pros and cons of asphalt and concrete
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Pros and Cons: Asphalt vs. Concrete Commercial Parking Lots

Commercial parking lots must be designed to withstand large volumes of traffic, seasonal weather conditions, and heavy vehicle loads. These factors must also be weighed against the anticipated lifespan of the commercial parking lot, the disruption that maintenance will cause, and the amount of money that can be spent building and maintaining the area. While, asphalt companies and concrete companies are both quick to point the benefits of their products, it is important to also consider the possible cons.

The Pros of Concrete Installation
There are several benefits to building a commercial parking lot with concrete. These pros include:

  1. Better Suited For Hot Weather. — Concrete commercial parking lots tend to be better suited for hot weather. Unlike asphalt parking lots that can soften and become oily in extreme heat conditions, concrete lots often feature a lighter color that results in cooler temperatures during the summer. Its surface is also less likely to expand or change during the hot summer months.
  2. Less Maintenance. — One of the biggest benefits of concrete parking lots is that they don’t require regular maintenance.
  3. Longer Life Span. — Concrete commercial parking lots tend to last longer than asphalt. In fact, in the right conditions a concrete lot can last for more than 40 years.
  4. Additional Customization Options. — Concrete parking lots are available in a wide variety of colors, textures, and design options.

The Cons of Concrete Installation
One of the biggest things to consider when choosing between a concrete and asphalt parking lot is the climate. In fact, many of the cons of concrete installation are centered around its reaction to below freezing temperatures.

  1. Subject To Frost Heaves. — Concrete parking lots are unfortunately subject to frost heaves. Frost heaves not only create uneven surfaces, but they often require immediate maintenance so that the area can remain safe for daily use.
  2. Susceptible To Salt Damage. — The salt used to melt ice and snow can cause long-lasting damage to concrete.
  3. More Expensive To Install. — Concrete might be easier to maintain than asphalt, however it is more expensive to install.
  4. Long Curing Time. — Concrete can take up to seven days before it is properly cured and ready to be used.
  5. Water Runoff Management. — Unlike asphalt, concrete is not permeable, which means that businesses will need to implement a water runoff management plan, especially in areas that are susceptible to extended periods of heavy rain.

The Pros of Asphalt Installation
Asphalt installation offers many potential benefits, including:

  1. Easy Installation. — An asphalt commercial parking lot can be laid, cured, and ready to use in as little as two days.
  2. Not Affected By Cold Temperatures. — Unlike concrete, asphalt is typically not affected by below freezing temperatures. Its surface doesn’t deteriorate from extended salt use during winter months.
  3. Materials Are Readily Available. — Asphalt is a material that is readily available, which means that commercial parking lot projects can often be completed more quickly.
  4. Less Expensive To Install. — Asphalt parking lots are significantly less expensive to install.
  5. Easier To Repair. — While asphalt does require more maintenance than concrete, these repairs are often inexpensive and easy to complete.

The Cons of Asphalt Installation
Asphalt parking lots do have a few potential drawbacks, including:

  1. More Preventative Maintenance. — Unlike concrete that requires minimal maintenance, asphalt does require quite a bit of preventative maintenance. The additional level of maintenance can make asphalt more expensive than concrete in the long run.
  2. Surface Damage From Gasoline. — Gasoline stains and leakage can cause damage to the surface of the asphalt commercial parking lot.
  3. Shorter Lifespan. — While asphalt can last for 15 – 20 years, concrete is known for lasting between 30 and 40 years.
  4. Negatively Affected By Heat. — Asphalt parking lots can be affected by extreme heat. Higher temperatures can cause the surface to shrink, expand, and produce an oil sheen.
  5. More Permeable Surface. — When compared to concrete, asphalt has a much softer and more permeable surface that is more susceptible to excess damage from snowplows during the winter months.

Concrete vs. Asphalt: The Choice Is Yours
Both asphalt and concrete installations offer a wide variety of benefits. Selecting the right choice for your business is made easier when you work with a trusted concrete and asphalt company, who will help you to weigh the pros and cons. Whether you want to save on the initial upfront costs of asphalt or prefer the design options associated with concrete, it is safe to say that either option will create a good commercial parking lot.

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What’s the Difference Between Asphalt and Concrete?

Asphalt and concrete are both viable hard surface options for parking lots and driveways, but despite what many may believe, the two are not the same. Yes, there are similarities, such as the importance of a solid base, basic material composition and the need to adequately cure. But to help you make a more educated decision for your refinishing needs, we’ve outlined the top 10 key differences between concrete and asphalt. Have a look:

  1. Longevity: Concrete can usually last upwards of 40 years, while asphalt has a lifespan of about half of that.
  2. Durability: To piggyback off the last point in terms of longevity, concrete tends to be more durable than asphalt, which helps it to last longer.
  3. Aesthetics: Concrete tends to be a lot more versatile of a material than asphalt. For instance, it can be stamped, comes in various colors and has an assortment of finishes available. Asphalt on the other hand is a little less aesthetically pleasing. It comes primarily in black and no finishing options are available.
  4. Cost: Cost is an important aspect of any project, and a new driveway or parking lot is certainly no exception. On that note, asphalt has a tendency to be cheaper, typically costing anywhere from $2.50 to $4 per square foot. Concrete tends to range from $4 to $6 a square foot.
  5. Climate considerations: Concrete is generally better in warm climates and asphalt in colder climates. That’s because concrete has a tendency to crack in freezing temperatures and can be damaged by salt. Asphalt, on the other hand, tends to soften in hot temperatures, potentially leading to deformation. Asphalt can get very hot to the touch in warm, sunny climates as well.
  6. The adhesive: One of the biggest differences between concrete and asphalt is the adhesive that binds the mineral, stone and sand materials together. In concrete, the adhesive is cement. In asphalt, it’s tar.
  7. Cure time: Concrete takes a few days to cure before it can be driven on, while asphalt takes just a few hours.
  8. Resurfacing: Asphalt can be resurfaced to give the lot or driveway a new top coat. Resurfacing isn’t possible with concrete.
  9. Crack repair: In order to repair cracks, stains or deformations, asphalt can be resurfaced. Standalone cracks and holes can also be easily repaired, with the end product blending in fairly well with the rest of the lot or driveway. This isn’t the case with concrete, as crack repairs are generally far more obvious and potentially unsightly.
  10. Maintenance: It’s recommended that asphalt lots or driveways be resealed once every three to five years to extend operational use. This is easy to do and doesn’t require any special tools or products. Good maintenance can extend the life of asphalt surfaces. Concrete doesn’t have to be sealed to last, as consumers typically choose to seal a concrete driveway to enhance its appearance.

As you can see, concrete and asphalt are far from the same material, and the differences that we’ve listed above are all important considerations to note when you’re deciding on your next resurfacing project.

So what is best for your parking lot or driveway – asphalt or concrete?

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What are the Side Effects of Paving Asphalt over Concrete?

Many people who are looking for a new asphalt surface for their parking lot or driveway will simply pave over an existing concrete service. This can save time and money. However, many experts do not recommend it for a wide variety of different reasons. Asphalt paved over concrete tends to crack and be bumpy to the point where it could be dangerous for pedestrians and damaging to vehicles. This article lays out several reasons why you should consider having a concrete removed before the asphalt poured. To learn more about why professionals recommend the concrete be removed in the first place, read on.

The Surface Will Not Be as Smooth

The first and most obvious negative aspect of paving asphalt over concrete is that the surface will not be as smooth. You have no doubts seen when asphalt has been laid on over concrete and is bumpy and uneven. Even the best professional paving companies will likely end up with results that don’t meet your expectations due to the bumpiness of the surface. If the concrete itself has been poorly laid and is bumpy and cracked, this effect will be greatly exaggerated.

The Asphalt Will Be More Likely To Crack

Asphalt laid over concrete is also much more likely to crack. This is due to two main reasons. Number one, if the concrete is cracked or damaged below the asphalt it will not provide a stable surface and will likely cause cracks in the asphalt in the same places. Number two, concrete is known to expand and contract based on the weather conditions. This will cause cracks in the concrete as well as in the asphalt on top of it.

The Costs of Maintenance May Be Higher In the Long Run

The two above points, in effect, will cause the cost of maintenance to be higher in the long run. Maintaining asphalt is normally relatively cheap and not time-consuming at all. However, cracked and uneven asphalt will require a great deal more maintenance. While you may save a little bit of money by laying down asphalt over concrete in the first place, your cost will likely be higher in the long run.

The Surface May Actually Be Dangerous for Pedestrians

These days many businesses and even private citizens are worried about how dangerous surfaces could be a precursor to lawsuits. There is a small subset of people that are always looking for an opportunity to file a lawsuit. A poorly maintained or otherwise dangerous surface that causes a fall for a pedestrian could easily be the source of a lawsuit, as many different businesses have found out. For this reason and many others, you want your surface to be as even and smooth as possible.

The Asphalt May Have To Be Torn Up

Not only will maintenance of asphalt laid over concrete be higher in the long run, you may even have to tear up the asphalt due to damage from the underlying concrete. If this is the case, you will also have to tear up the concrete at the same time. This can be a very expensive proposition. This could easily be avoided by having the concrete torn up in the first place.

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4 Things You Should Know Before Your Commercial Asphalt Job in 2018

The new year brings brand new opportunities for professionals in the commercial asphalt industry. The slow, but steady five percent growth trends of prior years are expected to continue through 2018. As a result, you might be seeing an influx of work opportunities coming your way. When the work comes in, you will want to be ready to outperform your competitors and become the best asphalt company in Colorado. Thankfully, you can attend to the four following areas to make sure you are prepared for your upcoming commercial asphalt jobs.

Partner Strengths and Weaknesses

Your business partner is your greatest asset and also your greatest liability. You must know your partner’s strengths and weaknesses to make sure you can collaborate on all your projects. Assess your partner’s abilities along with your own to ensure your company can meet the challenges that come your way. If you cannot create a balanced team, consider restructuring your commercial asphalt companies before moving on with large-scale commercial asphalt jobs.

Lot Location and Restrictions

Numerous challenges can arise due to the lot size and location, so it is important to clearly understand the project limitations from the beginning. Look at all the possible scenarios and make sure to have several contingency plans on hand in case any of the identified potential challenges actually arise. You should also research the building restrictions in your target work areas to understand how to proceed with your projects. If you start jobs without paying attention to local regulations, you may end up having to redo portions of the project or even halt your work altogether.

Job Size, Start to Finish

You must adequately plan for small and large-scale projects to complete your jobs by the deadline. You can provide quality work for projects of all sizes by finding a way to easily scale your operations. You should have fluid access to a workforce and materials to projects of any size moving forward as expected. Open up your network of asphalt maintenance companies and professionals to have overflow workers available when the job demand extra hands.

Seasonal Weather Patterns

As an asphalt professional, you must pay close attention to seasonal weather patterns to avoid project disruptions. Adverse temperatures and conditions can affect the quality of your finished product, so you must know how to proceed when those situations arise. You can look at weather patterns from prior years to see when it would be best to start your outdoor projects. For this area, you also need to have contingency plans in case weather conditions rapidly change in the middle of your projects.

Starting Your Commercial Asphalt Job in 2018

By addressing the above issues ahead of time, you can achieve great results on all your commercial asphalt jobs in 2018 and beyond. Remember to readdress each category at the start of every project you receive to ensure you are on the right track. In the end, you will never be caught off guard and unprepared to complete the job by the deadline by taking a measured approach to your business activities. If you are ready to acquire support for your company’s endeavors, contact Superior Aggregates today.

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The process of laying concrete & asphalt

You may need concrete replacement or asphalt replacement. No matter how well-laid the surfaces are, they will eventually wear out. You also may need new asphalt or concrete on a substrate that previously did not have a prepared surface. This article will provide you with an easy to understand overview of these processes.

Laying Concrete & Asphalt: Preparing the Substrate & Remove the Existing Surface

The first step in laying both concrete and asphalt is to remove the existing surface. Obviously, if the surface is simply earth, this step is not necessary. However, many times when laying concrete and asphalt there is already a surface there. Removing the existing service often includes jackhammering it apart and removing it piece by piece. It is not as time-consuming as you might think, however.

Compact the Soil

Once the existing service has been removed, it is time to compact the soil. This will be the first step in the process if there is not already concrete or asphalt in the location where you’re laying the new surface. Compacting this soil may not seem like an important process to someone who is not familiar with laying concrete and asphalt. However, it is very important. It actually may be the most important part of the process. Properly compacting the soil will help ensure that the concrete or asphalt laid on top of it does not crack and does last a long time.

Cover Soil With Crushed Rock & Pack It (for Asphalt)

Once the soil has been properly compacted, the contractors will need to cover it with crushed rock and pack it tightly if they are applying asphalt. This step in the process is not necessary if concrete is being laid, but it is an integral part of the process for asphalt. This crushed rock substrate offers an excellent surface for asphalt to sit on top of. Just putting asphalt on top of the soil would not work because it would not adhere properly to the soil. This could lead to an unstable and even dangerous surface. Once the crushed rock has been applied, it must be packed. This is usually done with the roller vehicle. Next, the contractors will allow the soil to settle for roughly seven days.

Choose a Thickness

Before the concrete or asphalt can be laid, a thickness must be decided upon. The standard thickness ranges from one and a half to three inches. The decision is yours in the end, but it is highly recommended that you listen to the recommendation of the contractor you’re working with. They are highly experienced and trained professionals and they have done many similar jobs so they will know the thickness that will work best for your situation.

Pour the Surface

As you might have guessed, the next step is to pour the surface. Concrete can simply be poured out of a contract mr. into the ground and leveled out. Asphalt must be applied with the rocky material first and then that are on top of it. This makes a little more of an involved process, but it is not as time-consuming as you might expect.

Let the Surface Dry (Concrete) or Compact It (Asphalt)

Once the surface has been poured, it is time to let it dry, provided the surface is concrete. If it is asphalt, it does not take nearly as long to dry. However, it must be tightly packed to ensure that it is weather resistant.

Making the Right Decision for Your Asphalt and Concrete Needs

In many applications, getting a new asphalt or concrete surface can actually save you money. Residential and commercial asphalt resurfacing, for example, can be more expensive than replacement in some circumstances. Commercial and residential concrete maintenance can also be prohibitively expensive. Even concrete driveway repair expenses can add up.