As a business owner, you know that your commercial parking lot is crucial to the success of your operation. If it’s well-maintained, the traffic can move smoothly, and customers feel comfortable coming to your property.
Our experts have a few tips to help extend your parking lot’s life!
1. Make Sure the Surface is Level
A lot of wear & tear on a parking lot comes from vehicles driving over bumps and cracks in the surface. You can ensure that your surface is level by having it regularly inspected and repaired. This will also help to improve the overall appearance of your property.
2. Use Pavement Sealer
A pavement sealer is a great way to protect your parking lot from weather damage and wear and tear. A sealer acts like a barrier on the pavement’s surface that helps prevent water, snow, and ice from seeping in and breaking down the pavement. The sealer also helps to fill in any cracks or crevices on the surface, preventing further damage.
3. Repair Potholes and Cracks Promptly
Potholes, cracks, and other defects in the pavement can cause severe damage to vehicles and create a dangerous obstacle for pedestrians. Getting the potholes and cracks fixed immediately is essential as they will worsen with time!
4. Place Signage Appropriately
Making sure drivers know where they’re supposed to go (and where they’re not) is key to keeping traffic flowing smoothly through your parking lot. Well-placed signs will help reduce congestion and accidents. It also saves you from legal headaches down the road if someone does get injured on your property.
5. Line Your Parking Lot
Painting lines on your parking lot is not only aesthetically pleasing but can also help extend your pavement’s life. Lines help define parking spaces and keep vehicles from driving over curbs or grassy areas, damaging the pavement. Lines also make it easier for snow plows to clear the parking lot without damaging the surface.
6. Be Mindful of Drainage
Water is the biggest enemy of a parking lot. It can cause cracking, potholes, and all sorts of other damage. Ensure your parking lot is properly graded so that water drains away from it. Consider installing drainage features like catch basins and French drains to protect your investment further.
7. Use Asphalt-Friendly Deicing Salt
If you live in an area that gets cold winters, you must be careful about the type of deicing salt you use in your parking lot. Some types of salt can damage asphalt. Choose a deicing salt safe for asphalt, such as calcium chloride or magnesium chloride.
8. Keep it Clean
A clean parking lot is a safe parking lot. Make sure trash is picked up regularly, and any spills are cleaned immediately. This will also help you spot problems like cracks and potholes before they become more significant problems.
Sweepers are affordable and can take care of this problem without hassle.
Final Thoughts
There’s only one thing that can extend the life of your commercial parking lot more than anything else: regular parking lot maintenance!
Regular parking lot maintenance includes repairing potholes and cracks, identifying drainage issues, sealing the pavement, and much more!
Asphalt Maintenance & Paving Solutions has been in the asphalt industry for 30 years. We provide the best parking lot maintenance, paving, and repair services in River Falls, Wisconsin.
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