Here are four reasons to select concrete
It is not often that business owners give much thought to the design or functionality of their commercial parking spaces, but it is wise to consider that your carpark is your business’ first point of contact with your customers; what kind of impression would you like it to make?
Perhaps, it’s a forty-degree day and your asphalt carpark is radiating heat, or it’s blustery outside, and dirt is circling around, due to your loose gravel parking area. Implementing measures that will improve the aesthetic of your carpark and enhance ease of use for your clients or customers makes good business sense. Concrete, while highly economical, can set your commercial carpark apart from the rest and distinguish your business as synonymous with class and customer care.
1. A concrete carpark is neat and attractive
Choosing concrete for your Adelaide carpark surface allows you the freedom to select its colour and design, resulting in a carpark that is a true reflection of you and your business. Whether you prefer the neat simplicity of smooth grey, or the textured sophistication of washed aggregate, Adelaide City Concreting can make that happen. Concrete can also be used to establish clear, defined pathways to your business’ entryway, which improves the aesthetic of your carpark, while enhancing the customer experience.
2. A concrete carpark is cost-effective
While loose gravel is the cheapest and quickest option for a carpark surface, it is important to weigh any initial savings against the ongoing need to resurface gravel that has shifted and deteriorated. This option can certainly become an eyesore, as weeds and grass sprout through gaps in the gravel. As well, you should consider the needs of customers, who may not appreciate the dust that is continually stirred up by wind and constant movement of cars on the gravel surface. The prevalence of asthma and allergies render loose gravel an undesirable option for many businesses.
In terms of balancing cost with performance, the real contest is between asphalt and concrete; both materials are slip-resistant and allow tyres a firm grip on the carpark surface. There exists a misguided perception that asphalt is more affordable than concrete, but not many people are aware that asphalt is derived from crude oil. With oil prices constantly on the rise, the cost of asphalt has skyrocketed. Asphalt will need to be resurfaced much more frequently than concrete, costing you dearly over the long term, while potentially interrupting your business operations. On the other hand, a concrete carpark will simply need an inexpensive coat of sealant every five years or so, to keep it looking fresh and neat.
3. Concrete is the strongest carpark surface
Concrete is unmatched in terms of its durability as a carpark surface; five inches of concrete delivers the same load-bearing capacity as eight inches of asphalt. Certain blends of concrete offer an even more robust finish and, a quality concreting professional, like those at Adelaide City Concreting, can help you to determine what blend to go for, depending on the size of your planned carpark, and the frequency of its use.
An asphalt surface will easily develop signs of wear, like potholes and extensive cracking, and will require costly maintenance. Asphalt requires recoating every couple of years, and should be completely resurfaced at ten-year intervals, or less, depending on its condition. Conversely, the lifespan of a frequently used concrete carpark can exceed fifty years!
4. Concrete is the green solution for your carpark space
It might surprise you to learn that concrete is an eco-friendly option for your carpark surface. Many of its components are entirely recyclable, while runoff from a concrete carpark is low-toxicity, compared to that from an asphalt surface. The lighter colour of concrete can reduce the temperature of the parking space by up to ten degrees less than an asphalt carpark, making for a more comfortable experience on hot days, and reducing cooling costs for adjacent buildings.
If you’d like to learn more about the many benefits of concreting your Adelaide parking space, contact Adelaide City Concreting today on 0439 543 125. Discover the full range of concrete carpark solutions on offer with a free, on-site consultation and quote.