Do You Have to Pay For Asphalt When Paving a Parking Lot?

Do you have to pay for asphalt when paving a parking lot?

The short answer is that generally speaking, you do have to pay for the asphalt. However, there are some exceptions. For example, if you're paving a parking lot as part of a government project or if you're paving a parking lot for a non-profit organization, you may not have to pay for the asphalt.
​
Asphalt is a construction material that can be used for paving parking lots, driveways, and other roads. It's typically made from the byproducts of oil refining like petroleum coke and coal tar pitch.

What is Asphalt Paving?

Asphalt paving is laying asphalt on a surface to create a new road or parking lot.

There are two main types of asphalt paving: hot mix and cold mix. Hot mix asphalt is made with a heated aggregate combined with liquid asphalt cement. Cold mix asphalt is made with unheated aggregates combined with asphalt emulsion.
​
The type of asphalt used will depend on the climate and the condition of the surface that is being paved.
Hot mix asphalt is typically used for paving high-traffic areas like roads and parking lots. Cold mix asphalt is typically used for paving low-traffic areas like an already paved driveway and sidewalk.

Why Should You Go With Asphalt?

There are a few reasons why you should go with asphalt when paving a parking lot:

Easy to Maintain and Repair

A lot of asphalt parking lots only require occasional sweeping and pressure washing to keep them looking good. If a pothole does develop, it can be fixed relatively easily and inexpensively.
​
A quick application of asphalt sealant can fix it right up. The addition of new asphalt will make your pavement even more durable and resistant to weathering. If done correctly, asphalt paving can last for 20+ years with little or no maintenance.

Withstand Heavy Traffic

Since asphalt is a rigid pavement, it can withstand heavy traffic without becoming damaged. In fact, asphalt is often used for roads and highways because of its ability to handle a lot of traffic without wearing it down.

Asphalt Is Flexible and Can Adapt to Changes in the Surface It's Paved On

One of the benefits of asphalt is that it is flexible. This means that it can adapt to changes in its paved surface. For example, if the ground underneath the asphalt starts to settle, the asphalt will adjust to maintain a level surface.
​
This is why asphalt is a popular choice for paving parking lots. The asphalt can conform to the bumps and irregularities in the surface, creating a smooth and even parking lot.

Quick Construction Time

Many busy roads need to be repaired in a shorter time frame in cities. For a project manager, that's where asphalt comes in. It can be installed relatively quickly when compared to other paving materials. 
​
That being said, the construction time for asphalt will vary depending on the size and scope of the project. But overall, it is a relatively fast paving material.

Extra Sustainable

The production of asphalt is a very sustainable process. The ingredients used to make asphalt are all-natural materials that can be recycled. And when the asphalt pavement wears down, it can be recycled and used again.
​
This makes asphalt a very environmentally friendly paving material.

Affordable

Asphalt is one of the most affordable paving materials when it comes to price. It's also relatively easy and inexpensive to repair. 
​
If you're looking for an affordable paving material that is easy to maintain and environmentally friendly, asphalt is a good option.

How much does it cost to pave a parking lot with asphalt?

The cost of asphalt paving will vary depending on the size and scope of the project. But on average, it costs between $2.5 and $4.5 per square foot to pave an asphalt parking lot.
​
The initial estimate for installing a fence is between $20,000 and $40,000. The amount will vary based on the size of the lot, ranging from $10,000 for a 10-car spot with 4,000 square feet to $700,000 for a 300-car area covering 100,000 square feet. The cost of paving work varies from $1.50 to $2 per square foot, depending on the size and complexity of the project.

---

FAQs

Who typically pays for the pavement on a paved parking lot?

The property owner typically pays for the pavement on a paved driveway or parking lot. However, the tenant may be responsible for the pavement in some cases.

​Can you pave a parking lot with something other than asphalt?

Yes, you can pave a parking lot with something other than asphalt, like concrete, but it is more expensive than asphalt. However, asphalt is typically the most affordable and durable option. Concrete parking lots can last up to 80 years with proper maintenance.

What material is used for parking lots?

Asphalt is the most common material used for parking lots. It is affordable, durable, and environmentally friendly. Concrete can also be used for parking lots, but it is more expensive than asphalt. Concrete parking lot paving costs between $5 and $8 per square foot.

What is the difference between asphalt and bitumen?

Asphalt is a type of bitumen. Bitumen is a sticky, black substance that is made from crude oil. Asphalt is made by adding sand and gravel to bitumen. This makes asphalt more durable and less likely to crack.

---

Conclusion

Asphalt is a common paving material for parking lots because it can be made to conform to the ground's surface. Asphalt also has many environmental benefits, like sustainability and recycled materials that make it more affordable than other paving materials.
​
Concrete paving can also be used for parking lots, but it is more expensive. When deciding what paving material to use for your parking lot, consider the cost, labor costs, vehicle traffic, parking lot maintenance, durability, and environmental benefits of each option.

If you would like to receive a free quote for parking lot paving, do not hesitate to get in touch with our parking lot paving experts.