Are you planning on paving a commercial parking lot? If so, you are probably wondering if you should choose concrete or asphalt as the paving material. Though the cost of the material is one major deciding factor, there are a couple of other things you should consider as well.  

For those who don’t know, both concrete and asphalt are made of stone aggregate and sand. However, the differences start with what binds the mixture together.  

Usually, asphalt contains bitumen or tar to bind the materials. On the other hand, concrete utilizes cement to bind stone and sand.  

Today, we’re going to talk about the biggest differences between asphalt and concrete. This includes sealcoating, design and appearance, and much more.  

Appearance and Design 

When guests come to your building, one of the things they see is your parking lot. Your parking lot’s design and aesthetic can complement the rest of your property. With its dark colors, asphalt creates a striking visual contrast when installed next to light-colored commercial structures. 

Concrete may be stamped, colored, and stained in a range of hues and tones, giving it more creative options. 

Durability 

Durability is important since you want to be sure you’re using a material that will last for many years. Installation, environment, and routine maintenance all play a part in the longevity of your parking lot. Under the correct conditions and with proper maintenance, concrete often lasts longer than asphalt. 

Maintenance 

Concrete and asphalt, like any other construction or building material, are prone to damage over time. Maintaining and preventing damage to your parking lot ensures that it looks good and lasts a long time. 

Every few years, asphalt parking lots should be resurfaced, and concrete parking lots must be resealed. While asphalt is more vulnerable to damage than concrete, it is usually easier to repair. Concrete lasts a lot longer between resealing, but its light tint displays stains from oil and other accidents, necessitating more thorough cleaning to keep it looking good. 

Installation 

Installation time could be a major deciding factor based on how fast you need to begin using your parking lot. Asphalt can be put and cured faster than concrete, and it can normally be used in a matter of days. It can take even longer to install concrete, and it must cure for at least a week before it can be utilized. 

The length of time it takes to install something depends on the time of year. 

Climate 

One of the first things to consider when selecting a pavement material for your parking lot is the environment in which it will be used. Although both materials can be utilized wherever in the end, they will certainly require more upkeep in various climates. 

Asphalt, for example, gets hot and sticky in hot climates because of its dark color, which absorbs a lot of heat. Concrete may crack more easily in cold temperatures due to freeze-thaw cycles and the salt used to melt ice and snow, both of which can deteriorate concrete.