Paving projects are major undertakings at both residential and commercial properties.
Given the expenses and effort involved, it’s critical to get the job done right, and that means choosing the right materials. For most commercial and residential paving projects in Florida, a concrete overlay simply makes sense.
Many streets, parking lots and similar structures are built using asphalt.
Traditionally, asphalt is a mix of sand, gravel, stone and glue. The glue is an oil-based product, and this causes the cost of asphalt to vary widely as the cost of oil rises and falls. Asphalt is not always the best material for the hot, humid Florida climate because high temperatures melt the surface. This results in rapid deterioration and degradation of the asphalt, requiring repair or replacement in just a few years.
Conversely, a concrete overlay is ideally suited to Florida’s climate. A mix of water with rock and limestone is used to make concrete, which means that it’s not an oil-based product. That is an environmentally friendly consideration for the eco-conscious consumer. While concrete is initially a more expensive option than asphalt, concrete has fewer maintenance requirements and tends to last between 20 and 40 years, which is much longer than the typical lifetime of asphalt surfaces.
Just as attractive is that concrete is 100 percent recyclable. While asphalt may end up in the landfill after being removed, concrete can be broken down and used again. This makes concrete a consistently green choice.
Concrete also makes sense because of the sometimes relentless Florida sun.
Dark-colored asphalt absorbs the sun’s rays, causing surface temperatures to soar. This means increased use of air conditioning and considerable discomfort for people who are standing on these surfaces for prolonged periods. Concrete is far more reflective, which keeps people, cars and everything else on the surface much cooler.
The reflective properties of concrete similarly enhance visibility. Surfaces that are covered in concrete require less artificial lighting, which also translates to energy savings. When drivers and pedestrians are better able to see obstacles in their path, it is easier to avoid accidents. Accordingly, a concrete overlay can even keep occupants safer than ever before.
Concrete overlays can be placed directly on top of asphalt surfaces.
Repairs to the asphalt typically are not necessary since the concrete will bond with and bridge over any imperfections. The result is an incredibly strong finished product that will stand the test of time and heavy use.
At Concrete Designs in Florida, we make certain that all of our clients understand the paving options that are available to them. This extends not only to environmental considerations and the overall cost of the project, but also to the aesthetics of the application. It’s possible to produce concrete that is nearly any color of the rainbow, and clients may request a certain finish to help their project blend with a building or the surrounding landscape.
Contact Concrete Designs to learn more about how they can help you with a paving project in Florida.