B&W Lets You Know Why It’s The Better Way to Go
Choosing concrete may be more expensive than asphalt initially, but the overall investment is much more cost-effective due to its lower maintenance. The benefits far outweigh the cost. Read on for more information.
Durability
High-quality concrete is extremely durable and very reliable. It is far less likely to have problems such as cracking due to its flexibility in freezing temperatures in comparison to asphalt. Asphalt creates nightmares in parking lots and streets, sustaining potholes, ripples, and depressions, especially in colder climates. With regular maintenance, concrete can stand up to anything better than asphalt. Plus, concrete can withstand heavier vehicles long-term better.
Reflective Lighting
Dark surfaces such as asphalt parking lots have a low solar reflectance. They absorb heat from the sun’s rays and warm the air. This is not environmentally friendly as it may have an immediate extreme heat gain effect in urban areas. These are known as heat islands.
Lighter materials such as concrete have a higher solar reflectance meaning it doesn’t absorb the heat from the sun thus keeping the atmosphere cooler and making it more “green” than its asphalt counterpart.
Longer Life
If you do the necessary maintenance that asphalt requires, it can last 20-25 years. That sounds like a long time but concrete lasts even longer. A well-maintained concrete parking lot can last as long as 30-50 years. Obviously, there are factors to take into consideration such as weather conditions and minor repairs. And, speaking of maintenance, a degreaser now and then will keep its surface looking new for many years.
Better Looking and Customizable
Aesthetically speaking, the appearance of concrete is cleaner, more uniform, and just more pleasing to the eye especially because it comes in a variety of textures, patterns, and colors. How professional would it be to stamp your company logo at the entrance to your commercial parking lot?
Green
We already mentioned that concrete is greener than asphalt due to the reflective lighting from the sun. But along with that, concrete is a more sustainable material that is easier to recycle and less damaging to the environment. It is made from all-natural materials such as rock ground into a fine powder and then mixed with other raw materials including water.
Concrete is a great way to welcome customers to your business. Let the expert concrete contractors at B & W Custom Concrete in Western New York give you a free quote. We will provide the best installation and customer service for your investment. We will work hard to ensure your needs are met at a price you can afford.