Anyone who owns an in-person business, such as a retail store or restaurant, knows that parking is essential. If you just opened your business, or if you've recently moved to a new location, you may be unsure about how your lot should be paved. According to the National Asphalt Pavement Association, 94% of paved areas in the U.S. are asphalt. However, popularity isn't the only reason to consider it. Here are a few reasons to choose asphalt for your commercial parking lot paving needs.
1. Longevity
Asphalt is a very durable material that can last for many years with proper maintenance. This is especially true if your current parking lot isn't paved at all; a grass or dirt lot is prone to holes, bumps, and even flooding in bad weather. Thanks to the longevity of asphalt, you won't need to worry about it wearing down like that or turning into a mud pit during a storm. According to Bob Vila, asphalt can last for decades. If you want a long-lasting parking lot solution, asphalt is a great choice.
2. Safety
In any space that mixes pedestrians and vehicles, it's important to prioritize safety. As previously stated, unpaved lots can be full of bumps and holes. It's more likely that people will trip and fall in a bumpy parking lot, and deeper holes may even damage vehicles. If it's raining, your customers might slip in the mud. To avoid all of this, look into commercial parking lot paving. The smooth, yet slightly textured surface will be free of bumps and potholes, but still have enough grip to avoid slips and falls.
There are other safety benefits that come with an asphalt parking lot. First, the dark color of the asphalt makes any lines or text painted on the surface stand out. While concrete is nice and flat, the light color makes it more difficult to see the paint that tells you where to park and where to stop for pedestrians. Dark asphalt lets you make the layout of your parking lot clear to everyone so accidents are avoided.
3. Appearance
As a business owner, you want to look professional. An old, worn parking lot doesn't send a good message to your customers. Similarly, a dirt or grass lot may not look as professional as you would like. The sleek, clean look of asphalt almost instantly elevates the look of your business. Bring your parking lot into the modern age with asphalt.
4. Noise
Unlike gravel or brick, asphalt is nice and smooth. The smooth surface means that it won't make a lot of noise as people drive or walk on it. If you're trying to create a quiet environment for your customers or patrons, have a paving service install an asphalt parking lot.
5. Installation
While you won't be installing it yourself, it's good to know that asphalt is easy to install. The simple installation process means that you and your customers won't lose access to the parking lot for a long time. When working with a commercial parking lot paving company, it's important to ask how long it will take for the pavement to cure, as the curing time is affected by the outdoor temperature and weather conditions. Make sure your customers park elsewhere during that time.
6. Maintenance
Asphalt doesn't require a lot of maintenance or upkeep. Confirm with your paving company how often the lot should be resealed and plan to call them when the time comes. While they're not common, repairs are easy and can be done without tearing up the entire parking lot. Talk to your local paving service when they install your parking lot for maintenance tips.
7. Cost
With all of the previously mentioned benefits, you may think that asphalt is expensive, but that's not the case! Asphalt is not only popular, but it's affordable as well. While the price of paving is different for every project, it will be more reasonable than other methods. Reach out to your local commercial parking lot paving company for a free estimate.
Now that we've reviewed these benefits, using asphalt for your business's parking lot should be an easy decision. Not only will it be affordable and look great for your business, but your customers will be safer and happier. Do you have more questions about commercial parking lot paving? Call A-One Asphalt Paving LLC for more information or to get started with our services.