Proper drainage is essential to keeping your parking lot looking great, functional, and long-lasting. Asphalt that does not drain well will cause severe issues in the form of cracking, pothole creation, and warping. Knowing what to look for when it comes to your asphalt and its drainage, could save you a lot in the long run.
Poor drainage can shorten the lifespan of your parking lot, require consistent repair, and cost you significantly if left untouched. Keep reading for signs that your parking lot has poor drainage so you can catch the problem before it becomes a significant issue.
1. Pooling Water
Small puddles that appear when it is raining and quickly evaporate can be ignored. However, standing water that does not clear up is a sign of poor drainage within your parking lot system. Water that pools on the surface will eventually seep into the asphalt and result in cracking. These cracks will likely turn into a pothole, which will further cause damage to the parking lot by allowing more water into the asphalt. If you notice water pooling in your parking lot, contact your local asphalt contractor before it becomes a significant issue.
2. Sinking
Water that finds its way below the surface of a parking lot can cause sinking. Caused when the base materials are washed away, sinking is a big issue for business owners and property managers alike. When left untouched, sinking is an endless cycle where the pavement sinks, more water collects, and more material is washed away. When a parking lot has poor drainage, sinking can create a large issue.
3. Crumbling
Parking lots with poor drainage can cause materials to be washed away and remove any support for the asphalt. Common around the edge of potholes, large cracks, and borders of the lot, crumbling will slowly wear away the asphalt. One way to help prevent crumbling is by placing curbs or shored materials when creating the parking lot. You can also add these items later if you notice crumbling has become an issue.
4. Raveling
Raveling is another sign that your parking lot has poor drainage. When the aggregate material (typically gravel or sand) becomes loose, the surface of the asphalt will start to disintegrate. This is raveling and can cause the asphalt to become rough and expose the lower layers of the parking lot to further damage. You will want to repair the parking lot quickly to ensure thee issue does not spread and cost more than you like to pay.
Contact A Professional
Have you noticed water pooling within your parking lot? You will want to contact a professional immediately in order to prevent further damage. Toste Construction provides professional sealcoating services and asphalt repair to the entire Charlotte, NC area. Contact our team to schedule your FREE estimate!
Toste Construction specializes in sealcoating and crack filling to ensure you and your customers have a smooth surface to drive on. We are your Mooresville asphalt and pavement maintenance company. Our services include asphalt sealcoating, striping, patching, pothole repair and crack filling for both residential and commercial projects throughout western North Carolina.