A concrete contractor in Chicago IL can build parking garages, pave parking lots and construct plazas where employees and visitors to a business can relax. These contractors may also work with brick and stone pavers, providing options in addition to concrete. Decorative concrete can be included as well, with stamped versions being popular for commercial use. Property owners should plan far enough ahead of time because these contractors may have a full calendar, especially during the warmer-weather months.
Added Texture
Stamped concrete has texture added. Most often, customers of a concrete contractor in Chicago IL want the texture to make the concrete look like brick or slate. This feature is generally used in plazas and other areas for sitting and walking, as well as patios, driveways and around swimming pools. It also can be used for private sidewalks. Business owners may want to have a sidewalk leading from a parking area to the front entryway.
Maintaining Stamped Concrete
Property owners will need to use certain strategies to maintain the beautiful appearance of stamped concrete after installation by a contractor such as Business Name. Rock salt and calcium chloride should be used sparingly as deicing agents because they gradually damage the surface. Sand is an acceptable alternative and it provides traction. If melting some ice is essential, a blend of sand and one of the other materials can be used.
Considerations
Although concrete has a higher upfront cost than asphalt for a parking lot, it does not require nearly as much maintenance and it generally does not require repaving for decades. Businesses may want to have this type of material if they have a smaller lot. Stamped concrete will look impressive to current and prospective clients.
If the business has an area of the parking lot that sees exceptionally high traffic, particularly from heavier vehicles like delivery trucks, stamped concrete should not be installed there. The thickness of the paving material must be appropriate or it will break under the weight. A thickness of at least 8 inches is suitable for this purpose, or the property owner can choose asphalt for this paved area instead.
