Asphalt is often an ideal material for driveways, parking lots, and other such surfaces. Benefits asphalt offers include:
- Durability
- Affordability
- Easy maintenance
However, not all asphalt is exactly the same. The type of asphalt one might use for a commercial property isn’t always the same as the asphalt a contractor might recommend for a home.
The best way to learn more about your options is to discuss the topic in greater detail with an asphalt paving contractor. They can help you select the right type of asphalt for your needs. In the meantime, differences between commercial and residential asphalt of which you should be aware include the following:
Durability
An asphalt parking lot at a busy shop or other such business will see much more foot traffic (and vehicular traffic!) than any type of paved surface on a residential property. Thus, commercial asphalt tends to be more durable than residential asphalt.
Cost
Commercial asphalt jobs usually cost more than residential jobs. There are several reasons this is the case.
First, the durable asphalt that might be ideal for a commercial property may cost more than the type of asphalt that’s best for one’s driveway or backyard walkway. In addition, commercial property asphalt paving jobs usually involve covering larger areas than residential projects require. On top of that, commercial jobs may have strict timelines that influence the cost.
Maintenance
There’s no universal answer to the question of whether commercial or residential asphalt requires more maintenance. True, commercial grade asphalt is more durable. Because residential grade asphalt is less durable and easier to damage, one might assume it would require more maintenance than commercial asphalt.
However, the significant wear-and-tear that a commercial surface goes through can influence its upkeep needs. In addition, because some commercial-grade asphalt is often reinforced for strength and durability, it may have unique maintenance needs that exceed those of residential asphalt.
Discuss this topic with an asphalt contractor. They can help you better understand the maintenance needs of different types of asphalt based on the way you plan to use them.
Aesthetics
Different varieties and grades of asphalt may have different appearances. Often, residential asphalt is more versatile and can be more aesthetically-pleasing than commercial asphalt.
Priorities determine which type of asphalt is ideal when accounting for this factor. Many homeowners choose a grade of asphalt that will look best on their properties, as they don’t need a particularly durable form of asphalt that might be better-suited to commercial uses.
On the other hand, a business owner trying to accommodate a large number of daily guests might choose a commercial-grade asphalt for their parking lot, even if there may be more attractive styles available.
Choosing Residential or Commercial Asphalt: Factors to Consider
Account for the following when determining what type of asphalt is right for your needs:
- The type of surface you’re paving
- The volume of traffic the surface sees on a daily basis
- Your budget
- Your ability and willingness to stay on top of maintenance
- Curb appeal
Most importantly, don’t let the process of choosing a grade of asphalt overwhelm you. Speak with a paving contractor to learn more about the pros and cons of different grades. By consulting with an expert, you’ll find it’s much easier to determine what type of asphalt is best for your property.
Contact Asphalt Paving Contractors Today
At TopWest Asphalt Ltd., serving both commercial and residential clients, we’d be happy to help you choose the right style of asphalt for your project. Learn more about what we can do for you by contacting us online or calling us at 604 755 0300.
