It’s no secret that pavement work is expensive. If you’re going to invest the money into building a nice parking lot for your business, you’ll want to invest in taking care of it, as well. A well-maintained asphalt parking lot not only enhances the curb appeal of your property but also extends the lifespan of your investment. Regular upkeep is crucial to preventing costly repairs and ensuring safety for vehicles and pedestrians alike. Here are some general guidelines you can follow to keep your asphalt well maintained:
Regular Inspections
Routine inspections are the cornerstone of asphalt maintenance. Walk through your parking lot regularly to identify signs of wear and tear, such as cracks, potholes, and surface degradation. Early detection can help you address minor issues before they escalate into major problems. Consider scheduling professional inspections at least once a year to support your own assessments.
Cleanliness is Key
Keeping your parking lot clean is more than just aesthetics. Debris, oil spills, and trash can damage the asphalt over time. Remove leaves, dirt, and other debris regularly to prevent clogged drainage which leads to stagnant water on your blacktop. Clean stains and spills from oil as quickly as possible using something absorbent like kitty litter.
Crack Sealing
Asphalt is prone to cracking due to weather conditions and the constant weight of vehicles. Cracks can allow water to hit the subgrade, leading to further deterioration. To prevent this, apply crack sealant as soon as you notice any cracks beginning to form. Crack filler is designed to fill cracks, preventing them from expanding and causing more extensive damage.
Pothole Repair
Potholes aren’t just eyesores; they are hazardous eyesores. If your parking lot is full of potholes, you are risking the safety of your customers but also risking them not visiting your business. Potholes often result from a combination of traffic wear and water infiltration. Potholes left unattended will continue to grow in size and affect the surrounding asphalt costing more money in repairs down the road. It’s important to fix potholes as they appear so they do not cost more due to additional damage that can come as a result.
Sealcoating
Sealcoating is a protective layer applied over the asphalt surface. It helps protect from UV rays, keeps moisture out, and enhances the durability. Sealcoating should be applied every 3 years to protect against elements. Not only is it protecting, sealcoat is also what gives your asphalt that fresh black look!
Drainage Maintenance
Standing water can wreak havoc on your asphalt. It erodes the pavements, causing cracks and potholes which, if left untreated, could ultimately lead to a total re-pave which could have been avoided. Alpha Paving addresses drainage issues so if you’re noticing stagnant water, give us a call as soon as possible.
Line Striping
Nothing is more frustrating as a customer than having to guess where a parking space begins and ends in a business parking lot. This could also lead to your parking lot being out of ADA compliance. Once you notice your lines fading and becoming more difficult to notice at an immediate glance, it’s time to restripe your parking lot. Keeping lines visible and well-maintained improves safety and aesthetics.
Professional Help
If you notice any of the above starting to happen to your parking lot, it’s important to call a trusted paving contractor to come and give you an honest assessment. Alpha Paving is a full-service pavement maintenance and asphalt repair company near you that can address all your needs. We will listen to your concerns and provide you with a detailed plan of action to bring your parking lot back to looking brand new and expanding its lifespan.
If you think your pavement could benefit from any of the above services, contact Alpha Paving today! We will provide an honest assessment and best plan of action to get your pavement looking its best that will also extend its lifespan.
