Commercial Paving for the greater Chicagoland and Midwest Area!

Commercial Paving for the greater Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana Area!

Guidelines for Constructing & Designing Chicago Concrete Parking Lots

Guidelines for Constructing & Designing Chicago Concrete Parking Lots

Chicago concrete parking lots are quickly becoming the preferred choice for commercial and industrial properties. Concrete has a longer lifespan, lower maintenance requirements and countless other advantages, making it more appealing than the alternatives. However, like all parking lots in Chicago, concrete surface lots require careful engineering, top-notch construction, and strategic design. Here’s what you need to know.

How Does the Intended Use of Chicago Concrete Parking Lots Affect Construction?

Before proceeding with any construction, concrete parking lot companies spend a great deal of time understanding your new pavement’s intended use. The purpose of your lot will influence construction and design. From a design standpoint, commercial lots serving retail space have very different needs than industrial ones. Concrete parking lots serving the public require more attention to design details to ensure safety and traffic efficiency.

More important, however, is how intended use impacts construction and engineering. Concrete is a tough material with incredible compression strength, allowing it to easily support heavy-duty loads. Even still, the thickness of concrete parking lots and their structural reinforcements matter. You must consider how you intend to use your new concrete parking lot and what types of traffic it’ll accommodate to ensure proper construction. Generally, standard commercial lots for light-duty vehicles only require about four inches of thickness. Meanwhile, larger delivery trucks and equipment may require six inches or more.

What Details Do Concrete Parking Lot Contractors Prioritize During Construction?

Construction parking lots in Chicago made of concrete is a multi-step process, and reputable contractors will be meticulous every step of the way. It all begins with a site analysis. During the study, experts will conduct soil tests for subgrade preparation. Subgrade compaction and amendments increase density, therefore improving load-bearing capacity. Failing to complete this step successfully could result in frequent concrete parking lot repair and eventual structural failure.

In addition to subgrade preparation and appropriate material thickness, concrete parking lot contractors will focus on drainage. Standing water can lead to many concrete parking lot repair issues. Teams must perform proper grading to give the finished surface a subtle slope for effective water drainage.

What Design Factors Impact the Efficiency of Chicago Concrete Parking Lots?

While good design may not affect longevity like engineering and construction, it’s still important. It seems simple, but perfecting the design can dramatically improve safety and traffic flow, making parking lots in Chicago a joy to use.

Many factors affect parking lot design. Concrete parking lot companies work closely with clients to get things right, paying close attention to the following:

• Parking lot sizing
• Total space count
• Availability of handicap spots and access lanes
• Parking space angle
• Curbing design
• Medians and landscaping islands

What Type of Maintenance Does a Concrete Parking Lot Need?

The good news is that concrete requires significantly less maintenance than alternatives like asphalt. However, you must invest in annual inspections to ensure you’re providing your parking lot with the attention it needs. Concrete parking lot contractors can perform routine maintenance like cleaning and joint sealing. They can also complete concrete parking lot repairs, addressing cracks, crumbling and other issues.

Concrete parking lot companies can also spot signs of early trouble, allowing you to be proactive about pavement maintenance and repair.

Black Hawk Paving is Chicago’s premier concrete parking lot contractor. For nearly 50 years, we’ve served property owners and managers throughout the area, delivering reliable service and great results. We have the capacity to complete projects of any size and scope. From simple repairs to brand-new Chicago parking lots, we do it all. You can trust us to help you with all your concrete installation, repair and maintenance needs. We also do asphalt paving, crack sealing, parking lot striping and more.

Call Black Hawk Paving today at (708)787-8765 to discuss your needs and get a free, no-obligation quote. If you prefer, you can also use our online contact form or email info@blackhawkpaving.com.

Guidelines for Constructing & Designing Chicago Concrete Parking Lots