The best time to fix your parking lot’s surfaces is during pre-winter months from September through November. When the temperature drops, the cold weather and excess moisture can wreak havoc on your parking lot. This leads to a cracked parking lot with an uneven surface that is uninviting, hard for vehicles, and can also be hazardous for employees and customers.
This article will explain why now is the best time to invest in parking lot repair.
1. Snow & Melting Ice Conceal Parking Lot Damage
Winter is the most challenging season for asphalt parking lots. As the temperature fluctuates between freezing and above-freezing, water freezes, expands, and then melts. Fresh cracks emerge and existing fissures continue to grow as the existing snow conceals them. This makes it difficult to monitor your parking lot’s true condition.
2. Small Cracks & Potholes Can Increase During Winter
Snow, melting ice, and snow plow blades that contact cracks or potholes while clearing your parking lot might accelerate this wear. Standing water that freezes can increase the damage, leading to more cracks. In addition, the combination of these variables with regular traffic might result in more potholes.
3. Melting Snow Can Damage Your Parking Lot’s Foundation
Asphalt cracks and potholes grow with time, leading to water seeping into your parking lot’s foundation. You should invest in parking lot repair before winter because the damages may be irreversible once water gets into your parking lot’s foundation during winter.
4. Potholes Can Cause Accidents
Potholes will most probably get bigger during winter. When a pothole fills up with water and freezes, it becomes risky for drivers and pedestrians. In most states, the premise liability law makes you accountable as a business property owner for ensuring safe parking lot conditions.
In other words, you are responsible for injuries caused by potholes and other parking lot damages. The best approach to avoid a lawsuit is to invest in your parking lot’s repair well before winter.
Tips To Prepare Your Parking Lot for Winter
An uneven parking lot can be hazardous for your employees and clients. Here are some tips to prevent winter wear on your parking lot.
- Ensure your drainage system is clean and clear to drain melting ice during winter
- Fill potholes using asphalt mixes
- Seal cracks to prevent moisture from seeping into the foundation
- Use infrared to remove damaged asphalt
- Clean your parking lot to remove debris that the snow can conceal, leading to damages during the snowplowing process
- Apply seal coating that adds a layer of protection on your asphalt from water and oil
Protect Your Parking Lot from Winter Weather
Business owners often forget to maintain their parking lots and spend a significant amount later on repairs. However, parking lot repair can prevent damage during winter maintenance services like snow plowing.
Strategic Grounds Management provides parking lot maintenance, snow removal, and interior maintenance services all under one roof. Contact us today, and learn how to consolidate your vendor relationships this winter season.
