Industrial facilities have a lot of traffic. Your parking lot sees plenty of action between employees, customers, and delivery trucks.
Potholes, cracks, and uneven surfaces are unsightly and create safety hazards. Not to mention the damage they may do to vehicles.
That’s why it’s essential to choose a suitable paving material for your industrial facility. There are two commonly used materials for paving parking lots: asphalt and concrete. Each has its advantages and disadvantages.
Asphalt – The Popular Choice
The superior flexibility and excellent waterproofing properties of asphalt make it the most popular choice for parking lots. It’s also much cheaper to install and relatively easy to repair than concrete.
Asphalt has two main categories:
Hot Mix Asphalt: It is mixed at high temperatures and is the most durable. High traffic areas like parking lots are usually paved with hot mix asphalt.
Cold Mix Asphalt: Low traffic areas like residential driveways can be paved with this mix. It’s not as strong as hot mix asphalt, but it’s much easier to install.
Concrete – The Long-Lasting Option:
Concrete is a mixture of aggregate, water, and cement. It is an excellent option for areas that experience a lot of traffic. Highways, airports, bridge decks, and parking garages are all examples of places paved with concrete. Concrete is exceptionally durable and can last for decades with proper maintenance.
Essential Asphalt and Concrete Tips:
The process of laying asphalt is similar to concrete. The main difference is the composition of the mixture. The tips below will help you achieve a high-quality paving job:
Preparation Tips:
- Ensure the ground is adequately prepared before laying asphalt or concrete. It means removing any debris, trees, or roots that could interfere with the pavement.
- The subgrade should be compacted to the proper degree. It will ensure a solid base for your pavement.
- If you’re working in cold weather, ensure to warm the ground before starting. It will prevent the pavement from cracking.
- You’ll also need to grade the area to slope away from any buildings or structures. It will help with drainage and prevent water from pooling on the pavement.
Compaction Tips:
- As you lay the material, compact it with a roller. It will help to dense the pavement and make it more durable.
- Fill any large cracks and holes in the pavement before you start compacting. Otherwise, they will get bigger.
Maintenance Tips:
- It’s crucial to seal coat your asphalt pavement every few years to protect it from the elements.
- Areas with a lot of snow should have asphalt pavement plowed and sanded regularly.
- If you notice any cracks or potholes, be sure to have them repaired as soon as possible.
Safety Tips:
- When working with asphalt or concrete, wear gloves and a mask to protect yourself from the fumes.
- If you are using a power washer, you must wear ear protection.
Conclusion:
Hiring the right contractor for the job will ensure that your asphalt pavement or concrete is installed correctly.
Prime Asphalt, serving Waco, TX, is your trusted pavement contractor. We offer concrete paving and asphalt repair services to ensure your pavement sees a long lifespan.
