Concrete vs. Asphalt: Which is Better For Parking Lot Construction?

Choosing the right material for your parking lot is a major decision. You’ll need to find a material that can handle a substantial amount of weight and pressure over an extended period of time. Many businesses and organizations grapple with considering the benefits of concrete vs asphalt.

There are advantages and disadvantages to both materials, as well as differences in cost, durability, maintenance requirements, and more. In this blog post we will take a look at what you should consider when looking at concrete vs asphalt when it comes time to start construction on your parking lot.

Durability & Maintenance Requirements 

When you think of the typical uses of asphalt, images of black roads and driveways may come to mind. Asphalt is actually composed of crushed materials, like concrete or rocks, in addition to tar, which is a petroleum by-product, and when mixed together it turns into a thick, black liquid. Asphalt does require regular maintenance such as seal coating every 3 to 5 years to keep it in good condition and to prevent it from cracking.

When it is properly maintained, concrete can be more durable than asphalt. When your parking lot is constructed with concrete from a high-quality materials supplier, like Silvi Materials, you will experience less maintenance requirements, as opposed to if you were to use asphalt. Concrete will only need to be resealed more often depending on the amount of use it gets on a daily basis, and how often it is exposed to the elements, like sun and rain. 

Concrete vs Asphalt: Cost & Installation Time 

Concrete can be slightly more expensive than asphalt due to its increased labor costs for installation, however, the longer lifespan of concrete means that it will save you money in the long run due to fewer necessary repairs over time. Since concrete requires less maintenance and upkeep than asphalt, it will provide you with a long-term higher value which ultimately makes it the less expensive option.

Additionally, when it comes to set-up and installation, concrete often requires a less amount of time than asphalt does, which can lead to cost savings in that area as well. Asphalt is generally cheaper upfront but you end up paying for it in the long run since over time it will need more frequent repairs which will lead to higher overall costs when compared to concrete.

Environmental Impact & Aesthetics 

The environmental impact of each material should also be taken into consideration when deciding between concrete or asphalt for your parking lot construction project. Asphalt tends to have a higher environmental impact than concrete due to the emissions generated during its production and installation process.

Providing your space with a lighter color and higher reflectivity, concrete also absorbs less of the sun’s energy when compared to black asphalt which requires the surrounding buildings to use less electricity. Concrete also has the ability to reduce the number of lights that are necessary to brighten concrete parking lots, which can reduce energy costs by up to 30 percent. 

In terms of aesthetics, concrete offers a wide range of design options, while the dark black color of asphalt does not allow for much customization. Many people prefer the look of concrete as it often has an elegant appearance which can add value to any property or development project. 

Concrete vs Asphalt Summary

Ultimately, there is no one “right” answer when it comes to choosing between concrete or asphalt for your parking lot construction project. Each parking lot design has its own unique attributes and requirements, and it’s important to take all of these factors into consideration before making a final decision. Concrete is more expensive up front but cheaper over time compared to asphalt. Concrete also has an advantage in terms of soaking up less energy from the sun and requires less lighting.

At Silvi Materials, our experts can help you transform your parking lot into a safe and aesthetically pleasing space for all of your clients.

Contact us today to learn more about our parking lot solutions and how they can benefit you.