Many people don’t think of RV parks as a booming business. However, as young people explore alternative living and older adults become more active, RV parks are actually expanding. Particularly in Florida where there is such a large population of older adults. This week, we are exploring the paving options that RV park operators have for their properties. Read on to learn about each material, as well as the pros and cons of each.

Option One: Concrete

A finished concrete surface is highly aesthetic. It is both functional and smooth, with new concrete that is so bright it appears white. Reinforced concrete is perfect for handling the heavy loads that RV parks burden their roads with. However, concrete installation and repair gets very expensive very fast. Additionally, repaired concrete loses the entire aesthetic value that you pay for in the first place.

In summary, concrete gives you a beautiful, smooth aesthetic for your money. After a few years, the return on investment declines steadily.

Option Two: Asphalt

Asphalt is significantly cheaper than concrete. The materials are cheaper, and it has a quicker installation time. The biggest drawback from a commercial perspective is that the asphalt needs to be resealed every year or two. Without that resealing, it declines quickly. Trying to schedule resealing on a commercial scale can be frustrating. However, as long as your asphalt contractor knows what they are doing, it should be a pretty smooth process.

In summary, asphalt is a cheap and durable option, but it needs maintenance.

Option Three: Gravel

Gravel is even cheaper than asphalt. However, it has some pretty significant downsides. With the heavy traffic at RV parks, as well as inclimate Florida weather, gravel roads fall apart fast. The roads wash away or leave “potholes” behind, so gravel essentially becomes a dirt road. The largest RVs cannot even travel on gravel safely because of how poor the traction is. Most paving professionals steer business owners away from gravel.

In summary, gravel is super cheap, but the investment is not worth much and will not last very long.

Option Four: Chip Seal

Chip seal is a unique form of paving that is not widely used commercially. It is composed of layering tar and fine stones on top of a base layer. Chip seal is actually a very good option for RV parks, because the material gets stronger the more it is used and compacted. That makes it optimal for heavy vehicles, such as RVs. Unfortunately, when it is first installed it is not that strong and provides weak traction. The stones on top have not been compressed down into the tar by use yet, to the “soft” layer on top can be a challenge for RVs.

In summary, chip seal is a strong contender, but needs some use before it reaches maximum benefits.