A new asphalt parking lot is no small investment! Professional installation, proper maintenance, and timely repairs are essential to make the parking lot last as long as possible. While pavement is one of the most durable materials available, there is standard wear and tear that is inevitable. Cracking, damage, and debris buildup are some of the most common problems with asphalt and, as a property manager or owner, it is your responsibility to take care of them quickly.
Properly caring for your asphalt parking lot will ensure the safety of those who use the parking lot, and also help your parking lot last longer. With nearly 20 years of experience, Toste Construction is a trusted Lake Norman asphalt contractor. Below are our top best practices when it comes to your asphalt parking lot and making sure it lasts for a minimal cost.
Clear Debris – Check Storm Drains
You many not think that a few leaves or branches can have a negative impact on your asphalt. However, when debris is left on the surface of the pavement, it can wreck havoc and shorten the lifespan of the asphalt. Leaves, branches, dirt, grass clippings, and other debris mixed with heavy vehicle traffic will compress the material into the asphalt. This will weaken the pavement structure, which can cause significant damage.
Regularly cleaning debris from your asphalt parking lot will do more than help extend its lifespan. A clean parking lot increase the curb appeal and shows consumers how you care for your business. A regular debris cleaning will also keep the debris out of your drainage systems. This can prevent additional damage to the asphalt.
Remove Stains
Most business owners or property managers don’t often consider stains to be an issue for their asphalt. Oil and coolant stains are most common in a parking lot because of the vehicle traffic that uses the space. When left untouched, they become very difficult to remove and can cause damage to the pavement below. Everything from simple cat litter or specialized degreaser can help remove these stains. The key is cleaning them before they have time to cause damage to the asphalt and shorten its lifespan.
Be Cautious Plowing
If your parking lot is in an area that sees significant snowfall in the cooler months, be sure to discuss proper plowing methods to help extend the life of your asphalt. The blade of a plow can easily cause significant damage to an asphalt parking lot if proper pressure is not observed. Significant use of salt can also cause damage, especially if left on surface for too long. Talk with whoever plows your parking lot to ensure they do not cause damage over the winter moths.
Sealcoat Regularly
A key maintenance item that is most definitely going to help extend the life of your asphalt parking lot is regular 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 proves a barrier to moisture intrusion as well as UV rays, chemicals, and salt. Applying the sealant every 2-3 years will help you get the most out of your parking lot. Talk with your local sealcoating contractor to see what is best for your parking lot as several factors can contribute to a successful sealcoating maintenance plan.
Fill Cracks & Potholes
Proper and timely repairs of cracking and potholes will help your asphalt parking lot last as long as it should. Cracking can happen for several reasons, but the sooner they get filled, the less likely they are to get bigger and cause more damage to the pavement. Filling cracks with crack filler helps prevent rain and moisture from flowing through the pavement and causing erosion or failure. Potholes can form when cracks let water below the surface and heavy vehicle traffic drives over it. Ensuring cracks and potholes are taken care of in a timely manner will help prevent significant damage and extend the lifespan of your asphalt parking lot.
Professional Asphalt Contractor
If you are in need of a professional asphalt contractor within the greater Moorseville area, contact Toste Construction today! We are available to assess your asphalt and provide you with a FREE estimate to get it in top shape again. Our team is highly skilled in all areas of asphalt maintenance including sealcoating, pothole repair, line striping, and crack filling.
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.