Why Albany Businesses Choose Asphalt Over Concrete for Parking Lots

Albany parking lot concrete vs asphalt

If you’re a business owner in Albany, Colonie, or the greater Capital Region, your parking lot is more than just asphalt or concrete — it’s the front door to your business. Customers form their first impression the moment they pull in. That’s why choosing the right material for your parking lot is a decision that can impact your bottom line, safety, and property value.

For decades, Egan Paving has helped businesses across Albany, Colonie, Guilderland, Rotterdam, and Schenectadymake the right choice. And time and time again, asphalt beats concrete for the Capital Region.


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1. Cost Efficiency in Albany Parking Lots

Concrete comes with a higher price tag — both upfront and long term. Albany businesses that choose asphalt save money on:

  • Lower installation costs (asphalt is significantly cheaper per square foot).

  • Faster installation times, meaning less business downtime.

  • Easier repair costs compared to full slab replacements for concrete.


A small difference in upfront cost may not seem dramatic, but for larger commercial properties in Colonie or Guilderland, the savings can run into tens of thousands of dollars.

2. Durability in Capital Region Climates

Albany’s freeze-thaw cycles make parking lot maintenance a challenge. Concrete cracks more easily under temperature swings. Asphalt, on the other hand, is designed to flex and withstand the harshest conditions.

  • Concrete expands and contracts, creating costly cracks.

  • Asphalt flexes, absorbing seasonal movement.

  • Repairs on asphalt are quicker, cheaper, and less disruptive to customers.

3. Maintenance & Repairs

When concrete fails, it’s expensive. Businesses often need full slab replacement, which can shut down sections of a lot for days.

Asphalt offers:

  • Resurfacing options that extend lifespan without full replacement.

  • Quick fixes for potholes or worn areas.

  • Minimal disruption to customer flow.


For Albany’s busy shopping centers, banks, and office complexes, keeping lots open during maintenance is critical. Asphalt makes that possible.

4. Curb Appeal & Branding

A smooth, freshly paved asphalt lot sends a clear message: professional, clean, and welcoming. The deep black finish looks sharp against striping and landscaping.

Concrete fades and stains quickly, giving off a neglected look. Asphalt’s easy restriping makes ADA compliance and traffic flow straightforward. For high-traffic spots like supermarkets, banks, and healthcare offices, this is a must.

Pro Tips: 3 Reasons Albany Businesses Regret Choosing Concrete

asphalt vs concrete, Albany Business owners decide
  1. Repairs Are Costly and Slow — Slabs need to be replaced, not patched.

  2. Winter Damage Builds Quickly — Salt, plows, and freeze-thaw cycles wreak havoc.

  3. Poor Curb Appeal Over Time — Concrete stains and discolors, losing its professional look.



Case Study: Scotia Bank in the Capital Region

One of our recent projects involved resurfacing and striping the First National Bank of Scotia’s parking lot. The bank had debated between asphalt and concrete. Asphalt won out because:

  • The project needed to be completed quickly.

  • The lot required durability under heavy customer traffic.

  • Cost savings made asphalt the obvious choice.



The result was a professional, durable lot that boosted curb appeal and impressed both staff and customers.



See More: Scotia Bank Parking Lot Transformation



Why Albany Businesses Trust Egan Paving

For over 50 years, Egan Paving has been the Capital Region’s choice for commercial paving. Whether it’s a Colonie shopping plaza, a Schenectady municipal lot, or an Albany retail center, we’ve helped businesses upgrade to asphalt solutions that last.

Our difference:

  • Premium, DOT-approved materials

  • Knowledge of Albany-area soils and weather

  • Experienced crews and modern equipment

  • Local reputation built over five decades

Final Word: Asphalt Wins in Albany

Freshly paved Albany Parking Lot by Egan Paving

Concrete might sound appealing, but in the real-world conditions of Albany, Colonie, and Schenectady, asphalt is the smarter investment. Lower costs, better durability, faster repairs, and sharper curb appeal make it the top choice for Capital Region businesses.



📞 Upgrade your business lot today with Egan Paving

Request a Free Quote →

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