Best Paving Material Comprehensive Guide for High-traffic Areas

Thinking of installing a parking lot but worried about the best paver material to use? No worry about it! We are here to provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to choose the best paving products for high-traffic areas. Choosing the best paver will not only keep you happy but will also make your parking lot last longer.

In the market, there are so many varieties of paving materials but each has its characteristics, advantages, disadvantages, and installation methods. Our comprehensive detail guide will help you in choosing the best paving material from installation method to pros and cons. All important information will be provided in this article.

Importance of Choosing the Right Paving Material

Your curb appeal can be greatly improved with a new asphalt overlay or a carefully constructed concrete driveway. However, the real benefits of high-quality paving go far beyond appearances. To ensure the longevity of your property, investing in safety and profitability is key. This is why choosing subpar pavers can have unintended consequences.

Different Types of Paving Materials Offered

Choosing the right paving material for your high-traffic area is the best decision that you can make as an initiative. There are many types of paving material but we provide the five best paving equipment for your parking slot.

Asphalt Paving

Asphalt is an admixture used primarily for pavements, roof shingles, and building materials. In addition to aggregates such as sand, gravel, and crushed rock, there is hydrogen, carbon, nitrogen, sulfur, and oxygen. Bitumen is a binder that holds things together.

A common material for parking lots, driveways, pavements, and roads, asphalt provides a stable foundation for heavy and frequent traffic and can withstand Ontario’s extreme heat and weather throughout the year due to its flexibility.

Pros of using Asphalt Pavings:

1. The Asphalt pavings are less expensive and cost-friendly as compared to other paving materials.
2. The installation of Asphalt is very easy. Any professional road maintenance company can do this task.
3. Asphalt is weighed and requires little maintenance and repair. Small cracks and holes can be filled easily.
4. Asphalt is more flexible as compared to other solid materials like concrete therefore this paving has less chance of cracking.
5. Asphalt can be recycled easily and can be used again.
6. Asphalt can adjust to the weather they are not affected by the nature of the weather like summer, winter, or any other season.

Cons of using Asphalt Pavings:

1. The initial cost of Asphalt is low but its life span is shorter than other solid paving materials like concrete. These paving can last less than 30 to 40 years.
2. Asphalt paving design for bearing heavy loads but its paving is not as compatible as compared to concrete.
3. Asphalt is easy to main but it needs to be maintained regularly. You must apply the commercial paving coating every two or three months.
4. Because asphalt is darker than concrete, it absorbs more heat, which can exacerbate the urban heat island effect and increase parking lot surface temperatures in the winter.
5. Some people find other materials more attractive than the perfect black asphalt. It is not as reactive in color or pattern as pavers or concrete. 

Concrete Paving

Concrete is very famous because of its flexibility and strength with a huge range variety of finishes and different colors. Stained concrete, concrete driveways are the best variety of finishes which gives luxury looks. These concrete are made with luxury materials like stone and brick while focusing on the current era look. Concrete pavings last for up to 30 years and require some little maintenance and proper care.

Pros of using Concrete Paving

1. Concrete paving is one of the best driveway options because of its long-lasting quality. Concrete is so durable that lasts for decades.
2. The maintenance of concrete paving material is less than that of other solid or hard paving materials.
3. One of the best advantages of using concrete paving is that you can customize the finish and colors to increase the curb appeal.
4. Concrete reflects heat rather than absorbing it as asphalt does. This quality can help reduce the heat absorption effect in urban areas.
5. Concrete is made from a variety of natural materials, it is a sustainable option. 
6. Versatility allows you to customize the look of your parking space by coloring it or printing it to match different aesthetics. 

Cons of using Concrete Paving

1. Compared to other materials, such as asphalt or gravel, the cost of materials and labor to install a concrete surface can be high.
2. Although concrete repair is inexpensive, it can be significant and time-consuming. Major concrete blocks should be replaced more often than just minor repairs.
3. Concrete needs to be repaired, it usually involves removing and replacing a large portion of it. The cost of materials, labor, and time can be significant.
4. Concrete can be damaged by freezing temperatures in winter, which makes the surface cracky, especially in harsh winters.
5. Stains like oil or other fluids can be stained on the concrete pavings which makes the surface rough.

Bricks Paving

Brick paving is well known because of its beauty and longevity. Single brick can be easily replaced or maintained if damaged and can bear the weight of heavy traffic. Even though the initial cost of brick paving is high the glamorous charm and longevity are the best long-term advantages. 

Regular upkeep, like weeding and sealing, keeps the driveway functioning and looking its best, making brick a durable and fashionable option.

Pros of Using Bricks Paving

1. Brick paving looks very classy and elegant and gives a very charming effect.
2. If a brick is damaged it can be maintained very easily and in a short time.
3. Bricks are eco-friendly which means the environment or the weather doesn’t affect the bricks paving.
4. Brick paving can be used in decoration areas like weddings and seeling

Cons of using Bricks Paving

1. Brick paving is more expensive rather than other paving stuff.
2. Bricks paving can be prone to shifting without proper installation.

Natural Stone Paving

For a beautiful driveway, Stone Paving is the best option. For homeowners looking to improve the curb appeal of their property, stones like granite, slate, and sandstone are premium choices due to their unparalleled beauty and durability natural stone traffic can withstand great, and withstand strong winds and heavy traffic.

Pros of using Stone Paving

1. Stone paving is made with natural stone which gives a very luxurious and aesthetic look.
2. Natural stones can last long with proper maintenance and care.
3. Stone paving not only gives your location a luxury look but also increases the value of your property.

Cons of using Stone Paving

1. Stone paving is one of the most expensive paving stuff that you can choose.
2. The installation of Natural stone paving is not easy you need to increase the labor cost by hiring skilled and experienced labor.
3. For making stones nate and clean you may have to do proper maintenance regularly.

Permeable Paving 

Permeable paving can be the best alternative to concrete paving because of its attractive and durable nature. These pavings are water resistant which means that will help in reducing water pollution. Recycled plastic and stones are used in the manufacturing of permeable paving but you can add grass in low traffic areas.

Pros of using Permeable Paving

1. Permeable allows the rainwater to go into the ground which reduces water pollution.
2. There is a diverse range of Permeable paving in colors, shapes,s and styles which make the driveway more elegant.
3. These paving require low maintenance which means these paving can be cleaned easily.
4. Even though the initial cost is high these paving will last long.

Cons of using Permeable Paving

1. Permeable paving is very expensive and luxurious.
2. If these pavers are not maintained regularly they may cause the growth of weeds.
3. These pavers are not suitable of heavy loading driveways
4. Permeable paving may be affected by climate change

Consideration cost for Each Paving Material

There are many different types of paving materials. Like asphalt, concrete, brick, and natural stone. Each material has its own unique qualities and look. They are all different from one another. Because of these differences, the cost of each paving material varies. Some may be cheaper, while others could be expensive. It depends on durability and installation needs.

If you want to learn more about the prices for each type of paving material. Visit our Contact Us page to reach out, and we’ll be happy to provide you with the information you need.

Conclusion

Choosing the right paving materials upfront costs with long-term durability and maintenance needs. Initially, asphalt is the least important, while concrete provides a strong long-term investment. 

Brick and stone offer a high-end aesthetic but come at a premium price, while permeable concrete is an environmentally friendly option to consider because of its benefits in stormwater and its use. Moreover, you can consult with the experts to choose the right paving material according to the climate of the specific area.