Key Takeaways:

• Parking lot aftercare is integral after the completion of parking lot maintenance and paving services.
• Asphalt parking lots need to be taken care of regularly to prevent deterioration.
• Sealcoating is one of the best ways to protect your parking lot and extend its lifespan.
• Pavement markings need to be refreshed every few years to maximize parking lot safety.

The smell of freshly paved asphalt can be intoxicating, especially when it is accompanied by the realization that your parking lot is about to get a brand-new surface. Whether you’re a parking lot owner or a commercial property manager, the asphalt paving process is an exciting time. However, as any parking lot paving contractor will tell you, the real work begins after the asphalt has been laid down.

To help you get the most out of your new and fresh parking lot, Asphalt Maintenance and Paving Solutions has compiled this guide to help you learn some basic parking lot maintenance and aftercare tips.

Parking Lot Aftercare

Right after the parking lot paving contractor has left, you may be eager to start parking vehicles on your new asphalt surface. However, it’s essential to learn a few basic dos and don’ts of doing so:

Do’s of Parking Lot Aftercare

Give the parking lot time to cure.

Depending on the weather conditions, your parking lot may take up to two weeks to fully cure. You have to keep the vehicles off it for at least that amount of time.

Clean oil spills promptly.

Grease is enemy number one of parking lots. Clean it up when you notice an oil spill by gently scrubbing it down. Make sure you’re not damaging the pavement. Once done, use a high-quality degreaser to scrape off any leftover residue.

Consider sealcoating

Where sealcoating your asphalt pavement should be part of your parking lot maintenance, it is also an integral part of its aftercare. Do make sure to sealcoat your parking lot about six months after installation so you can preserve its original look for longer.

Don’ts of Parking Lot Aftercare

Do not allow the parking lot to be used until it is completely dry

On a freshly paved or seal-coated parking lot, do not allow anyone to park on it until the parking lot is dry. Tires marks can form, and the protective layer might break down, not to mention the irreversible damage.

Avoid heavy traffic

If you can’t close down for a day, a good parking lot aftercare strategy would be to only permit light vehicles to use the parking lot for a day or two.

Parking Lot Maintenance

So, your parking lot is now operating in full swing. This is where maintenance and upkeep come into play.

Dos of Parking Lot Maintenance:

Sweep or blow away any debris

Leaves, branches, sticks, and whatnots can get caught in drains and accumulate on the surface. A dirty or cluttered parking lot looks terrible and can also be a slip and fall hazard.

Keep gutters and drainage areas clear.

After grease, the number two enemy of your parking lot is water. Drainage is essential for asphalt pavement which is why paving contractors give a lot of emphasis on it during the installation process. Keep water away by keeping your gutters clean.

Address cracks and potholes as soon as they appear

Failing to do so results in a parking lot which is an eyesore and a liability. Trust a reputable paving contractor for high-quality asphalt repair services to get nothing but the best.

Sealcoat the parking lot every 2 to 3 years

If there’s one life-altering tip we can give to parking lot owners, managers, or operators, it would be to have their asphalt parking lots seal coated every 2 to 3 years. This maintenance practice will save you money and time in the long run.

Have the parking lot professionally inspected regularly

This tip may be one of the most important, especially when it comes to parking lots. By having an expert and qualified parking lot paving contractor inspect your space regularly, you can avoid many dangers and hazards.

Don’ts of Parking Lot Maintenance:

Don’t park vehicles on the grass or other areas not designated for parking.

For upkeep purposes, it would be better if you didn’t park your vehicles on the grass or any other areas that weren’t meant for parking. Parking on pavement will prevent any potential damage to your lawn and landscaping.

Don’t use the parking lot as a storage space.

Your parking lot is not a storage space for any of your belongings. If you have any unused furniture, appliances, or other items, it’s best to keep them stored away in a safer spot and farther away from your parking space.

Don’t allow long-term parking in the same spot.

Designating one parking spot per vehicle can lead to rapid degradation of the asphalt. As an essential maintenance tip, we suggest you use a rotating strategy, focusing on different parking areas daily.

Don’t let oil or grease sit for too long.

As you can see, this goes beyond an aftercare strategy and is a critical parking lot maintenance tip. Spills should be cleaned up promptly with suitable materials to prevent staining and degradation of the asphalt. Prompt cleaning of the grease is essential because oil can interact with the asphalt binder, leading to cracking and potholes.

Don’t wait to address cracks and potholes.

The more patiently you play the game of crack and pothole fixing, the more severe consequences you will bear in the long run. In other words, pick up the phone and call your paving contractor as soon as you notice cracks in your parking lot.

Ending Note:

Regular parking lot maintenance is crucial to prolonging the lifespan of your asphalt parking lot. By following these do’s and don’ts, you can be sure your parking lot will stay in top condition for many years.

Find a Reliable Paving Contractor in Red Wing, MN

Looking after your parking lot is a sign of good business. Parking lot maintenance is not only about making an asphalt parking lot look good but also about protecting your investment.

At Asphalt Maintenance & Paving Solutions, serving Red Wing, MN, we will help you maintain your pavement and restore it to new condition. We are a full-service paving maintenance company offering a range of asphalt and pavement solutions.

Get your free estimate now.