How to Install a Concrete or Asphalt Parking Lot in Houston Texas
Putting down a concrete or asphalt surface will cost a lot, whether you are building a new parking lot or making an existing one bigger. The size and location of your business will determine the cost of building a parking lot. Before you start any work, you should investigate the various expenses related to establishing a parking lot. Keeping this in mind, we’ll guide you through the process of establishing any sort of parking lot in Houston, Texas. While both concrete and asphalt are standard paving materials for parking lots, they each have unique properties and features that make them more suited to specific conditions than others. Let’s look at the advantages and disadvantages of each kind so you can make an educated choice about which one is best for you.
Concrete Parking Lot Benefits and Drawbacks
Cost
The most apparent benefit of a concrete parking lot is its low cost. Because the concrete is a one-time purchase, there are no continuing maintenance expenditures. Because there are few other elements that might impact the cost of concrete, it is the most cost-effective option in the long run.
Durability
The kind of concrete used to put down the parking lot’s surface has a big impact on its durability. Concrete that has been blended with sand and gravel is known as “self-cleaning” concrete. This means it doesn’t need any upkeep, and it’s also resistant to weeds and other plants that may grow in it.
Adaptability
Another benefit of having a concrete parking lot is its versatility and increased safety. A concrete parking lot can be built to meet the needs of the business, like with a divider that separates the parking spots or with lights or other amenities.
Ease of Cleaning
If oil or grease escapes into the parking lot, it is simple to clean it up with a hose. Because asphalt is permeable, there is no problem with tracking particles through it. If the oil or grease is left on the asphalt surface, it will continue to deteriorate the parking lot.
Asphalt parking lot advantages and disadvantages
Cost
Asphalt is the most cost-effective paving medium available. In fact, it is the only paving material that is not purchased once. It is a continuous expenditure as well as a maintenance cost.
Durability
Asphalt’s durability pales in comparison to that of concrete. Because the asphalt used to construct a parking lot is a mineral, it is subject to wear and strain. It also becomes incredibly hot throughout the summer, making it unsafe to work with. The only way to fix it is to sand the surface and add a layer of heat-resistant material.
Versatility
A parking lot could be built out of asphalt to meet the needs of the business. The surface may be painted or lined with a surface customized to the demands of the company.
Ease of Cleaning
All that is required to keep the asphalt in good condition is a little covering of gravel or crushed rock. This is something that can be done on a regular basis and doesn’t need any particular equipment.
What Kind of Parking Lot Should You Build?
Before you begin any building project, you should be aware of the advantages and disadvantages of each type of parking lot. Once you’ve determined what your company requires, you may choose which style of parking lot is best for you and your situation.
A flat or crushed-gravel parking lot is less expensive than a concrete or asphalt parking lot and needs little to no upkeep. The only problem with a gravel parking lot is that the way it is built makes it more likely to get worn down.
Self-cleaning Concrete Parking Lot
A concrete parking lot that cleans itself lets you enjoy the many benefits of concrete, such as its durability and ability to change. However, you are now in charge of the property’s upkeep.
Sealed or unsealed coarse aggregate parking lot
A coarse-aggregate parking lot’s key benefit is its low cost. The biggest drawback is that the surface is more susceptible to wear and strain.
Fine Aggregate Parking Lot, Unsealed or Sealed
The major benefit of a fine-aggregate parking lot is its low cost. The surface, on the other hand, is more susceptible to wear and tear.
If you want to turn your parking lot into a more lucrative asset, an asphalt parking lot is the way to go. When it comes to establishing an asphalt parking lot, there are two major options: construction or renovation. Depending on the conditions, you will put down a foundation layer of asphalt and then overlay it with crushed stone or gravel.
In a redevelopment plan, the asphalt parking lot surface is replaced with something better, like concrete. In any case, you must carefully plan how the asphalt parking lot will look and how it will be built.
First, determine the length and breadth of the parking lot, as well as its gradient. Based on these dimensions, you must establish the kind and quantity of gravel or stone that will be used to put down the parking lot’s surface.
Next, grade the earth in the parking lot so that the completed grade is level and straight. A de-milling machine is often used to help level the ground.
It is important to understand what you are getting into if you decide to create a concrete parking lot. The key benefits of a concrete parking lot are that it is inexpensive, long-lasting, adaptable, and simple to maintain. The bad things about a concrete parking lot are its high initial cost, high maintenance costs, and long lifespan.
First, estimate the length, breadth, and slope of the parking lot depending on the demands of your company. After you’ve taken these measurements, you’ll need to decide what kind of surface you’ll require.
Concrete parking lots are classified into two types: self-leveling and sprayed-on. Self-leveling concrete is poured right onto the ground and then sprayed with water as needed. Sprayed concrete provides several benefits, including simplicity of maintenance and inexpensive cost.
A two-step pour is often utilized. A leveling foundation is poured first, followed by a final layer of concrete. This permits the parking lot surface to be as flat as possible while also giving additional protection from rain and wear and tear.
Get started on your parking lot installation today with ConcreteHouston.org – the trusted experts in concrete and asphalt paving in Houston. Contact us now to schedule your free consultation and quote
Conclusion
Putting down a concrete or asphalt surface will cost a lot, whether you are building a new parking lot or making an existing one bigger. The cost of building a parking lot is determined by the size and location of your company. Before you start any work, you should investigate the various expenses related to establishing a parking lot. Keeping this in mind, we’ll guide you through the process of establishing any sort of parking lot in Houston, Texas. While both concrete and asphalt are standard paving materials for parking lots, they each have unique properties and features that make them more suited to specific conditions than others.