Maintaining Your Parking Lot

Whether asphalt or concrete, pavement is designed to bear the weight of vehicle and foot traffic and to stand up to the elements. It is, however, not invincible. Weather in the form of rain, snow, and ice takes a considerable toll on paving materials, contributing to their deterioration over time. Pressure and friction from tires, as well as harsh UV rays from the sun, can create cracks and potholes which allow moisture to penetrate the foundation of your lot, compromising its load-bearing structure. For these reasons, it is essential to know your pavement, what to watch out for, and how to maintain its health.

Common Commercial Pavement Types

• Asphalt is the most widely used pavement type. It has the advantage of being affordable, long lasting, and durable in the face of harsh weather conditions and heavy usage. It does, however, have a tendency to soften in extreme heat and, due to its impenetrability, can cause water pools to form.
• Concrete is the second most popular choice of paving materials. It has the advantage of being easy to maintain, capable of withstanding extreme heat, and available in more than one colour and texture. It does, however, have a tendency to crack in extreme cold and, due to its poor drainage performance, can also cause water pools to form.

Things to Watch Out For:

• Cracks and Potholes: Not only are cracks and potholes unsightly, but they can also be dangerous and lead to liability issues. Attend to these quickly for the good of your lot and the customers who use it.
• Faded Markings: The paint on your lot fades because of the sun’s UV rays. While you can freshen things up with a new coat, this can also be a sign of larger issues. For, the same rays that cause paint to fade can weaken the asphalt of your lot. Therefore, when this occurs, you should look for any evidence of greater damage.
• Pooling Water: Water pools as a result of poor drainage. Though it will evaporate in time, the risk is that the moisture will penetrate the surface of your lot, causing potholes to form (see above).
• Uneven Surfaces: Uneven surfaces can be the result of heavy use, poor construction, or damage caused by weather conditions. Whatever the case may be, these should be attended to immediately as they can be hazardous to both vehicles and pedestrians.

Ways to Maintain Your Pavement:

• Regular Cleaning: While the collection of dirt and debris may present its own set of problems, the bigger issue is that it may conceal structural damage such as cracks and potholes which require immediate attention.
• Sealing Cracks: Small cracks may seem like a minor issue, but they are a precursor to larger cracks and potholes. Therefore, it is smart and cost-effective to seal them as soon as they start to show.
•  Resurfacing: This involves replacing the top layers of your parking lot when there is considerable surface damage. It will extend the life of your lot and allow you to avoid the far costlier process of replacing the entire thing.
• Asphalt Seal Coating: Seal coating is a protective measure that coats the surface of your asphalt so that moisture does not get in and undermine its structural integrity.
• Pavement Rejuvenation: This is a method to preserve your lot whereby a chemical revitalizing agent is injected into the pavement, restoring elements that have been lost due to the process of oxidation. It is a quick and easy way to give new life to your lot.
• Pavement Reconstruction: This is a process whereby a damaged section of pavement is entirely replaced. It is a cost-effective approach when only part of your lot is significantly damaged, and you don’t want to replace the entire thing.

Choosing the Right Pavement Maintenance Provider:

 In choosing the right pavement maintenance provider, you want to look for a team of professionals who are experienced, knowledgeable, and equipped to do the job for you.

When it comes to cost, the lowest is not always the best. Things to consider before signing a contract are a company’s reputation, credentials, insurance coverage, and manpower. Each of these variables will play a part in their ability to meet your paving needs. Before signing a contract, ensure than your contractor is aware of your expectations and prepared to meet them.

Choose Seal-A-Drive Pavement Maintenance Inc.

Seal-A-Drive Pavement Maintenance Inc. offers a variety of maintenance packages to meet your needs. Contact us today to receive a free quote. Our knowledgeable team of experts is here to help you maintain the health of your commercial lot.