A parking lot is typically the last thing a business or property owner thinks about. It is a massive piece of dirt, typically covered in asphalt or concrete, and almost self-sustainable. The key word there is “almost”. Proper installation and regular maintenance will keep your asphalt looking great and your parking lot top-performing for years.
If you want a top-performing asphalt parking lot, it requires attention, regular updates, and maintenance. To help you further understand these best practices, Toste Construction is here! We have been maintaining asphalt parking lots for over 15 years and are a trusted source for sealcoating, crack filling, and pothole repair.
Start With A Strong Foundation
A strong foundation is essential for a high-performing asphalt parking lot. This means the installation and construction of the parking lot will lay the base for long-term success. You will want to make sure you are hiring a professional asphalt contractor to complete your parking lot installation. They will be qualified to accurately assess the space and provide their greatest recommendation for a strong foundation.
The construction of the original asphalt base includes the material and mix of the base. Several factors are considered when mixing the asphalt and including traffic load & frequency, the climate in which you live, and the time of the year of the installation. Your contractor will be able to discuss this more with you, but be sure to point out if you have areas of higher or heavier traffic. The mix will need to be more dense in these areas.
There are other items to make sure your parking lot is successful and stays strong for many years. These include proper drainage, design for traffic flow ease, and clearing necessary trees or vegetation that could cause harm in the future. If you want to make sure your parking lot is strong, start with the foundation and hire a professional contractor.
Regular Maintenance Is Key
Once your well-design and constructed parking lot is installed, it can offer several years of service. Regular maintenance is key to ensuring long-term success though. One of the most important pieces of a pavement preservation plan includes sealcoating. Sealcoating is the process of applying a thin coat of sealer to asphalt that replenishes the binder lost through weathering and aging. Asphalt sealer provides a barrier to moisture intrusion as well as UV rays, chemicals, and salt.
Another regular maintenance item includes crack filling. Typically done around the same time as sealcoating, crack filling can prevent water from intruding into the asphalt and forming pesky potholes or larger cracks.
Other maintenance items include regular cleaning of the asphalt, including removing debris and organic materials. Be sure to examine drainage portholes and remove any blockage. This will prevent water from pooling on the surface of the asphalt and finding its way below for pothole formation.
Complete Repairs As Needed
Damage happens. And when it does, the most important thing you can do to prevent further damage is to make necessary repairs in a timely manner. If you have a cracking surface, you will want to have that area examined and repaired quickly. Are large cracks starting to form? Get them filled and repaired quickly before they grow into massive potholes. Already have potholes? You will definitely want to get these filled and repaired as they can be damaging to your asphalt, pedestrian traffic, and vehicle traffic too!
We cannot stress enough about making repairs as they are needed. It is like your tooth aching and you do not go to the dentist or you want to wait until your next appointment. Waiting will only make the issue worse and end up costing you more in the long run.
We Are Here For You
If your parking lot is in need of maintenance or repair, contact Toste Construction today. We provide the greater Moorseville area with professional sealcoating, pothole repair, crack filling, and line striping services. Our team is knowledgeable and available to assess your parking lot with our professional opinion. Contact our office to schedule a FREE quote on any necessary work to keep your asphalt parking lot top performing!
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.