Of the many decisions business owners and facility managers must make, there’s the age old question of concrete VS asphalt. Which one is better? How do they differ in terms of cost, reliability and function? What are the maintenance requirements and estimated repair costs? So many questions and just as much confusion when it comes to determining which one is best for your company’s parking area. In this article, we’ll go over some of the major differences between concrete and asphalt to help you make the best decision for your business.

Commercial parking lot with line striping

When it comes to deciding between concrete and asphalt, there really is no definitive best and worst. It’s all about preference with regard to cost, upkeep, appearance and lifespan. Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing between asphalt and concrete for your company’s parking lot or driveway.

  • Asphalt parking lots are significantly less expensive than concrete surfaces

  • Concrete requires less maintenance, whereas asphalt needs regular sealing

  • Concrete can last as long as 50 years, while asphalt can last about 30 years

  • Concrete surfaces can be artistically patterned, stamped or decorative

  • Weather plays a huge factor – as concrete can crack and asphalt can soften

  • Asphalt needs to be resurfaced every 3 to 5 years for ideal performance

  • Concrete requires minimal care, limited only to degreasing every few years

Clearly, there’s a lot to consider when deciding whether to go with asphalt or concrete for your commercial parking area. And of course, these are just a few of the most obvious considerations. To learn more about which pavement type is best for your business, get in touch with Shamrock Paving in Rochester to discuss your project and explore the full scope of options.

Shamrock Paving is located at 841 Buffalo Road in Rochester NY, and can be reached by phone during regular hours at 585-417-5722. Or email your questions to the Shamrock staff by writing through our website’s secure contact page.