Concrete VS Asphalt Parking Lots: What Are the Differences?

As a business owner, you put thought into every decision you make for your business. From the services you will offer to pricing and more, each aspect of your business has been carefully thought over and over. At The Paving Guys, we know that some of these decisions are easier than others. One decision that may be more complex is whether to pave your parking lot with concrete or asphalt. The two have several differences in their composition and appearance, installation process, and durability and lifespan. It can be difficult to choose between the two when there’s so much to know about each of them. That’s why The Paving Guys, an Atlanta commercial paving company, has made this blog post to help you understand the differences between concrete vs asphalt parking lots and how to know which is the best for your business. Read on to learn everything you need to know about asphalt versus concrete!

Concrete VS Asphalt Parking Lot Differences

Even though concrete and asphalt parking lots serve the same purpose, these two materials are very different. These differences exist in almost every aspect of asphalt versus concrete, from their appearance to their durability. Read on to learn all of the differences between these two kinds of parking lots!

Composition and Appearance

One of the first things you’ll notice when looking at concrete vs asphalt parking lots is that these two materials have very distinct compositions and appearances. Concrete is made up of a mixture of cement, water, and aggregates (things like sand and gravel). Asphalt is made up of aggregates and a substance known as bitumen. These unique compositions are what give them their distinct appearances. Concrete is light gray and has a somewhat textured surface, while asphalt has a rich, black color and smooth finish.

Installation Process

The installation process for both asphalt versus concrete parking lots is relatively similar. Both types begin by getting the space ready for the new parking lot by clearing away any old asphalt or concrete that already exists. Both installation processes require that the asphalt or concrete is mixed, poured, and then compacted to create a smooth, even surface. There is one main difference in installing these two kinds of parking lots, and that’s in the time that it takes for them to dry. Asphalt can take 48 to 72 hours after pouring to “dry” while concrete can take up to seven days before you should let cars drive on it.

Durability and Lifespan

One of the biggest differences between concrete and asphalt parking lots is how durable they are and how long they last. Concrete parking lots tend to be a bit more durable than asphalt ones, lasting anywhere from 40-50 years while asphalt parking lots last 25-25 years. However, both of these time spans can change based on factors such as the amount of traffic they get, frequency of maintenance, and weather conditions.

Maintenance and Repair

Because concrete and asphalt are made up of different materials, the frequency with which they need maintenance and repair services also differs. Asphalt parking lots tend to need repairs for problems like potholes and cracks more frequently than concrete parking lots. They also need to be seal coated every 2-3 years to prevent water damage and oxidation. However, while concrete parking lots need fewer repairs than asphalt ones, the repairs that they do need tend to be more expensive and time-consuming than asphalt repairs.

Climate Considerations

When looking into the differences between concrete vs asphalt parking lots, one thing to take into consideration is what kind of climate conditions exist where you’re building your parking lot. Asphalt is better for those living in moderate or cold climates, because it tends to expand and contract during hotter temperatures, leading to more damage and cracking. On the other hand, concrete is better for hotter temperatures, as these high temperatures don’t affect it the way they affect asphalt.

Asphalt Versus Concrete: Which Is Best for My Parking Lot?

If you’re trying to decide between a concrete vs asphalt parking lot, the best thing to do is to take into account the pros and cons of each kind of parking lot and determine which one suits your business’s needs more. For example, if you value a beautiful-looking parking lot, an asphalt parking lot with its deep, rich color might be better suited than a concrete parking lot with its pale appearance. However, if durability is what you’re looking for, you'll want to pick a concrete parking lot. Taking the time to learn about these two different types of parking lots will allow you to make a decision based on your preferences and what works best for your business.

Feel free to contact our Atlanta paving company to learn more about the differences between a concrete vs asphalt parking lot and which one might be better for you. With over 25 years of experience, The Paving Guys can answer any questions you have and are ready to create the best parking lot for your business. Contact us today for your free quote!