Wheel stops are a common and vital safety feature in parking lots. They are intended to inhibit a vehicle from passing beyond the parking space allotted to them when pulling into the spot. This in turn prevents the parking car from damaging the vehicle parked in in front of them. Also known as curb stops, tire stoppers, and parking blocks, wheel stops are made from a variety of materials, such as plastic, rubber, metal, and concrete. However, rubber and concrete are by far the most common, as they are environmentally-friendly and economically priced. So, these two materials will be your primary options to choose from when considering wheel stops for your commercial complex.

But which material is better? Concrete or rubber? Is there an advantage to choosing one over the other? What’s the real difference between concrete and rubber wheel stops? As a commercial proprietor looking to renovate or enhance your parking lot performance and safety, you might want to consider these very same questions.

Concrete Wheel Stoppers

Concrete tends to take the cake when it comes to leading choice for wheel stops among consumers. Concrete is heavier than rubber, so wheel stops tend to secure strongly in place once installed. Furthermore, concrete parking blocks are made from organic material, and will last a very long time. They can also be installed inside or outside, regardless of climate or region. These are the primary advantages of concrete wheel stoppers.

There are some disadvantages of choosing concrete wheel stops too. For instance, concrete is a porous material, which means it will be subjected to the damages caused by winter and spring freeze-thaw cycles. Water freezing, expanding, and then thawing in the pores of concrete will lead to cracking and loss of stability. When concrete stoppers are installed indoors, such as in parking garages, they withstand the effects of freeze-thaw conditions much better.

Rubber Wheel Stops

In contrast to concrete wheel stops, which are made from organic material, rubber wheel stoppers are made from synthetic rubber, which can render several benefits and downfalls. As for benefits, they are useful indoors or outdoors, and cause less damage to a vehicle in the case that the driver pulls up too far and comes into contact with the rubber stopper.

Furthermore, rubber parking blocks are lighter, easy to install, and highly-resistant to chemical spills, UV rays, oil, moisture, and even inclement weather. However, they are not entirely resistant to the sun. Rubber is a malleable material, which can be subjected to softening, melting, and warping under the hot sun. So in regions of the country that experience high heat for extended periods of time, such as the Southwest, they may not be the best fit.

Parking Lot Repair and Renovation Services in Indianapolis, Indiana

Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for paving, repair, and maintenance of parking lots in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our licensed commercial paving contractors provide a wide range of asphalt and concrete services for commercial and industrial properties, including inspections, installation, replacement, repair, and more. We also offer free estimates and consultations, flexible scheduling, references upon request, and more. Best of all, our work is backed by our 100% Satisfaction Guarantee, so you can rest assure that your investment is sound. Request a free quote, today.