Concrete is a better parking area pavement decision for so many reasons. Here are just a few. AestheticsConcrete just looks nicer. Plain and simple. Concrete parking facilities communicate strength and permanence, a positive image for any business. They can be combined with other design & environmental elements to create a complete and integrated project. Concrete provides a clean and inviting appearance. There are no unsightly potholes to blemish the appearance of an important piece of any property. Design FlexibilityConcrete provides much greater design flexibility than other materials. In fact other materials don't even finish a close second. Concrete offers a limitless color palette. It can be scored, stamped and stained to achieve a variety of results. It can add to the architectural features of a structure, but costs less than using other decorative material that would perform the same function. ValueThis is one of the best features of concrete areas, and one that is surrounded by numerous myths. One common misperception is that concrete facilities cost far more than asphalt. However, the initial cost of concrete parking structures is very competitive. In fact, concrete can even be less expensive than its competition. This is particularly true with new products like Roller Compacted Concrete or when other costs, such as retention ponds and drainage systems, can be eliminated with products like Pervious Pavement. Costs for parking areas can be amortized with loan payments while asphalt repairs and overlays must be built into operating expenses. And because concrete requires little maintenance, it will cost less over the life of the pavement.
Notes: Both lots 300' x 300'. Design life of 20 years. Light duty assumes 500 cars & 53 SUVs per day. Heavy duty assumes 38 tractor trailers per day. Concrete includes fibers, air entrainment, dowels if needed, a mid-range water reducer, jointing, finishing, and curing. Assumes location within 50 miles of contractor and 10 miles of materials. Includes no site preparation, lighting, curb and gutter, or striping. DurabilityConcrete offers performance over time unlike other materials. It has a very long life cycle and gains strength over time. That means it will continue to stand up to heavy loads. You can't say that about other products. Unlike asphalt, concrete does not oxidize and allow the surface to wear away, it does not deform or wrinkle in warm weather, and it resists damage caused by petroleum products. Low MaintenanceConcrete parking areas let you say "No" a lot. No to an expensive overlay every 5-7 years, no to the application of sealer coats, and no to the need for interior maintenance from oily or sticky substances that get tracked into buildings from asphalt lots. Most importantly, you can say "No" to downtime. Concrete areas are open to traffic, not closed for repairs. SafetyConcrete areas are safer for a number of reasons. The concrete surfaces are better because they offer greater skid resistance for vehicles and greater slip resistance for pedestrians. Because of concrete's reflective nature risk is lowered for everyone. Drivers can see and avoid pedestrians and other vehicles much more easily. Pedestrians are more easily able to see and avoid obstacles. Criminals also avoid activity in areas where they are easily seen. Energy SavingsConcrete can also save money by lowering utilities. Because concrete is more highly reflective, fewer lighting fixtures are required, thereby lowering electrical demand. This also saves money during the construction phase by eliminating the expense of lighting units and reducing the amount of time and labor required to install them. Lower building operating costs are also a bonus provided with concrete parking facilities. Buildings located next to concrete surfaces require less power to run because of the excellent thermal properties of the concrete. Asphalt lots radiate heat to adjacent buildings, increasing the electricity needed to manage temperatures. Choose the right concrete by comparing different concrete parking area options. There are several kinds of concrete to choose from, and one may suit your needs perfectly. Browse through the parking area gallery and see some excellent examples of what a difference concrete parking areas can make. |