Parking lots and road surfaces are an integral part of a business. Not only do they boost curb appeal and inspire good first impressions, but they promise a safe and convenient travel experience for visitors to your property.
Parking lots in poor condition are a liability to you as a property manager and reflect poorly on your business as a whole. Potholes, cracked asphalt, and cramped and unsafe parking lots can dissuade customers from even entering your building. Therefore, timely parking lot maintenance and repairs are a must for property managers, so be sure to plan your budget accordingly.
Property managers typically have one main objective for asphalt pavement: make it last as long as possible while retaining a superior function and aesthetic.
Asphalt pavement is an incredibly durable surface and can last for decades when properly cared for. To maximize your pavement’s performance and lifespan, however, you must plan and budget accordingly.
Assess Your Asphalt Pavement
The best place to start is with the current condition of your asphalt. Take the time to walk through your parking lot and ask yourself the following questions:
- What color is your asphalt? Does it have a faded gray appearance? Over time, oxidation causes asphalt to fade and turn gray, which can indicate a brittle pavement.
- SOLUTION: Sealcoatingcan reverse environmental aging and help restore the appearance and function of your asphalt.
- How do your pavement markings look? Are the crosswalks, arrows, and parking line stripes vibrant and easy to make out? Faded markings not only affect the smooth flow of traffic but can result in accidents and pedestrian injuries.
SOLUTION: A professional restriping service will ensure your parking lot markings are clear, decisive, and long-lasting.
- Are there potholes? Potholes are dangerous, unsightly, and a surefire way to drive away your customers. Chicago’s seasonal freeze-thaw cycles are to blame for potholes. As water seeps below the pavement during winter, it freezes and contracts, forcing the pavement to heave upward. This raised pavement results in a weak spot. As vehicles continually pass over it, the materials break down and inevitably create a pothole.
SOLUTION: The prompt repair of potholes and other pavement disintegrations helps control further deterioration and repair costs. If the damage is isolated to a specific area and taken care of quickly, simple patching may be required. When left untreated, however, potholes can lead to major pavement failure.
- Is there cracking? When left unaddressed, cracks will spread and become more extensive over time as they’re exposed to the elements and vehicle traffic. Water can then seep inside them, which will eventually erode the sub-surface layers. Air gaps form as a result, and the continual weight of traffic will cause your asphalt to sag and form a divot.
- SOLUTION: Cracks that are not filled or sealed promptly can spread and lead to potholes. Proactively identifying and sealing cracks is the most cost-effective maintenance procedure.
- Is there raveling? Are there loose rocks and debris? If so, your asphalt is unraveling under your feet!
SOLUTION: Your asphalt may require replacement in the case of severe raveling. We recommend consulting with a professional paving contractor to determine the extent of the damage.
- Is there rutting? Sometimes asphalt’s unique flexibility works against it, leading to visible wheel indentations or depressions in the road.
SOLUTION: Minor rutting can be fixed by crack filling. Severe rutting, however, may require complete removal and replacement. Treat early signs of rutting to save money and prevent costly repairs down the road.
- After it rains, is there trapped or standing water? Standing water is a safety hazard that can result in injuries and major repair costs. It’s also one of the leading causes of premature asphalt deterioration. Standing water may be a sign of inadequate drainage, improper compaction, or rutting.
- SOLUTION: Hire a professional paving company to evaluate your parking lot and determine the cause of standing water.
Consult with Our Paving Experts
Once you’ve evaluated your parking lot and its problem areas, give our team a call to discuss your options and put a cost-effective repair and maintenance plan in place.
We are the industry leaders of choice with over 60 years of paving experience in the Chicagoland area. If you value a trusted paving company that listens to your needs, provides sound solutions and communicates throughout the entire process, A&A Paving is your best bet. We continually receive 5-star reviews because we provide superior, award-winning service at every step.
Call us now at 630-529-2500 or click here to receive a free quote.
