The value of a parking lot extends well beyond what you paid for it. Our Southeast MI asphalt paving contractors also want you to consider what a well-maintained parking lot means for your customers.
If customers can park in every space in your lot and don’t have to walk around unsightly , that’s valuable. The last thing you want is a potential client immediately thinking poorly of your business based on the state of your parking lot or worse, getting hurt.
For most businesses, an appealing parking lot is an asset that deserves to be protected and given a place in their budgets. After all, it costs less to pay for asphalt maintenance than it does to splurge for a full . A little investment here and there keeps the possibility of a larger project at bay for a while.
Here are 5 things you need to do to maintain the appearance and function of your commercial asphalt paving so it lasts up to 20 years.
Inspect Your Parking Lot Regularly
One of the most effective ways to prevent costly asphalt repairs and extend the lifespan of your parking lot is to conduct regular inspections. Performing these inspections, ideally every few months, can help you identify issues early on before they escalate into more serious (and expensive) problems. By making asphalt parking lot maintenance a priority, you can safeguard your investment and preserve the value of your property.
When inspecting your parking lot, pay close attention to:
- Cracks and Small Fissures: Even minor cracks can allow moisture to penetrate the surface, leading to significant damage over time. Once water gets through, it can freeze and expand during colder months, worsening the cracks and potentially causing potholes.
- Potholes: Potholes are more than just an eyesore—they can pose a liability risk by causing damage to vehicles or even injuring pedestrians. If left untreated, potholes can grow larger as vehicles continue to drive over them, allowing water to seep deeper into the pavement and affect the subbase. This can compromise the structural integrity of the entire parking lot.
- Standing Water: Puddles or areas of standing water are a red flag. They indicate poor drainage, which can quickly erode the asphalt and cause cracks. Look for these after rain to pinpoint areas where drainage might be insufficient.
- Fading Line Striping and Surface Deterioration: Faded parking lines and discolored asphalt may not directly impact the structural integrity, but they are signs of UV damage and oxidation. This can weaken the asphalt surface, making it more susceptible to cracking and other damage.
- Oil Stains and Debris: Oil spills and accumulated debris can degrade the asphalt over time. Oil, in particular, can break down the binders in asphalt, causing it to soften and weaken. Regularly cleaning these spots helps maintain the durability of your parking lot.
If you notice any of these issues during your inspections, it’s crucial to act quickly. Small cracks and potholes can rapidly expand if left alone and not dealt with. Contact our experienced asphalt repair contractors as soon as possible to assess and fix the damage.
Know What Damages Asphalt
Asphalt surfaces can be damaged by a variety of things. Fortunately, the best way to prevent damage is to invest in asphalt sealcoating. Simply put, sealcoating is a protective layer applied to the surface of your asphalt. This process involves spreading a thin layer of coal tar or asphalt-based sealant over the existing asphalt surface.
Generally, the relatively quick and cost-effective process is recommended every 2 to 3 years, depending on the amount of traffic and exposure your asphalt surface endures.
The following can cause damage to asphalt:
- UV rays
- Heavy vehicles
- Tree roots
- Snow
- Rain
- Standing water
- Automobile fluids (gas, power steering fluid, oil, and grease)
You’ll notice that a few of the items on the list above involve water. If surface water of any kind is allowed to penetrate the foundation of your asphalt pavement, the result will be more cracks, potholes, and sunken pavement.
Keep Drainage Systems Clear of Debris
As stated earlier, is a serious problem. Not only does it weaken the surface of your asphalt pavement, but it also increases the likelihood of potholes and cracks. Over time, huge parking lot puddles can depress the asphalt around drainage systems to create permanent places for water to collect. Your parking lot’s best defense against rainfall and snowmelt is the drainage system. This is why it’s important you inspect the drainage system and clear any noticeable blockages.
Create a Budget for Asphalt Maintenance
Asphalt maintenance is something that deserves a place in your budget. Unfortunately, this can sometimes be easier said than done. If you are having difficulty justifying the expense of parking lot maintenance and repairs, consider the fact that prematurely replacing your parking lot is even more expensive.
Likewise, losing potential clients and decreasing the value of your commercial property will also cost you. Setting aside money for potential asphalt pavement repairs is a good financial strategy that will help you maintain the look and function of your parking lot.
Hire an Experienced Asphalt Contractor
A professional asphalt contractor, like ours, is who you want to efficiently and potholes. By seeking out someone who is qualified, you’ll be able to prolong the life of your parking lot. Make sure you hire a company, like Allied Construction, that has plenty of experience in the industry so you can feel confident that you will get the best results for your money.
Give Our Team a Call Today
If you are interested in our parking lot maintenance services, please feel free to contact us online or call our today. At Allied Construction, we are committed to getting the job done right and are proud to serve both commercial and residential customers.
This blog post has been updated.