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Concrete Parking Lots v. Asphalt Parking Lots

It’s time to upgrade your business with a new parking lot.  You’ve gotten the land, arranged the permits and are ready to start construction.  There’s just one big question remaining: concrete or asphalt?

Both surfaces have their plusses and minuses, and it’s important to look at the whole picture before deciding which surface to use.  The experts here at Epic Paving and Contracting have come up with a few pros and cons that could help you decide which is best for your business.

Pros of a Concrete Parking Lot

Concrete will do better in hot weather.  Dark asphalt gets extremely hot, while the lighter color of concrete means a lower-temperature parking lot in the summer.  It’s also possible that the asphalt will soften and become oily, though that’s generally not a problem in Toronto’s climate.

Concrete requires less maintenance – joint sealing and annual cleaning are all that concrete requires throughout its long lifespan.  Asphalt requires more regular maintenance, sealing and repairing cracks, in order to keep it functioning at full strength.

Concrete has more options for colors and textures, making it a better option for creative designs and layouts, as opposed to plain black asphalt.  Many people consider the look and design of a concrete lot to be more visually appealing, which is helpful if you’re trying to boost your curb appeal.

Pros of an Asphalt Parking Lot

Asphalt is quicker to install and comes in at a lower cost than concrete, generally speaking.  An asphalt parking lot can usually be laid in a couple of days, while concrete takes twice as long.  That will save you money, too, as it means less labor.

Asphalt is better for the environment.  Asphalt can be recycled at the end of its lifespan – it can be ground up and used as a base for new asphalt installations, unlike concrete.  Asphalt lots can also help with water drainage; porous and permeable asphalt allow water to pass through the asphalt into the soil below, while impermeable concrete requires plans for run-off.

Asphalt also is more cost-effective over the long term.  With proper maintenance, an asphalt lot can easily last you 20 years.  Even then, it’s usually only the top layer that’s actually repaved; the base and middle layers are essentially permanent.  Repaving the top layer of an asphalt lot is cheaper than reinstalling a concrete lot.

Which is better?

Which one should you choose?  The answer depends on your exact circumstances; different businesses have different needs, and different needs require different lots.  In Toronto’s cold climate, asphalt is often the right choice – a concrete lot is subject to expanding and contracting during our freezing and thawing cycles, and salt can damage concrete over the long run.  Your circumstances may differ, however, and the experts at Epic Paving and Contracting can help you decide which surface is right for you.

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    Peter Christensen
    Peter Christensen
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    Epic Paving completed the installation of a concrete pad with bollards, including paving and curb repairs. The end result was great. The focus on making a finished product to meet full customer satisfaction was very evident. A great job completed by Epic Paving & Contracting. They left the site clean and exceeded my expectations. Thank you!
    Max Rivshin
    Max Rivshin
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    This is very good and reliable company. Working with them for over four years and love both attitude, quality and service. Way to go!!! Great job!
    Black and Yellow Pavement Inc
    Black and Yellow Pavement Inc
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    We have been working with Epic Paving for just about 5 years now. They are our number one choice for asphalt paving. Francesca and Manousos are extremely helpful, knowledgable, and very easy to work with. The job quality is always top notch and and delivered on time. I would highly recommend their services to anyone seeking asphalt paving and construction.
    BS_Shees Gaming
    BS_Shees Gaming
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    Morris is a hard working guy. They have done my driveway and so professional. Driveway looks like salavator so handsome nice and clean. Recommended 10/10 Amazing staff.
    Maria Rozents
    Maria Rozents
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    Working with this company on a regular basis over two years. Always professional service and exceptional quality of work.
    Shawn Michael
    Shawn Michael
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    Great company the best thing about those guys are safety , great environment . Morris and Givione is a cool and friendly guy.
    Susan Calamatta
    Susan Calamatta
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    Anthony did my driveway and pathway. His crew did an exceptional job. They price is fair. I highly recommend them.
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