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One of the most critical aspects of building a parking lot is choosing suitable materials. The material you use will determine how long your parking lot lasts, how much money you save on repairs, and whether or not it’s best for the environment.
Below are the standard and best materials that Asphalt Paving Company uses:
1. Asphalt
Asphalt is widespread, both for commercial and residential buildings. The best type of asphalt for parking lots is full-depth asphalt (commonly referred to as hot mix), and this type has all the benefits listed below.
2. Concrete
Many construction companies prefer concrete because it lasts significantly longer than asphalt. It’s also easier to repair, making it a more cost-effective option in the long run. However, it is heavier and requires more maintenance.
3. Crushed Stone
Crushed stone is an excellent material for parking lots because it’s durable, affordable, and environmentally friendly. It can also be used as a base layer for asphalt or concrete to extend its lifespan.
4. Rubber
Rubber is a preferred choice among business owners because it offers the perfect balance of cost and durability. It’s also more resistant to cracks, allowing for easier repairs when they happen. The only downside of asphalt is that it’s not environmentally friendly, but new crumb rubber mixes made with recycled rubber help offset this.
5. Gravel
Gravel is one of the more affordable options, and it’s also environmentally friendly. However, it doesn’t last as long as some of the other materials listed here, so that it may require more frequent repairs.
6. Brick
Brick is a popular choice for parking lots because it looks nice and durable. However, it can be quite expensive and requires more maintenance than some other materials.
7. Concrete Pavers
Concrete pavers are an excellent choice for businesses that want a high-end look for their parking lot. They’re also very durable and require very little maintenance. Plus, you can choose from a wide array of different colours and styles.
8. Colored Asphalt
If you want the durability of asphalt but desire a colour other than black, coloured asphalt is an affordable option that can also be customized to fit your business’s needs. It’s not as durable as concrete or rubber, so it requires more maintenance and may require repairs after heavy use.
9. Exposed Aggregate Concrete
If you want a long-lasting material for your parking lot, exposed aggregate concrete is an excellent choice. It has the added benefit of being environmentally friendly because it can reuse existing asphalt or crushed stone. However, it’s one of the more expensive options on the market today.
10. Wood Chips
Wood chips work great for residential lots, but they’re not ideal for business parking lots. For example, oil stains from automobiles can easily penetrate wood chips and require more maintenance in order to clean them up. In addition, the look isn’t very professional, and it does not have a high-end appearance like some of the other materials.
Bottom line
When it comes to choosing the best material for your parking lot, there are various options to choose from. However, you mustn’t base your decision solely on cost, and you may end up spending more money later on repairs and maintenance if you choose the wrong material for your needs.