As the end of the year is near, many home and business owners start to think about and plan for the next year. This includes reviewing the past year’s financials, tying up loose ends, and creating a budget for next year. Home or business improvements are an area that should be reviewed and assessed while creating your budget. If asphalt repairs are going to be needed in the near future, adding a realistic amount to the budget is essential.
Areas To Assess Before Budgeting
Reviewing the current state of your asphalt will give you a good idea as to what repairs will be needed.
Cracks
Looking at the surface, if you see any sign of cracking, you will want to budget for asphalt services next year. Since it is typically too cold outside during the winter months to care for the cracks before year end, planning ahead is going to be in your best interest. Cracks that are significant in size should be handled with care throughout the winter months to not cause even more damage.
Depending on the type of crack, it could mean there already is considerable damage to the pavement. Consulting a contractor will help you understand the severity of the cracking and what that could mean for the future of your parking lot. You might need a simple crack fill, a resurface, or a completely new asphalt parking lot.
Potholes
Similar to cracking, potholes can be a sign of significant damage. Additionally, potholes can cause damage to vehicles and pedestrians alike. While a pothole can be temporarily patched, it is best to have them professionally repaired when the weather is warmer. Planning for a pothole repair should be pretty straight forward, but a parking lot that is left untouched for several years could need more than a fill.
Stains
Many things can cause staining on an asphalt parking lot or driveway. Leaves that have fallen, debris, leaking vehicle fluids, and more. If these items are not cleaned or cleared away immediately, they will cause staining on the surface. Luckily, most of these items will not cause excessive damage to your asphalt and it will just need a good cleaning. However, gas and other oily substances will slowly penetrate the asphalt if left untouched.
Weathering
Over time, asphalt ages and the weather beats it up causing it to be discolored. This is a good sign that your parking lot or driveway is in need of a sealcoating application. This is the process of applying a thin layer of sealer to asphalt that replenishes the binder. It also provides a barrier to moisture intrusion as well as UV rays, chemicals and salt. While you are budgeting, you may want to make a not that this should be done every 2-3 years for optimal performance.
Planning Your Budget
While it is difficult to put exact numbers on your budget, working with a local contractor will help you plan. Depending on the results of your asphalt assessment, your parking lot or driveway may need major repair. Asking for a professional estimate now will give you time to plan and budget for the expense next year. If you are concerned about the cost, weight the alternative of a complete replacement in a few years if you leave any damage untouched.
If you are local to the Mooresville area, contact Toste Construction. Our team will provide a professional assessment of your asphalt along with a FREE estimate on any repairs.
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.