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3 Variables To Consider When Determining Asphalt Paving Costs

Asphalt pavements are made from a mixture of stones, sand, and liquefied asphalt cement at 300°F. Upon cooling, the mixture forms a hard surface that is capable of accommodating heavy weights including vehicles. When computing asphalt paving costs, key among the factors to consider include soil, usage, and size. It is essential that you consult an experienced constructor to give you a quote before commencing on a project to ensure that your budget is capable of executing the task to completion.

Soil

The type of soil in the area to be paved plays a vital role in influencing asphalt paving costs. The kind of soil has a direct impact on the type of subgrade that will be used to support the load which will be transmitted from the pavement. The cost of paving increases with the increase in subgrade thickness. The subgrade is the working platform upon which the construction equipment is supported and is also the foundation to the pavement structure for supporting and distributing the traffic load. It is, therefore, critical to evaluate the how strong the subgrade should be before embarking on a pavement’s structural design. Failure to provide the required subgrade thickness can result in deflection rendering your work to be useless. Different soil types have to vary (texture) support capabilities which influence the depth of the subgrade. Soil texture is the average size of its mineral particles, and it defines how a type of soil can be used. Usually, most natural soils are made of different particle sizes which are used to distinguish one type from the other. Soils can be categorized into three main classes based on texture: Light, medium, and heavy-textured or fine grained. The three categories can further be classified as gravels, silts, sands, or clays.

Usage

The core function of an asphalt pavement is to distribute the weight on the wheels to the supporting subgrade. Asphalt paving costs vary with the type of load that will be accommodated on the pavement. Axle load can be classified into single, tandem, and multiple and can weigh up to 50,000 pounds. Asphalt pavements for use by tandem and multiple axle loads experience reduced load effects and thus, have a long lifespan. Asphalt pavements for use by single axle loads lack a diminished load effect and are thus, costly to pave due to the high-quality requirements to lengthen their lifespan. The volume and distribution of a load play a critical role in estimating the anticipated life of asphalt pavement and consequently, its cost. Usage of asphalt pavement can be predicted based on historical traffic records and truck percentage. To determine the effect of traffic, you require to establish the total volume of the two-way Average Daily Traffic (ADT). You can estimate a road’s ADT by use of a traffic map or a pneumatic tube on the road for some days. Traffic weight can have a dramatic effect on asphalt paving costs. Design differences have a direct impact on material, labor and equipment costs.

Size

The size of the area to be paved also impacts on the cost of asphalt paving. Size differences can be in parameters such as the gradient of the area to be paved, the extent of ground clearance required including the removal of physical barriers such as trees and buildings. Also, the cost of paving can be affected by whether the pavement will be flat or will have peaks and depressions to control the movement of storm water.

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Why You Should Be ADA Compliant In Your Parking Lot

Improvements to your parking lot aren’t an expense, they’re an investment. Those simple changes can pay for themselves.

They’re also the law. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has specific guidelines and requirements to accommodate those with disabilities. For your parking lot to be ADA compliant, it must be accessible and have no barriers, among other requirements. A full list of requirements can be found here. It is a common misconception that parking lots constructed before 1990 have been grandfathered in and don’t need to meet ADA requirements. As of 2012, that isn’t true. All businesses are required by law to be ADA compliant.

Here are some of the ways you’ll benefit:

1. More Customers

ADA compliance is designed to make it easier for people to access everyday businesses. You’ll open opportunities for more people to visit your store or office, bringing in a whole new set of customers or clients.

People with disabilities make up the largest minority in the nation, and they represent more than 12 percent of the population. With the growth in the aging population, that’s a lot of potential new customers or clients!

2.  Tax Benefits

The IRS offers tax advantages in the form of credits and deductions for businesses that can help with the cost of making your parking lot ADA compliant. According to the ADA website, the credits can be up to $5,000 a year for businesses with less than one million in revenue “to offset the cost of undertaking barrier removal and alterations to improve accessibility” and the deductions can be up to $15,000 a year for all businesses for the cost of these improvements. Check with your accountant for more information.

3.  Higher Property Value

It’s hard to predict the future, and you could outgrow your current location. Making your parking lot ADA compliant may increase your business’s property value because potential buyers would not be saddled with the cost of improving the property, yet will still benefit from the upgrade.

4.  Competitive Advantage

If you’re ADA compliant and your competitor is not, you are likely to draw in more consumers. The aging population – which makes up a large percentage of those with disabilities – holds half of the discretionary income in the nation, Even people who aren’t disabled respect the needs of others and will patronize businesses that are accessible to their friends and family members with disabilities. This holds true for employees as well, and your competitive edge can extend to potential new hires.

5.  Community Spirit

While more difficult to quantify, making your parking lot ADA compliant tells your community “we care” by respecting the needs of others. Today’s consumer looks for businesses that are socially responsible. Consider the needs of people with disabilities and the difficulties they face in everyday activities. By showing consideration, you are telling the public you are a company to trust. If you are thinking of the public, the public is thinking of you.

Simple yet important changes to your parking lot can affect your bottom line, offsetting the cost of those improvements. Those improvements can be seen as more than a business expense, but rather, a marketing tool.

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Issues with Standing Water on my Asphalt Parking Lot

Flooded parking lots make navigation nearly impossible for motorists and also poses mobility problems to pedestrians. What’s more, such derelict parking spaces end up causing damage to your precious car, and you’re forced to make expensive repairs every now and then. But where do these annoying puddles come from? And can the formation of these puddles on your asphalt parking lots be prevented?

The surface lining roads, pavements and curbs constantly undergo wear and tear as the vehicles use them and as the seasons come and pass. Weather plays a crucial role in shaping up these roads, especially during snowy weather conditions. The falling snow finds its way into small cracks and crevices lining the asphalt parking lots and pavements. With time, the snow starts to erode the surface of your parking lot, and that’s one of the main element behind the gaping potholes on your parking lots and roads.

Preventive Measures

Asphalt pavements also get damaged by heavy vehicles and trucks, either parked or moving. The excess tonnage of these earth monsters causes the pavements to get depressed, and in the process, the walkways are weakened. The best way to avoid weak and unstable sidewalks is by making sure the contractors compact the soils on the pavements foundation properly such that it can comfortably support heavy vehicles. Also, heavy vehicles ought not to be parked for extended durations on the asphalt parking lot. Finally, by regularly cleaning the parking lot it will last longer and will be much safer for all.

Drainage Fixes

Stagnant water pools on your parking lot may also come from a poor drainage infrastructure. The parking lot should have a robust drainage system capable of handling all the water rushing in from torrential rainfalls and burst sewage pipes. It’s worth noting that, puddling is a preventable problem. Consult with your local asphalt experts and get them to divulge other secrets and tips on how one undertakes proper parking lot maintenance.

Finding Asphalt Contractors

There’s no need whatsoever for you to panic just because of a clogged up parking lots. There’s always an easy solution and way out of the parking lot nightmares. The solution involves seeking the services of a reliable, trusted and accredited asphalt contractor and then paying them to undo the asphalt damage. The first thing that a licensed pavement repair contractor will do once you contact them is sending an expert to inspect the extent of damage on your parking lot.

The emissary from the asphalt construction company then uses their past exposure and experience to figure out what exactly is causing the unsightly potholes. The asphalt specialists may, for instance, decide to go with one of the most commonly used pavement repair procedures known as the infrared asphalt treatment. Alternatively, the issue may be emanating from old and malfunctioning drainage pipes, and in that case, the expert guides you on how to buy and install new gutters, curbs, and even trench drains from reputable concrete companies.

In conclusion

To save money and still walk away with a terrific pavement job, here’s what you should do. Always hire the most experienced asphalt pavement Solutions Company over the new and counterparts in the asphalt industry. To solve the standing water problems once and for all, you’re highly recommended to reach out to a registered asphalt pavement service provider.

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Repair or Replace? Top 3 Reasons to Replace Your Parking Lot Asphalt

With proper maintenance, parking lot asphalt that was professionally installed can last 20-30 years. But then, a business parking lot experiences heavy traffic and will most likely deteriorate faster than a residential driveway. Over time, you can expect it’ll lose its integrity due to wear and tear as a result of the traffic and the natural causes.

The decision whether to repair or replace your asphalt parking lot can be a hard one. You might need a professional asphalt contractor to assess the situation and advice accordingly.

When Asphalt Parking Lot Repairs Are Possible

In some cases, asphalt repair, for instance, patching, and resurfacing of the parking lot are sufficient to get your asphalt lot looking and functioning well. Patching fills the potholes or excavated areas. On the other hand, resurfacing requires installing a new asphalt over an existing one.

Such repairs will not only save your business a substantial amount of money but also extend the life of your parking lot.

Repairing your asphalt might be the right option if less than 25% of the asphalt needs repairs and the foundation is still in top shape. It might also be ideal to repair asphalt business parking lots if they’re less than 20 years old and have shallow cracks, smaller than a quarter inch wide.

3 Key Reasons to Replace Your Parking Lot Asphalt

Although asphalt is a robust parking lot option that will last many years if maintained properly, it wears down over time. Here are three reasons to replace your parking lot asphalt;

If It Has Widespread Cracks

Have you noticed severe cracks on the parking lot that are a couple of inches deep? Then your best option might be to replace the asphalt. Usually, gas, oil, de-icing soil and other substances will penetrate driveways and worsen the cracks. And during the winter, water will seep in through the cracks and expand once frozen.

It makes no economic sense to seal the cracks only to repair again after a couple of months. You might end up sinking in more money, in the long-run, than you would if you installed a new parking lot.

Parking Lot Asphalt Approaching or More than 20 Years

Asphalt has a lifespan of 15–20 years. So if your parking lot asphalt is approaching or past its prime time, then it might be ideal to replace it.

The chances are that you’re dealing with large cracks, potholes, draining issues and such problems. It’s perfectly normal for these problems to arise after many years of exposure to UV rays, harsh weather, heavy traffic, harmful chemicals, among others.

25%-35% of Total Surface Area Requires Removal

There’s no denying that asphalt repair is the less expensive option. But it reaches a point where such repairs won’t provide lasting help especially if there exist foundation and structural issues.

So if more 25%-35% of total area needs removal following considerable damage, then you might need to take a pause. In such cases, the cost of asphalt repair might exceed the cost of installing new asphalt.

The Bottom Line

Sure, regular maintenance of asphalt will prolong the lifespan of business parking lots. However, wears and tears are inevitable. While repairs may appear less costly for your business, it reaches a point where asphalt replacement might be the economical option in the long-run.

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.