There’s no shortage of asphalt in New England. You’ll seldom find another material used for parking lots or driveways in Massachusetts. If you don’t know much about asphalt beyond its dark appearance, you might wonder why it’s so prevalent in this region and throughout the U.S. as a whole. Is it simply the way things are done, or is there more to asphalt’s popularity? Here we’ll explore three key reasons asphalt is highly recommended and used for Massachusetts parking lot paving projects.
Three Reasons Asphalt is Recommended for Massachusetts Parking Lot Paving Projects
It’s the Best Paving Material for Northeastern Freezing
Massachusetts doesn’t get nearly as cold as, say, Alaska, but anyone living in the Northeast knows just how bitter winters can get around here. The average winter lows in this region hover around 16 degrees Fahrenheit (and that’s not factoring in windchill) – well below freezing. These freezing temperatures, coupled with a fair share of snow and ice, do a number on even the most durable exterior surfaces. Asphalt, like other paving materials, is threatened by these cold conditions, but it’s also better equipped to handle them than concrete. Unlike concrete, which is more rigid in nature, asphalt offers some flexibility thanks to its binder, expanding and contracting with temperature fluctuations. So, while the Northeast’s freeze-thaw cycle will eventually create cracks in your asphalt parking lot paving over time, it won’t do as much damage nearly as quickly as it would to other paving materials.
Asphalt Paving Holds Up Throughout All Seasons
A Massachusetts winter may feel like an eternity, but the cold season only makes up about 4-5 months out of the year. Like the rest of New England, Massachusetts experiences all four seasons, and temperatures can land as high as the upper 90s during the peak of summer. Every season comes with its unique threats to paved surfaces – autumn winds and fallen leaves, spring rains, summer storms and heat, etc. Fortunately, an asphalt commercial parking lot is designed to endure these seasonal threats year-round. The same flexibility that allows asphalt to expand and contract in winter applies to extremely high temperatures. Moreover, asphalt is primed for optimal drainage, so even significant rainfall won’t stand on the surfaces as long as the lot is properly constructed and angled (and drain systems are operational). Asphalt surfaces require periodic inspections, ongoing maintenance, and occasional repairs to hold firm year-round, but staying on top of this maintenance will allow your asphalt to thrive no matter the season.
It’s Cost-Effective and Efficient
It doesn’t matter if you live in Massachusetts or anywhere else in the country – saving time and money is always beneficial. Of course, if your business is located in one of Massachusetts’ many busy urban areas, cutting costs and getting the job done as quickly as possible become all the more important. Asphalt parking lots don’t take too long to construct, pave, or repair, so long as the right equipment and methods are employed. And with proper maintenance, you won’t need to invest in large-scale asphalt parking lot repair projects too often. Asphalt material is also cheaper and more sustainable than alternatives, helping to keep costs low from the outset. Time is money, especially in Massacusetts, so these asphalt benefits cannot be overlooked.
Raving About Asphalt Parking Lot Paving
The next time you look around New England streets, driveways, and parking lots, you’ll understand why there’s so much blacktop. Asphalt is durable, versatile, and cost-effective – it’s also our specialty at Cassidy Paving. If you’re looking to switch to asphalt or your existing asphalt could use an update, get in touch with Cassidy Paving. Call us today at 866-978-9788 to learn more about our services.