Which is Better for Plasma Center Parking Lots: Concrete or Asphalt?

It depends. Concrete is usually a better long-term solution, but there are situations in which asphalt makes more sense…

We usually recommend concrete, but depending on your budget and weather, asphalt may be the better choice for your facility.

1. Concrete is more expensive, but more durable

While more expensive initially (about 25-35% more), concrete lasts longer, can handle heavy traffic better, and is less prone to cracking and potholes. It is also less susceptible to oil cost fluctuations (asphalt is petroleum-based).

Asphalt lasts, on average, 10-25 years; concrete can last 25-40 years, but takes longer to install (3+ weeks compared to 3-4 days for asphalt).

You can install concrete year-round; many asphalt plants close for the winter.

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Concrete is more durable, and less expensive to maintain.

2. Concrete is easier to maintain

  • Requiring less-frequent maintenance, concrete usually represents a significant cost savings over the life of the parking lot/driveway.
  • Asphalt is easier and quicker to repair — patching and resurfacing can be done relatively easily and at a lower cost compared to concrete — but repairs will be required more often than with concrete.

Every 3 years, you must fill in asphalt cracks with tar, sealcoat and restripe. Concrete only requires annual cleaning, joint sealing/sealing and restriping every 4-5 years.

  • Concrete remains hard even in high temperatures, and is a much better choice in warmer climates. It comes in different colors and finish textures as well. However, oil stains are much more noticeable on concrete than asphalt.
  • Where there are poor subgrade conditions, concrete is better, as it can bridge bad areas.
  • Concrete failures, however, usually require the complete thickness to be removed and replaced; asphalt repairs consist of only the top layer.
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In places with cold weather, asphalt may be a better choice: it is more resilient in freeze-thaw cycles, and provides more traction in rain and snow.

3. Asphalt is sometimes better in certain situations

  • If you have particularly cold winters, asphalt may be preferable, as it is more flexible than concrete, and more able to adapt to freeze-thaw cycles without damage.

Because of this flexibility, asphalt can perform better in areas with expansive subgrade soil conditions.

  • In addition, asphalt is not very reflective; it absorbs a lot of heat from the sun, which causes snow and ice to melt faster (and concrete can be damaged by road salt).

Asphalt is also more slip-resistant, providing better traction for walkers in wet or snowy conditions.

Evaluating Concrete versus Asphalt. Initial cost - asphalt preferred. Maintenance - concrete preferred. Durability - concrete preferred. Life cycle cost - concrete preferred. Cold climates - asphalt preferred (although it cannot be installed in winter in many areas).

Factors such as material/raw material availability in the area, contractor workloads and access to rivers/train lines can also impact the cost of parking lots.

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IF THERE IS ROOM IN THE BUDGET FOR THE HIGHER UP-FRONT COST, WE ALWAYS RECOMMEND CONCRETE FOR PLASMA CENTER PARKING LOTS. BUT IF YOU PREFER ASPHALT FOR ANY REASON, WE CAN INSTALL THAT AS WELL. 

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To streamline delivery and control costs, we take a prototype approach when possible, engage local civil engineering consultants for each project, and establish a working relationship with the local governing authority.