Thinking about installing a new parking lot for your business? If so, you have a few options to weigh in terms of materials used. Concrete is always an option, however most people opt for asphalt. It also goes by the name of blacktop and is a popular choice for any space that will encounter a lot of cars and trucks.
Derived from oil, asphalt possesses numerous benefits that could very well tip your decision in its favor. However, asphalt paving does possess a few drawbacks and you should be aware of them as well. Only then can you make a truly informed decision before hiring an asphalt paving company.
Benefits of Hiring an Asphalt Paving Contractor
One of the obvious benefits of asphalt paving is how strong it is. It can hold up to virtually any situation and weather. It can support the wear and tear of vehicles passing over it day in and day out and sitting for long periods of time. It can even stand up to rain, snow, and other weather conditions.
Maintenance is relatively simple after installing Georgia paving. It can last for decades, in fact, and won’t cause you much trouble. So long as the asphalt paving company applies a sealant to the asphalt, it should last for decades with only the occasional need for minor cracks. The rich blackness of the asphalt will fade over time, but that’s usually not of much consequence. The overall durability and strength of the surface is of much greater concern and you don’t really have to worry about it once it’s installed.
Significant water run-off, snow, and even staining are no problem when dealing with asphalt paving, as well. Standard cleaning will remove stains and snow can be easily shoveled or plowed away without any issues. Should cracks develop years after the asphalt paving company installs it, a quick patch job should do the trick and extend the surface’s life considerably.
And you won’t be able to beat the price. Asphalt is cheap yet you’re not skimping on value. Despite the relatively low price, you’re getting a great deal because the asphalt paving will last for a long time and hold up to whatever rigors you demand of it. So long as you hire a reliable and skilled asphalt paving contractor, you’re going to get the most bang for your buck.
Again, the best thing about asphalt is that you get a strong, durable, and low-priced parking lot surface that stands up to daily demands. In this respect, you can’t go wrong with asphalt paving.
Drawbacks of Hiring an Asphalt Paving Contractor
Despite the many benefits of asphalt paving, there are a few drawbacks you should note before hiring a company to do the installation. For starters, you absolutely have to hire a company for the installation. That is, there’s really no way you could tackle this project on your own in a do-it-yourself capacity. It requires too much equipment, time, and labor to get the job done properly for one person to handle.
Likewise, how the asphalt looks doesn’t leave all that much to be desired. Sure, the asphalt looks great immediately following installation. It’s a rich and deep black color and any lines put on it stand out making a nice contrast. However, this coloring fades rather quickly. It’s also susceptible to cracking, which can be a real eyesore and will cost additional money to have repaired later down the line.
Even though asphalt can hold up to the elements like rain and snow, too much sun can pose a problem. It’s not going to completely destroy the surface or anything like that, but exposure to the sun on a very hot day could make the asphalt paving soft, which is difficult to drive on, making for a somewhat unpleasant experience for anyone looking to park in your lot.
Additionally, you don’t have very many options in terms of how the asphalt paving will look. Besides determining the size and shape of the installation area for the parking lot, you’re pretty much left with just a black surface. Stamping will cost extra money and will also fade over time. Generally, Georgia paving is pretty plain but that can be okay for a parking lot. After all, you could always add planters and such to add some character to the lot and draw the eye away from the plain asphalt paving.
At the end of the day, hiring an asphalt paving contractor is all about utility. An asphalt parking lot performs a vital function for a business. It’s necessary. And despite a couple of drawbacks, choosing asphalt as the base material for your parking lot is likely a good idea because it’s strong, cheap, and serves its function well.
