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- By john arnold
- Asphalt Know How, Asphalt Paving
Asphalt beats any other kind of surfacing. Here are the reasons why.
Fast
Depending on the time of year, an asphalt parking lot can be ready for use in a couple days, while a concrete lot can take up to a week. Asphalt goes down very quickly, and it has to, since contractors have to work quickly before the mixture solidifies. Asphalt goes down hot and cures as it cools. Unlike concrete, which takes days to install and even longer to set and cure, asphalt can be driven on as soon as it’s cool, which helps minimize downtime for your business.
Cheap
Concrete can cost 25% to 50% more than asphalt, per square foot, so choosing asphalt can save you thousands depending on the size of your parking lot. Though there are maintenance costs associated with maintaining asphalt, they are minor when you think about what you’ll pay up front for an asphalt parking lot.
Easier Maintenance
Crack in your parking lot? A quick asphalt crack sealant application and you’re good to go. Worse than a crack? Fresh asphalt can just be laid over the old stuff, and a steamroller can smooth it out into a new-looking lot. Adding new asphalt also bolsters the overall structure of the pavement, making it even more durable than before. Though maintenance is required, if done properly, it can last for 20 years or more. When it comes time to resurface, usually only the top layer is repaved, which is affordable and quick.
Versatility
No matter how big or small your business, asphalt can play a role. It can be used for driveways, highways, parking lots and even for track beds that provide a safe base for high-speed passenger trains or heavy shipments. Asphalt pavement is also used worldwide as a solution for water storage, flood control and erosion.
Safety
The smoothness of asphalt pavement gives vehicle tires superior contact with the road. Open-graded asphalt allows water to drain through the surface and off to the sides, reducing the amount of splash made from vehicles. Water drainage also means there will be less ice come winter, resulting in less chances of people slipping and falling on your property. Asphalt also has better skid resistance and better visual distinction for lot markings.
The industrial and commercial asphalt world is always changing. Please like this article, share this article, or visit us at https://arnoldasphalt.com.