Paved streets are present in nearly all commercial establishments across the world. These pavements significantly ease the task of constructing sidewalks, pathways, driving lanes, and parking lots to complement most of the existing buildings. There are several types of pavements, featuring their strong points and drawbacks.
You can expect different outcomes in maintenance requirements, cost of installation, stylistic choice, durability, and much more. These outcomes can affect your business due to the type of pavement you choose for your business.
It is very important to get your pavement right. So, let’s dive into a thorough guide of everything you need to know when it comes to commercial paving.
What is Commercial Paving?
Commercial paving is the laying of lasting surfaces, such as parking lots, driveways, walkways, or any outdoor event that is designed for business purposes. It is the application of different materials for the creation of smooth surfaces that are functional and aesthetically attractive, especially for areas that should withstand much foot or vehicle traffic.
Types of Commercial Paving Materials
Keeping durability, cost, aesthetics, and environmental impact in mind, you can choose paving materials for commercial spaces. Here are a few types of paving materials:
Asphalt Paving
Asphalt has been the traditional course for a commercial parking lot. The main reason is these paving options are very budget-friendly. The least costly material of several paving services, asphalt has been reasonably good against time. It handles much traffic and is not much affected by the weather.
There are some cons when it comes to commercial asphalt. Not supportive of hot weather, asphalt tends to stick underfoot and leave shoe stains or even tracks of tires that roam upon it. Also, it mandates maintenance time and again since it flattens over time and creates cracks or ruts. Very limited outlook, black with either yellow, white, or red lot lines, is the other downside.
Concrete Paving
The second most popular choice for commercial parking is concrete. Interestingly, concrete performs well under hot conditions while asphalt fails. Not only that, but it is also comparatively less maintenance. Concrete driveway installation is supposed to be cleaned once a year and joint sealing should be done, and not repaving the whole structure as with asphalt. Another good thing about concrete pavement is that its various forms offer different colors and textures.
Furthermore, concrete is non-porous, which means that by local city codes, some drainage or detention capacity is going to be required, or both. This means that less land is available to be used, reducing the amount of parking for the business or facility.
Interlocking Paving
Interlocking pavers appeal to companies because they come in various shapes and sizes and shades to be designed in any conceivable thinkable manner. They are even functional, they can show a slight shift in place without cracking.
Damage to a specific paver is not difficult to replace and makes repairs easy. These are also durable interlocking pavers, which bear joint heavy-duty. They usually last more than many other permanent facilities when maintained properly.
Porous Paving
Porous pavements are permanent rainwater-saving surfaces that allow through-the-pavement infiltration and thereby decrease surface runoff, thus preventing flooding. This kind of pavement has an inherent improvement in drainage that should merit businesses less water-related problems.
It also helps businesses go green at the same time since they will have better-managed waters. Of course, porous pavements need more maintenance yet, as they are durable, to keep their surface free from rubbish and effective.
Benefits of Commercial Paving
However, paving your commercial property is only an aesthetic thing but it carries in itself several other business benefits.
Improved Curb Appeal
For every business, the exterior is the first thing a potential client sees. An excellent parking lot paving or driveway imparts a professionally looking first impression showing how much you care for your business and customer experience.
Enhanced Safety
Uneven places or cracks can be dangerous. Smooth, well-maintained paving can prevent accidents, be it trips, falls, or asset damage. One must make their clients and drivers feel safe while on their property.
Durability
Durability is one of the most significant advantages of commercial paving. Asphalt, concrete, or interlocking pavers types of proper pavements were created to serve as almost permanent surfaces, particularly in high-traffic areas. Solid pavement can hold the pressure of vehicles and walker movement without obtaining significant wear.
Increased Property Value
With proper upkeep, pavements can again improve the property value. They are therefore among the first things that are noticed by prospective buyers. A good pavement repair surface calls for care on the property and must generate a good resale value.
Commercial Paving Installation Process
The process of installing commercial paving is detailed and requires professional expertise. Here’s a breakdown of the steps involved:
Site Prep is Your Everything
The first step in any keypad job should be a full-fledged site evaluation followed by site preparation, which includes cleaning, compressing the soil to minimize settlement, and draining the site of all erosion and potholes. It is well known that an excellent prepared base always works wonders and will do the work of long-lasting and structural integrity of your whole pavement.
Material Selection and Consistency
You have to be selective about the material for both your concrete and asphalt pavements, as they should be custom-designed around what would suit you best according to the purposes for which they expect to be used. The application of homogeneity of materials, in pretty much all aspects like the aggregates and the mix, would correlate immediately with the trade and surface structural but paved durability to be made.
Proper Installation Methods
No matter whether it’s hot-mixed asphalt resurfacing or concrete, it demands skill and precision when it comes to the actual installation process. Temperature, moisture, and timing all require attention during installation. Failure to pay attention to any of these factors could result in imperfections such as cracks, unevenness, and premature deterioration.
Quality Control Measures
An eagle eye during as well as after installation will be important in recognizing any deviation from what was designated in the plan. Aspects include ascertaining the density of both laid asphalt and concrete, looking for defects or inconsistencies, and ensuring compliance with standards.
Timeline Required
Commercial projects just have their completion timelines affected by the size and complexity of the job assigned. On most occasions, they settle for a range of a few days to a couple of weeks.
Maintenance and Repairs of Paving
Here are common issues and paving solutions.
Regular Maintenance
Maintenance contributes to a lesser degree to enhancing the life of commercial pavement. For example, regular paving maintenance services will significantly prolong the lifespan of your pavement, thereby preventing a large amount of costly repairs down the road.
Common Issues and Repairs
- Cracks: Over time cracks may result from simple wear and tear; those cracks should be sealed to prevent water entry and further damage.
- Potholes: Potholes are commonly found on asphalt and concrete surfaces, as well as regular inspections to spot them before they create more major problems.
- Damage to Surface: Surface degradation can also occur from both moving traffic and the weather. Early repairs will ensure that surface integrity is retained.
Sealcoating for Asphalt Protection
Coating with a seal for asphalt surfaces will protect them from damage from UV rays, streaks from oil, and moisture. It is suggested that seal coating should be applied every 2-3 years to keep your asphalt in its best condition.
Conclusion
Commercial paving is essential for your property, setting the ground for several other benefits including making your premises presentable at its best. It provides safety, and durability for future uses, and adds value to your property. Be it asphalt, concrete, interlocking pavers, or porous paving, the right option will ensure longevity for your property.
Though it may mean spending some more money, regular maintenance would help you get the best return for your investment. Being knowledgeable about the road paving process and benefits will empower you to better prepare yourself for making an informed decision for your business.
Enhance Your Streets with Quality Pavement
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