Pothole: a pesky pavement crater. Can be harmful to pedestrian and vehicle traffic. Avoid when possible.
Whether you’re a business owner, property manager, or conscientious driver, dealing with parking lot potholes can be a headache. Potholes are one of the top types of damage to a parking lot along with being a parking lot’s number one complaint.
Pothole repair and prevention can help you put your best foot forward and offer a great impression for customers and employees. We are exploring a few causes of potholes, and preventative measures you can take, along with providing insight into how to repair them effectively. Keep reading to further understand parking lot potholes.
What Causes Potholes in Parking Lots?
Understanding the root causes of parking lot potholes is the first step in preventing their formation. Potholes develop due to a combination of factors, including:
- Water Infiltration: Water is the primary culprit behind potholes. When rain or melted snow seep into cracks in the pavement, it weakens the underlying structure.
- Freeze-Thaw Cycles: In regions with fluctuating temperatures, water that infiltrates the pavement can freeze during cold spells. As it freezes, it expands, exerting pressure on the pavement and causing cracks to widen.
- Traffic Wear and Tear: The constant traffic from vehicles further aggravates the problem. The weight of vehicles, especially heavy trucks, can accelerate the breakdown of the pavement.
- Lack of Maintenance: Neglecting regular maintenance, such as sealing cracks and addressing minor issues, allows potholes to form and grow.
Preventing Parking Lot Potholes
Preventing potholes in your parking lot is a proactive approach that can save you time and money in the long run. Here are our top preventive measures to help preserve your parking lot:
- Routine Maintenance: Regularly inspect your parking lot for cracks, potholes, and other issues. Address minor problems promptly to prevent them from worsening.
- Proper Drainage: Ensure that your parking lot has adequate drainage systems to divert water away from the surface. Proper drainage can significantly reduce the chances of water infiltrating the pavement.
- Sealcoating: Apply a sealcoat to your parking lot every few years. This protective layer acts as a shield, preventing water penetration and UV damage.
- Fill Cracks: Invest in crack-filling services to seal small cracks before they expand into potholes. This cost-effective measure can extend the life of your pavement.
- Regular Resurfacing: Plan for parking lot resurfacing every 15-20 years or as needed, depending on usage and climate. This involves removing the old surface and replacing it with a new one.
Repairing Parking Lot Potholes
If potholes have already appeared in your parking lot, it is important to address them in a timely manner. Here’s how to do so effectively:
- Clean the Area: Start by cleaning the pothole and the surrounding area to remove debris and loose material.
- Fill the Pothole: Use a cold asphalt patch or hot asphalt mix to fill the pothole, depending on the extent of the damage. Cold patch is suitable for small, temporary repairs, while hot mix provides a more durable solution.
- Compact the Material: Compact the filling material using a tamper or roller to ensure it adheres well and is level with the surrounding pavement.
- Sealcoat: After repairing the potholes, consider applying a sealcoat to the entire parking lot to protect it from further damage.
- Regular Inspections: Continue to inspect and maintain your parking lot to catch and repair new potholes before they become major issues.
If you cannot repair the potholes in your parking lot, we highly recommend calling a professional asphalt contractor. Failing to do so would be a waste of your time and money with the high chance that the work would need to be redone a lot sooner than later.
Call Toste Today!
Parking lot potholes may be an inevitable part of property ownership, but with prevention and timely repairs, you can keep them from turning your parking area into an obstacle course. Remember, investing in the maintenance and repair of your parking lot not only enhances safety but also preserves the value of your property. If you’re unsure about the best approach to address potholes in your parking lot, consider talking with a professional asphalt contractor. They will be able to assess your pavement and provide the best solution for your needs.
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.