Different Carpark Surfacing Methods In 2023
Car parks must not only be functional and purposeful but also look appealing. A well-kept surface is key to keeping up appearances, whether for your construction company or small business. Correctly specified carpark surfacing and waterproofing solutions protect car park decks from thermal stress as well as chemical spillages such as de-icers or diesel. They also help minimise vibrations that could compromise the structural integrity of buildings beneath.
Tarmac
Tarmac car parks are a great way for businesses to make an impression with customers and create an efficient solution. Tarmac provides efficient solutions and has a smooth, professional appearance, which make for the ideal combination when choosing car park flooring materials.
Used extensively at construction sites, small businesses, and even homes, this surfacing material is hard-wearing, requires little maintenance, and is cost-effective. Furthermore, thermoplastic markings add a great visual element that helps define parking spots and direct traffic flow.
Open-graded or porous tarmac is a top choice for business car parks because of its excellent water drainage properties. Rainwater drains away into the underlying layers quickly, eliminating flooding and ice formation, while at the same time being available in various colours to customise its appearance and personalise its look.
Loose Gravel
Loose gravel carparks provide an economical and natural-looking alternative to tarmac pavement while also being customisable in size, colour, and texture options, making them popular choices among heritage sites or those who wish to blend their car park into its surrounding environment.
Gravel is an easy and quick material to install and works particularly well for smaller car parks with limited capacity. Over time, however, gravel may move around, creating unsightly patches in the area that require regular maintenance, including sweeping away loose gravel and spraying it with weedkiller
Driving on loose gravel road surfaces can be difficult and challenging, so it is crucial that you reduce speed and increase following distance to prevent loss of control. Always tailor your driving style according to road conditions; never attempt to drive on hazardous surfaces such as oil, mud, or snow.
Resin-Bound
Resin-bonded paving (commonly referred to as scatter coat paving), also known as resin bounding, is a decorative finish that simulates loose gravel without its movement. It is often used in more decorative applications requiring durability or where heavy vehicle traffic needs good levels of grip for safety. Usually laid over non-porous base surfaces, it requires drainage channels in place to avoid water runoff; over time, the aggregates may become dislodged, needing topping up or replacement.
As each system offers different advantages and specifications, selecting the appropriate system is key to getting optimal results. Incorporating resins and aggregates from multiple part packs for best results should also be avoided, as doing so could negatively impact product quality and maintenance requirements once installed. A resin-bound surface requires little ongoing care once in place; simply brush or power wash regularly to keep it looking its best!
Concrete
Concrete is a popular choice for parking lots due to its long lifespan, durability, and resistance to corrosion. Furthermore, its energy efficiency means lower utility bills; furthermore, its lighter colour allows light to reflect off its surface more readily, thus decreasing exterior lighting needs.
Concrete offers many aesthetic possibilities, from fair-faced or visual concrete to resin-bound carpark surfacing. It can be coloured, textured, and patterned to achieve your desired look for your business, or it can mimic other materials like wood, brick, and stone to achieve its goal of mimicking them.
For optimal results, it is critical that concrete be poured at an ideal thickness. Truck parking will necessitate thicker concrete layers than car parks; consequently, newly laid slabs must remain traffic-free until their required strength has been attained, typically seven days post-pour. This helps avoid frost heaves as well as potential damage from deicing salts applied after it has set.