When it comes to designing and maintaining a commercial property, the parking lot is one of the most significant features. Not only does a smooth, durable, and cost-effective surface create a great first impression for visitors, but it also can be used safely and efficiently for many years. Asphalt continues to be the preferred choice for businesses and property managers because of its overall strength, flexibility, and value.
Below, we’ll discuss the main reasons that asphalt is simply the best material for commercial parking lots.
Strength for heavy traffic
Commercial parking lots are designed for heavy vehicle loads, from passenger cars to delivery trucks, every single day. Asphalt is specifically designed to handle this kind of treatment without cracking easily under the weight. Its load-bearing strength is one of the biggest reasons road construction services like PTM use asphalt for highways and city streets too.
Business owners can fully expect their asphalt paving to endure:
- Constant traffic with no significant wear to the surface.
- Heavy loads, such as big delivery trucks and service vehicles.
- Minimal structural damage and long-life use.
This strength is even one of the reasons asphalts is a smart investment for any property that will be used consistently. In fact, a majority of municipalities have adopted asphalt as their default paving option due to its resilient reputation over time. This reliability provides peace of mind and cuts costs in interruptions for property owners. Additionally, asphalt surfaces can last over several decades with proper maintenance, even with constant use.
Asphalt’s flexibility advantage
Relative flexibility is another reason why asphalt has some advantages for parking lots and uses. As opposed to hard materials, asphalt has some ability to shrink and expand with temperature change and movement in the earth. It provides a layer of safety against cracking as well as pothole formation, both of which can be significant expenses and public hazards.
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For property managers, especially in seasonal weather zones, this presents a distinct advantage. Asphalt keeps the surface smooth and avoids the potential of large-scale repairs. Many commercial paving contractors promote asphalt because it will react better than concrete to the changing soil conditions and temperature extremes.
Property managers that are concerned about long-term expenses will actively choose asphalt because it can handle the environmental stressors significantly better than its alternatives. This flexibility of pavement makes asphalt a consideration in seismic areas and cyclical frost areas.
Cost Effectiveness for Businesses
For budget-conscious property managers, asphalt is popular simply because of the bang for the buck. Compared to the other materials, installation of asphalt is cheaper and normally takes less time to install. More than just the upfront cost, repair of asphalt requires fewer closures of parking facilities, and consequently they will operate for fewer hours without income.
Asphalt also allows property owners the option to resurface rather than depriving tenants of an entire parking facility until complete replacement has occurred, extending the lifecycle of the lot as well. For property owners interested in commercial asphalt paving Vacaville, the experts in the area provide cost-effective solutions as they have a history of working with their suppliers.
Another benefit for businesses is that repairs and upgrades can often be scheduled during off hours for minimal impact on tenants and customers. It is no wonder that asphalt continues to be one of the most business-friendly paving products on the market today. Businesses can also use phased repair, allowing areas of the parking lot to be addressed for repair work without the entire area being closed at once.
Appearance and curb appeal
Having a newly paved asphalt parking lot has a modern dark finish that enhances the overall attractiveness of the property. It is not only the tenants that value curb appeal; potential customers value it too when they visit business properties. A well-maintained parking lot will project positively on the business.
A business can also create an additional appearance impact by using line striping, signage, and markings per ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) requirements. The surface can even be seal coated to maintain its color and to protect from oil stains or weathering, thereby making it much easier for property owners to look professional.
Some of the benefits include:
- Clean looks improve first impressions
- Clear markings ensure safety as well as compliance
- Easy to maintain to ensure attractiveness over the long term
The appearance impact of a clean parking lot should not be underestimated, even when it is the first impression that visitors will encounter. A well-kept parking lot will send a message of care for retail centers or office buildings alike. Even small upgrades, such as fresh paint or a few repaired cracks, can enhance the value of the property overall.
Maintenance planning for lots
All parking lots require maintenance despite all the surface strength in the world. Provided that it is maintained, asphalt parking lots simplify maintenance. Sealcoating, crack sealing, and resurfacing are the key elements of asphalt parking lot maintenance and can prolong the useful life of each lot considerably. Many businesses include maintenance on a scheduled basis every few years in order to ensure costs are predictable while also using preventative maintenance to not allow minor issues to turn into major repairs.
Asphalt parking lot maintenance is also relatively inexpensive and an efficient process that minimizes the impact on daily business operations. This is important to property managers who want to have happy businesses while also planning for long-term value. Essentially, by planning ahead with a reputable paving contractor, property managers can create peace of mind around protecting the investment in the parking lot while ensuring it is safe and looks good.
Even more importantly, active maintenance through better planning and upkeep reduces liability risks and increases safety for drivers and pedestrians.
Final Thoughts
Asphalt continues to be the material of choice for commercial parking lots considering its durability, flexibility, cost, and appearance. That said, it still delivers years of performance when considered with a planned maintenance program and is worth it to business owners that want durability and curb value in their properties.
