
Asphalt withstands high temperature poorly. In areas like Southwestern US where
temperatures routinely climb past 100 degrees, asphalt becomes oily and sticky.
• Tracking: Asphalt
is prone to tracking under heavy loads.
• Lack of design
variety: Asphalt typically comes in black.
Using both asphalt and concrete
It is possible to take advantage of the pros of both
materials. The more rigid and high load bearing concrete can be used for the
access drives, sidewalks, loading areas, curbs, and drainages. The asphalt can
be used on the rest of the service as it is easily striped for visibility and
is easy to install on a large parking lot.
For more information about parking lot paving in Bergen county NJ, or to learn more about us at McFarlane Paving, please call us
today at 201-664-2696. One of our paving experts will be happy to speak with
you.
