Did you know that parking accounts for 25% of the cost of a Canadian's vehicle ownership? At $1,452 per year, it sits directly behind the initial purchase of $2,107.
Parking lots and garages are also big business. The global market is worth over $94.46 billion.
If you want to create a new parking area, one of the most important considerations is the materials you'll use.
Read our comparison guide to learn the pros and cons of concrete and asphalt paving.
Installation Process
Asphalt paving installation only takes a few days. You'll be able to use your driveway sooner or prevent a loss of business from needing a parking lot installed quickly enough.
The process starts by preparing for proper water drainage. Then they'll put down the aggregate sub-base, a secondary supportive binder, and a top layer of black asphalt.
Laying concrete is more complex. It can take twice as long to install and even longer to cure. It usually won't be ready for at least a few weeks.
Environmental Impact and Water Drainage
Asphalt paving can be recycled and reused. It also helps with water drainage, letting it naturally pass into the soil below.
Concrete can't be recycled and has no permeable options. Determining how to handle excess water is another task to add to the list when installing it.
Durability
The climate is one of the most critical factors in your decision between asphalt vs concrete. They're both durable materials but tend to work better in different areas of the world.
Asphalt paving can withstand heavy traffic and water from snow and other weather conditions. Its main weakness is extreme heat, which can make it soften and get oily.
Concrete cracks and freezes in the cold. It's also susceptible to damage from salt used to melt snow and ice.
Maintenance
Concrete paving is relatively low maintenance. You'll need to rent equipment or hire a professional for power washing to remove any stains.
Asphalt parking lot or driveway paving also requires preventative maintenance to keep it looking and working its best. This means regular seal coatings every few years and an annual joint sealing.
Cost and Value
Installing asphalt pavement is more affordable, and so is replacing it. You'll only have to repave the top layer and can leave the base and middle layer alone.
Redoing a concrete parking lot means redoing the entire lot. It's a much more expensive and time-consuming process.
Asphalt driveway or parking lot paving can also increase your property value. It's one of the more attractive driveways and parking lot paving options. This can eventually bring up your selling price for the entire building.
Connect with the Local Experts at All-Star Paving in Calgary
Your car will spend most of its time parked and should sit on the best materials. Start by comparing the two most common options, asphalt vs concrete.
Asphalt is quicker, easier, and less expensive to install. The same goes for replacing it.
This makes asphalt paving the best long-term investment. It's even attractive enough to increase your property value.
Get a free quote from All-Star Paving on your next paving project today!