If you’re like most business owners, parking lot maintenance is not at the top of your priority list. But it should be! Your parking lot is the first and last thing that customers see when they visit your business, and it’s also a significant safety hazard if it’s not taken care of properly. This blog post is your ultimate resource for parking lot maintenance and upkeep. Learn how to preserve the condition of your parking lot pavement surface for years to come!
Parking Lot Maintenance Tasks
Parking lot maintenance is a big job requiring regular attention to keep your asphalt surface performing well. Staying up with the lot maintenance is all about loss prevention.
Keeping the curb appeal high increases property value and brings in more clients, resulting in better business. In addition, keeping up with maintenance tasks keeps your asphalt pavement smooth and safe for decades!
Keeping Asphalt Clean
Part of maintaining parking lot surfaces is regular cleaning to remove debris or stains. In addition, it’s crucial to keep up with snow removal, removing standing water (or installing proper drainage if needed). Water and debris can damage asphalt surfaces if not removed in a timely manner.
Sealcoating
Asphalt parking lots should be seal coated every few years, as this regular maintenance protects parking lots from the elements.
Sealing your parking lot offers a protective layer for your asphalt by shielding it from UV light, motor oil, and water. When contaminants penetrate the subgrade of the pavement below the top layer of asphalt – this causes severe damage. But with sealcoat maintenance, you can rest assured that your valuable asset is safe.
Sealcoating is an effective way to reduce the need for costly repairs now and in the future. Not only can it extend your asphalt’s life up to seven years, it also reduces cracking when applied properly.
With sealcoating, you’ll save money in the long run and ensure your asphalt surface remains durable for many years! An affordable sealcoating application every 2 – 3 years can help your investment last longer and maintain its pristine look.
Sealcoating provides the best protection for your asphalt at minimal costs.
Line Striping
Ensure that your lot maintenance includes new line striping when the old marks fade. Striping paint gives drivers easy access to the best place to drive and park.
Drivers and pedestrians depend on traffic flow and parking areas that are clearly marked.
During busy seasons with heavy traffic, especially with grocery and department stores, injuries happen in parking lots when safety is not a priority! With vehicles backing out and people running around, you can protect pedestrians with clearly painted walkways and right-of-way signs.
Crack Filling
Crack sealing is an integral part of the pavement maintenance process, but it is not a permanent solution. Lot maintenance should include regular crack sealing and other scheduled maintenance. Filling cracks every 3-5 years improves your lot’s look, durability, and longevity.
Parking lot maintenance is especially crucial for shipping facilities where heavy machinery and large trucks put extra pressure on asphalt surfaces. Filling cracks and staying up with scheduled maintenance helps prevent more damage from occurring.
Crack filling/sealing is the first line of defense in preserving your asphalt investment. Ensure a high-quality crack-filling service by hiring a contractor capable of completing large-scale projects with minimal downtime.
Proper preparation during the crack-filling process is integral to its success! Let’s look at how the process works.
- Hot Crack Fill: Used to seal cracks up to 2 inches wide and when large quantities are needed. The material is heated to approximately 375 degrees and applied using a wand. Once applied, a squeegee ensures a proper seal and bonding.
- Cold Pour Fill: Used to fill minor cracks on smaller projects with minor cracks where the needed amount of asphalt is lower.
Repair Potholes or Other Issues
Asphalt repair is a crucial part of lot maintenance. Unsightly potholes and crumbling asphalt give the wrong impression and cause unsafe parking lot conditions.
Letting your asphalt contractor fill cracks and repair damage often can help your entire lot look and feel like you care about your clients!
When you need asphalt repairs, your asphalt contractor will use “hot mix asphalt.” They will then use saws or asphalt milling machines to cut the bad areas out squarely, check the base underneath the previous asphalt, and then install the new hot mix asphalt. Then they will use drum rollers to achieve proper compaction.
Contact a local asphalt contractor today to assist with asphalt repairs, crack filling, or resurfacing needs.
Hazards of Neglected Parking Lots
No one wants to worry about parking lot maintenance, but if you don’t take care of your asphalt surface, it will quickly become a safety hazard. Also, an unmaintained parking lot will start to crumble and look terrible. Unsightly lots can give the wrong impression to customers and result in fewer visitors.
You should have regularly scheduled maintenance to keep your parking lot free of hazards, such as potholes or cracks. Have an asphalt contractor come in and fill any cracks that may appear, so they don’t become bigger problems.
Proper maintenance also includes quality striping, signage, and lighting. Ensure your parking lot is clearly marked with designated walkways and pedestrian crossings for safety. Keep the area well-lit to minimize potential accidents in the dark.
By investing in proper parking lot maintenance, you can avoid hazards, such as asphalt cracking and potholes, and ensure a safe, attractive surface that will last decades!
Our Experienced Asphalt Contractors Can Help
Our experienced and qualified team knows what to look for when inspecting problematic areas such as asphalt cracking. You can rest assured that we do the job right – the first time.
We are here to help you keep your pavement in excellent condition, so it lasts for years. Keeping your pavement in top condition is essential, so you don’t have to worry about people getting injured.
We offer a free estimate so you can see how much money you’ll save by repairing your pavement now instead of later. Get in touch today for your free quote!