Budget is a top concern regarding any commercial real estate project. Thankfully, using asphalt instead of concrete or other building materials doesn’t mean sacrificing quality for increased affordability.
Asphalt is durable, long-lasting, and cost-effective. That’s the start of why you should consider creatively using it in your next job. Here are six uses for asphalt to help save you time and money, as well as five benefits to help justify using it in your next commercial real estate project.
Popular Uses for Asphalt in Real Estate
Asphalt is a versatile material that can serve many different functions in a contracting job. Below are six uses for asphalt or asphalt compounds that can transform your workflow and save money.
1. Paving
One of the most common uses of asphalt is paving. It’s a common alternative to concrete because it is more flexible, durable, and affordable. Asphalt can be used to pave driveways and parking lots. It can also be used on walkways if you have walking paths or sidewalks on your property.
2. Roofing
Asphalt roof shingles are a popular choice for many homes and commercial buildings. They are affordable and come in different styles, including 3-tab roofing shingles, dimensional shingles, or impact-resistant shingles. Asphalt roof shingles are durable, energy-efficient, and safe. They can even last up to 30 years if they are installed properly and well-maintained.
3. Flooring
Asphalt tiles are highly durable. They are made to withstand significant foot traffic, which is great for many commercial real estate projects. Additionally, they can be water resistant, so they won’t take damage when exposed to water. They are low maintenance and easy to clean, making them a good flooring option.
4. Waterproofing
Asphalt can be used to waterproof surfaces and not just pavement. Many contractors use asphalt on foundations, outdoor siding, and roofing materials. It adds a waterproof barrier that prevents leaking. Different types of asphalt can be applied based on the type of waterproofing and sealing job.
5. Outdoor Paint
Many urban buildings struggle with graffiti, which can be challenging to remove from outdoor surfaces. Asphalt has been used in recent years to coat bricks or concrete walls. If someone tags the surface, asphalt paint can easily be sprayed to cover it. It’s faster and easier than removing it from brick surfaces.
6. Soundproofing
Asphalt can help reduce the sounds of noisy cars, making your space quieter and less disruptive. The noise reduction will depend on the type of asphalt you use. Three common types include:
- Rubberized asphalt is composed partially of recycled tires. The rubber plays a big role in reducing noise.
- Porous asphalt absorbs sound thanks to the voids on its surface.
- Open-graded friction reduces sound because of its polymer-modified binders.
Asphalt can range between $7 and $25 per square foot, depending on the type you use. You may pay more money for better soundproofing qualities.
Benefits of Using Asphalt in Your Next Project
Asphalt is versatile in its usage, and that’s just the start of its many benefits.
Affordable
Asphalt is often the more affordable solution, regardless of its application. It’s less expensive than concrete for driveways, roadways, and walkways. It is also cheaper than hardwood, slate, porcelain, stone, and other materials for flooring and roofing. The overall cost of your job may decrease with increased asphalt usage.
Aesthetics
Many people like the look of asphalt. Its sleek black finish is smooth to the touch and contrasts many other building features. When there is natural wear and tear, it’s easy to fix, so you don’t have to look at unsightly cracks for long.
Durable
When taken care of properly, asphalt can last up to 30 years. You will need to reseal or repave it every three to five years. This routine maintenance can prolong its surface life and give you the best return on investment.
Safe
Asphalt is often safer than other surfaces. It is slip-resistant, so you’ll get more traction during snow, ice, or wet conditions. It is also waterproof so that you won’t notice any leaks. If used on public roads, the black color helps yellow and white road markings stand out.
Sustainable
The National Asphalt Pavement Association shares that asphalt is the most recycled material in the United States. It can be used multiple times, and its protection uses less fossil fuels to produce. It remains strong with continued use rather than reducing in quality.
Conclusion
The right asphalt paving contractor can recommend ideal uses for asphalt in your next project. By integrating the cost-effective solution in unique ways, you may be able to reduce your overall project costs.
Whether you’re looking to refinish a walkway or graffiti-proof an outdoor solution, asphalt is a good choice for any size job. It’s also one of the most sustainable building materials, so using it can be a win-win for any project.
