The parking lot is a commercial property’s most essential yet easily forgotten area. Maintaining a safe and functional parking lot is paramount for all property owners and managers. However, frequent wear and tear can affect its usability and appeal.
The condition of a parking lot can influence client experiences, making repair and maintenance a fundamental consideration for all property managers and owners. A proper maintenance plan will prolong the life of your asphalt parking lot while boosting your property’s curb appeal. In this guide, we will explore the familiar parking lot problems and how to solve them.
1. Potholes
Potholes on commercial asphalt parking lots often indicate many factors at play. Most commonly, they occur due to gradual wear and tear and are easy to fix by pouring new asphalt. Other common factors leading to potholes include:
- High traffic volume
- Water damage
- Poor construction
- A lack of maintenance
- Extreme weather
2. Raveling
Pavement raveling is the deterioration of the asphalt binder from the parking lot’s surface. You may notice it when you see loose rocks and debris while walking through your property’s parking lot. Asphalt raveling may also be caused by heavy traffic and moisture. This results in a rough pavement surface that looks rippled or pitted, depending on the level of damage. Like potholes, raveling can be resolved by applying an asphalt patch.
3. Fatigue Cracks
Also called crocodile or alligator cracks, fatigue cracks are the most popular type of cracks and are caused by prolonged wear and tear. They resemble a network of interconnected cells similar to the scales on a reptile’s skin. If not repaired on time, fatigue cracks can cause more serious damage, such as potholes. The most common solution is to fill the cracks.
4. Ruts
Ruts are surface depressions mainly caused by high traffic movement. Rutting can occur due to a lack of asphalt compaction, poor drainage systems, and a weak subbase material, among many other causes. Asphalt rutting is a hazard to any property, as it can damage vehicles or cause passers-by to slip and fall. To repair a rut, it’s best to remove the damaged section and then fill it in with a repair patch.
Parking Lot Maintenance Preventative Measures To Take
As a property owner or manager, you should routinely perform preventative parking lot maintenance to facilitate the property’s safety and curb appeal. The following are some of the top tips:
- Sealcoat: Treating your asphalt parking lot surface using a sealant will make it more resilient and able to withstand the impacts of continuous freeze and thaw. Sealcoating involves applying a sealing liquid to a paved surface to protect it from damage caused by the weather, cracking, wear, and tear.
- Fill Cracks: You should have cracks in your parking lot filled as soon as possible to avoid further damage.
- Conduct Routine Inspections: You should walk around your property at least once every month to carry out a thorough visual inspection. If unsure about what to look for, hire a professional for this service.
- Sweep Regularly: Sweeping and cleaning your parking lot’s surface regularly can help remove debris and leaves that lower the curb appeal of your property and introduce a safety hazard over time.
- Patch Potholes: If you do not fill potholes in good time, they could quickly spread and impact the surrounding areas.
Keep Your Parking Lot Pristine With Strategic Grounds
Common parking lot repair problems can negatively impact its functionality and safety. By partnering with a trusted and reliable commercial property maintenance company like Strategic Grounds, you can fix these issues effectively through sustainable solutions. Contact us today to learn how we can help with your parking lot maintenance needs.
