Paving companies just love to use asphalt. Whether it’s a residential driveway or a commercial parking lot, asphalt is the first choice of professional pavers everywhere.
But why, exactly, is asphalt such a popular choice for paving companies and their customers? There are many other paving surfaces out there to choose from, after all — what’s asphalt’s edge? The truth is that there are a number of very good reasons that commercial pavers gravitate to asphalt. Here are some of the best.
Asphalt is Versatile
Asphalt is one of the most versatile paving surfaces around. This means that a paving company that specializes in asphalt can serve any number of business sectors. Whether you’re looking to get a residential driveway or commercial parking lot paved or if you need a new country road, city street, or highway, asphalt is perfect for nearly every occasion.
It goes even further than that, though. Asphalt is routinely used to create safe bases for heavy-duty vehicle traffic. Cargo or high-speed passenger trains often have these asphalt bases. As if this all wasn’t enough, asphalt plays a major role in reducing the effects of erosion, controlling and minimizing flood damage, and providing water storage.
Asphalt is Safe
As a pavement, asphalt is quite smooth, which provides high level of contact for vehicle tires. Certain types of asphalt, such as open-graded, offers excellent water drainage and increasing safety. Skid resistance is higher on asphalt as well, and when it comes to parking lot markings, asphalt offers better visual distinction.
Less water during the summer also means less ice on the road in the winter. Parking lots, driveways, and sidewalks are less slippery as a result. This is especially appreciated by business owners with asphalt parking lots, as the possibility of having a customer or visitor slip and fall is significantly lessened.
Asphalt is a Quieter Option
Did you know that vehicle traffic on asphalt naturally creates less noise than vehicle traffic on other types of pavement? In fact, traffic volume goes down by three entire decibels on asphalt. That might not seem like a lot, but it’s a net reduction of 50 percent.
As a result, asphalt doesn’t contribute as much to noise pollution than other types of pavement. This is most noticeable in high-traffic areas like busy parking lots or city streets, and it’s sound-dampening capabilities are much appreciated by local residents and businesses.
Asphalt is Long-Lasting and Sustainable and is a Favorite of Paving Companies
Did you know that asphalt is a recyclable product? It’s true — in fact, asphalt is reusable in many instances, which means that not only is it environmentally friendly but it’s less expensive because there’s a lessened need for new material. Combine that with how quickly you can pave a parking lot, and that means your business doesn’t have to be disrupted for very long during the paving process.
Meanwhile, asphalt is also one of the more long-lasting types of pavement out there — as long as it receives early preventative maintenance. Parking lots that receive a sealcoat after being initially paved, for example, are protected against ultraviolet radiation and water damage, while repairing potholes and filling cracks when small prevents them from spreading and becoming highly expensive problems.
Asphalt Makes Everything Look Better
Curb appeal is important. While landscaping and building maintenance play a role in beautifying your property, everyone loves the look of a flawless black expanse of new asphalt with crisp white parking stripes. This is especially important if you own or manage a retail business. Where would you rather stop for coffee — the Dunkin Donuts with the moon-crater lot, or the Wawa with a beautiful, smooth one?