A well paved parking lot lays the foundation of an exceptional first impression of the property. When drivers place their wheels on the parking lots they want a smooth, obstruction-free and well-maintained surface. If parking lots are poorly maintained with potholes and cracks then driving becomes a nightmare. But parking lot maintenance is not an easy task. Therefore, it is better to properly pave the parking lot, in the first place. It ensures a happy journey for the drivers, co-passengers and also the vehicles and its wheels. Read further to find out about the important things to consider before paving parking lots.

Key considerations for paving parking lots

Asphalt vs Concrete parking lot

While constructing or restoring a parking lot, one encounters a major question about whether to select an Asphalt parking lot or a Concrete parking lot. Both types of parking lots have some advantages and disadvantages. Knowing them will empower you to make an aware decision of choosing either Concrete or Asphalt for your parking lots as per your needs.

Asphalt parking lot

Asphalt paving consists of dark-coloured substance made up of nearly 95% aggregate of sand, crushed rocks and gravel bound with 5% petroleum-based distillation called Bitumen. It is extensively used for parking lot construction because of its toughness and potentiality to resist heavy traffic.

Pros of constructing Asphalt parking lots

Faster and less expensive installation

Asphalt parking takes only a few days to install and repair, whereas resurfaced Asphalt sets within hours. So, the parking lot is ready and open for business soon. A quicker commercial parking installation easily saves money.

Easy repair

Repairing Asphalt paving is easy when it gets damaged. When a portion of Asphalt paving is damaged, then only the top layer is affected as the middle and base layers usually remain unaffected. Hence, parking lot repairs and maintenance become easy.

Ensuring advance safety

Asphalt driveways provide better protection against skid and snow. The open graded Asphalt allows surface water to drain away for driver safety. The white or yellow parking line symbols give visibility on dark Asphalt pavement and minimize accident risks.

Longer life span

A properly installed Asphalt parking lot lasts up to 20-35 years if preventive maintenance is taken, like seal coating, crack filling and potholes patching.

Resistance in cold weather

Being a supple substance it usually remains unaffected from temperature swap. The Bitumen has an elastic quality that makes Asphalt resistant to constant freezing and thawing, especially in colder regions. Therefore, it is a good option for Wilmington DE parking lots.

Reduces traffic noise

When parking lots are paved with Asphalt material it reduces the traffic noise by 50% or three decibels. Thus, parking lots especially residential or commercial like hospitals, schools etc can be constructed with Asphalt for a peaceful vicinity.

Aesthetically customizable

Asphalt can be dyed to increase the visual appeal of the parking lots. It can be colored with decorative gravel or engraved with modern company designs.

Cons of constructing Asphalt parking lots

Frequent repairs and preventive maintenance

Overtime Asphalt pavements also become vulnerable to cracks and potholes. It requires frequent care and professional maintenance within 3-5 years.

Heat island effect

With heat island effect, Asphalt's dark color makes it less reflective and 10 degrees hotter than concrete. Extreme heat can cause the Asphalt parking lot to soften and become oily which creates a great risk.

Weaken durability

Asphalt is a softer material than concrete and therefore has decreased durability. It cannot take the huge amount of prolonged traffic. If Asphalt is not repaired regularly, its lifespan and durability decreases.

Use of heavy equipment

While paving an Asphalt parking lot heavy tools and machinery like graders, dump trucks, Asphalt pavers and rollers are used that are quite expensive.

Requires trained installers

The process of Asphalt paving requires highly trained installers who are proficient in this field and can do the job easily knowing the pros and cons.

Concrete parking lot

Concrete parking lots are made from cement and an aggregate mixture of sand and gravel. Water is mixed to form a Concrete mixture and used for constructing roads, commercial parking lots, car ports and highways.

Pros of Concrete parking lot

Durability

Concrete parking lots can last up to 40 years or more. They are more durable compared to Asphalt parking lots. They have the ability to accommodate heavy vehicles and dense traffic.

Ideal for warm climates

It reflects a greater amount of sunlight, as it possesses high albedo lowering the urban heat island effect.

Lower maintenance cost

Concrete parking lots have lower maintenance costs like joint sealing or annual cleaning.

Customized designs

Concrete can be customized into various colored textures and designs. Through stains, stamp engraving or tints the Concrete paving offers high design flexibility to enhance the aesthetic appeal.

Energy efficient

Concrete parking lots are lighter and smoother, hence they will reflect more light than any darker material. Concrete parking lots require less exterior lighting and other energy elements, which leads to energy savings up to 30%.

Higher resale value

The resale value of the property increases if it has a Concrete parking lot instead of Asphalt parking lot.

Cons of Concrete parking lot

Longer and costlier installation

Concrete parking lots can cause delays in business operations due to high upfront costs including the price of materials, installation and labor. Even the indirect cost of installation increases as it might take up to seven days to install Concrete parking lot.

Water damage

Concrete is less porous so a water runoff system is necessary for proper drainage. In the heavy rainfall area, excessive water exposure can weaken the Concrete pavement.

Sensitive to frost heaves

In the case of Concrete parking lots, freezing temperatures can develop fractures and cracks on the surface. The water that seeps in freezes overnight leading to cracks which further lead to frost heaves and an uneven surface.

Salt damage

In Concrete parking lots constant exposure to rock salt weakens the surface area that then needs expensive repairs.

Difficult to repair

The process of repairing Concrete parking lots is very difficult. The simple process of patching holes or cracks is not the solution. The entire concrete slab has to be replaced for parking lot repairs and maintenance.

Lacks flexibility

Concrete is a less alterable material than Asphalt, so it can split under extreme force, extreme degrees or surface motion.

Thus, one has to choose wisely between Asphalt and Concrete parking lots weighing their pros and cons effectively.

Strength requirements

A parking lot in a shopping center may be used mostly by passenger cars, whereas a manufacturing facility or warehouse experiences heavy truck traffic. These scenarios show different requirements for strength that translate into different surface thickness and site preparation. For example, rigid Concrete slabs do not require much subgrade work but it is more common for Asphalt subgrade to be replaced with soils that possess better strength, drainage and frost resistance. Thus, strength requirements play a pivotal role in considering the appropriate materials and site preparation.

Proper drainage

Proper drainage is an important requirement when paving a parking lot. Things that are not drained properly are unappealing as well as a safety hazard for driving and parking both. Furthermore, standing water shortens the life of the parking surface. Therefore, a proper drainage system must be tailored as per local conditions. This is especially true for a humid place like Wilmington DE. Rainwater and snowmelt has to be drained appropriately for parking lot durability. Gutters and drains must be sufficient for sustainable urban drainage systems.

Lifetime maintenance

Parking lot repair and maintenance is an important consideration while paving it. Concrete should be sealed periodically with penetrating sealers and surface sealers to reduce moisture intrusion and fill in the cracks. Asphalt surfaces need more lifetime maintenance including seal coating, crack filling and potholes repairing. Every few years all surfaces have to be restricted to ensure proper visibility in all light conditions. These things would also depend upon the climatic conditions of Wilmington DE. With high atmospheric moisture levels year round and snowy winters, regular maintenance of the paved parking lots should not be neglected.

Parking lot location

The parking lot construction requires a smooth, leveled area free of potholes. Proper entrance and exit with clear signs of stripping for parking spaces, crosswalk and traffic flow are necessary. A spacious parking area is required for people to get in and out of vehicles. Parking lots also need to be ADA-compliant with convenient handicap spaces and curb cuts.

Curb appeal

As stated earlier, parking lots give the first impression about your property. Keeping it well maintained to enhance the curb appeal is essential. While designing the parking lot some room or space should always be kept for beautification by planting trees, growing shrubs or a decorative shade. The decision should be made as per suitability and requirements of the location and the parking lot.

Adequate lighting

Like in every other sphere, technology plays a pivotal role in parking lots paving also. While designing or constructing a parking lot, make sure designing includes enough lighting fixtures to illuminate the entire lot and provide adequate light especially around the entrance and exit areas. Poorly light parking lots are not convenient for visitors and increase the risks of accidents. Adequate lighting in the parking lot makes it more attractive, usable and a major factor to keep a check on crime.

For weighing in the options to make the correct decision while paving parking lots, it is advised to consult a professional in Wilmington DE, like White’s Custom Paving.

Why choose White’s Custom Paving?

White’s Custom Paving has more than three decades of experience in the Wilmington, DE area. We have been providing professional quality services with a personal touch. Our rich experience, integrity and high-quality service ensures a long lasting parking lot which serves the customers for decades to come. Services offered by White’s Custom Paving serving the greater Wilmington, DE area are:

ADA compliance
Asphalt Paving
Asphalt Repair and Maintenance
Chip Sealing
Concrete Flatwork
Concrete Repair
Crack Filling
Driveway paving
Parking Lot repair and maintenance
Resurfacing overlay
Seal coating
Stripping
Technology in parking lots paving

Conclusion

A speckless parking lot has a great impact on any property. While constructing a parking lot we have to not only meet but exceed the client expectations. Durable parking lots can be constructed by commitment to excellence, where every layer reflects precision, durability, parking lot repair, maintenance and unparalleled artistry. Such complete parking lot paving services can only be provided by a renowned and an experienced professional of the Wilmington DE area.

White’s Custom Paving is committed to provide customers with the best value for their paving investment. Contact Us and we will get back to you within 24 hours. We can get you a free estimate of your project and enable you to make all important decisions for paving durable parking lots.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which company in the Wilmington, DE area provides the best parking lot paving services?

White’s Custom Paving is committed to provide the best service in parking lots paving in the Wilmington, DE area.

Concrete vs Asphalt Parking Lot: which one is the best?

Concrete parking lots last for 40 - 50 years. But Asphalt parking lots last for 25 - 35 years. But more than lifespan both have different pros and cons. Read about them and then make a conscious decision about which type of parking lot suits you better.

How old is White’s Custom Paving?

White’s Custom Paving company is 35 years old.

What is the least expensive ingredient for a parking lot?

Gravel is the least expensive material used for parking lots.

What are the most parking lots paved with?

Most of the parking lots are paved with either Asphalt or Concrete. Both types of parking lots require heavy maintenance like repaving and resurfacing.

What is the best design for a parking lot?

Ideally, parking lots should be rectangular with parking on both sides of aisles. But for two way traffic flow parking spaces should be perpendicular to the aisles.

How do you beautify a parking lot?

A parking lot can be beautified with the following things:

Shrubs, vines and small trees
Attractive barrier or fences
Bed of flowers
Ground cover