When building or repaving a commercial parking lot, one of the most significant decisions you’ll face is choosing between concrete and asphalt. Both materials have been used for decades and offer unique benefits and drawbacks. At American Pavement Solutions, we’re experts in both and here to help you understand the differences so you can make the best choice for your business.

Durability and Lifespan

• Asphalt: A well-maintained asphalt parking lot typically lasts 15-20 years. Its flexibility is a key advantage, as it can withstand freeze-thaw cycles and heavy traffic without cracking as easily as concrete. However, it requires regular maintenance, such as sealcoating, to reach its full lifespan.
• Concrete: Concrete is known for its incredible strength and durability. A concrete parking lot can last 30-40 years or more with minimal maintenance. It stands up exceptionally well to heavy vehicles and high-traffic areas. However, its rigidity makes it susceptible to cracking under extreme temperature changes.

Installation and Curing

• Asphalt: Asphalt is a much faster material to install. The hot mix is poured and compacted, and it cures relatively quickly. You can often drive on a new asphalt surface within a few days of installation. This rapid turnaround minimizes disruption to your business operations.
• Concrete: Installing a concrete parking lot is a more labor-intensive and time-consuming process. The concrete needs to be poured, leveled, and then allowed to cure for a significant period—often several weeks—before it can handle vehicle traffic. This longer curing time means more downtime for your business.

Cost

• Asphalt: Asphalt typically has a lower upfront cost per square foot than concrete. This makes it an attractive option for businesses looking to save on initial construction expenses. However, its maintenance costs over its lifespan (including regular sealcoating) should be factored into the long-term budget.
• Concrete: The initial cost of a concrete parking lot is higher than that of asphalt. However, because concrete requires less frequent maintenance, its lifetime cost can be comparable to or even lower than that of asphalt, especially in high-traffic commercial settings.

Maintenance and Repairs

• Asphalt: Asphalt parking lots require a proactive maintenance schedule. Sealcoating every 3-5 years protects the surface from UV rays, water, and chemicals. Cracks and potholes can be filled and patched relatively easily.
• Concrete: Concrete is a low-maintenance option that doesn’t need sealcoating but can be more difficult and expensive to repair. If a section cracks or breaks, it often requires cutting out and replacing the entire slab rather than a simple patch.

Appearance

• Asphalt: Asphalt provides a smooth, dark black surface with a clean, classic look. Freshly sealcoated asphalt looks pristine and can enhance a business’s curb appeal.
• Concrete: Concrete offers a bright, professional appearance. Its light color can also help to reduce the “heat island” effect in large parking lots, making the area a bit cooler in the summer.

Ready to Pave the Way for Your Business?

Whether you decide on asphalt’s cost-effectiveness and quick installation or concrete’s long-term durability, American Pavement Solutions has the expertise to get the job done right. Our team can help you weigh the pros and cons of each material for your specific needs, traffic volume, and budget. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation estimate, and let’s get started on your perfect parking lot.