If you take a look at the many businesses in Massachusetts, you’ll notice that most locations feature asphalt driveways and parking lots. Asphalt is so common in New England, in fact, that you might be surprised to see a driveway or lot constructed from concrete or any other material (they’re out there, but rare). So, what gives? Is there some grand conspiracy to keep asphalt in a position of dominance, or do Bay State business owners simply prefer asphalt for some reason? Let’s break down the top three reasons why commercial asphalt is so popular in Massachusetts and New England at large.
Benefits of Asphalt in Massachussets
1. Asphalt Holds Firm in Extreme Cold and Heat
Depending on who you ask, New England’s seasonal changes are among the best or worst parts of living in Massachusetts. Summer days can approach 100 degrees Fahrenheit, and winter features its share of snowstorms and freezing temperatures. Indeed, Bay Staters get a taste of everything Mother Nature has to offer in a given year. As such, the materials that make up parking lots, driveways, and roads must be capable of adapting to these ever-changing conditions. Though concrete might be more durable than asphalt overall, asphalt offers superior flexibility to endure extreme temperatures. Most Massachusetts businesses opt for commercial asphalt paving because asphalt provides wiggle room to expand and contract with the heat and cold. So, while New England’s freeze and thaw cycles can be rough, asphalt is designed to handle it as best as possible – regular maintenance and periodic repairs are still required to keep your asphalt surfaces in good shape, of course.
2. Asphalt Helps Keep Snow and Ice at Bay
Every season threatens exterior surfaces in some way, but winter is by far the worst offender. Not only can those aforementioned freezing temperatures make outdoor materials brittle – snow and ice can exacerbate cracks while putting people at risk of slips, trips, and falls. It’s no secret that enough snow accumulation can bury an asphalt parking lot. That said, snow has a harder time building up on well-maintained asphalt surfaces than, say, concrete. Asphalt’s black surfaces absorb heat, raising the surface temperature to more quickly melt snow and ice. Of course, snow removal services and ice melting products are required to speed this process along even further. Still, sticking with asphalt for commercial paving helps businesses get through even the harshest winters.
3. Asphalt Is Affordable
Even the most profitable businesses in Massachusetts must think carefully about how much they spend on renovations. When budgets are tight, any action that can save money without sacrificing quality is welcome. Because asphalt is relatively cheap compared to concrete and some other materials, it’s a smart option for many businesses. Asphalt isn’t just cheaper up front, either – asphalt surfaces are also generally easier to repair and resurface than their counterparts. So, even if an asphalt lot requires more attention than a concrete one, in the long run, investing in commercial parking lot repair isn’t as much of a burden as fixing up concrete surfaces.
Asphalt Advantages
No, there’s no sinister design propping up asphalt as the leading material for commercial driveways and parking lots across Massachusetts – this material has simply earned its popularity in this region for its durability throughout all seasons, advantages against snow and ice, and relatively low cost. Cassidy Paving has provided its asphalt services for countless businesses in Massachusetts and across New England. Call us today at 866-978-9788 to receive a free estimate on your next asphalt project.