The Importance of Parking Lot Maintenance
An asphalt parking lot can last two or three decades with proper care and maintenance. A lot will depend on the traffic it experiences, how well-maintained it is, and the weather it experiences. As long as you take care of your asphalt driveway, you won’t have to worry for years to come.
What Are the Main Causes of Asphalt Damage?
The main causes of damage to an asphalt parking lot are the weights of vehicles and the intensity of the weather. If you operate a warehouse or other transfer point, the weight of trucks will cause rutting and pavement deterioration. You will also notice faster degradation in areas of extreme cold or heat.
Water can tear asphalt apart without much warning. Cracks in the asphalt allow water to enter or get beneath the asphalt. When the water freezes, it will contract; when it melts, it will expand. This back-and-forth action will cause more cracks to appear or even entire sections to break free.
What Is the Purpose of Maintenance?
Parking lot maintenance is a means to prevent it from becoming seriously damaged. This can include basic maintenance, such as cleaning, or more advanced maintenance, such as crack repair. The key with asphalt is not to let problems persist, as they will lead to more damage and more expensive repairs.
Not only does maintenance keep the asphalt from becoming damaged, but it also keeps it looking great. You don’t want customers or clients to see a broken, cracked parking lot. The condition of a parking lot has a lot to do with how people will perceive the business.
Regular Maintenance
Here are a few regular tasks that can help to prolong the look and lifespan of your asphalt parking lot.
- Cleaning – Cleaning shouldn’t be overlooked. Asphalt can become stained by water, chemicals, and petroleum products. All of these are common in parking lots. When you clean asphalt, there are two ways to go about it.
The first way is to use high-pressure water. This is always a good choice because it can help to break down and remove grime, grit, and chemicals. The second way is to use a brush or broom to sweep it clear of debris.
- Sealant – If you want your asphalt to last, you need to apply sealant to it. The sealant will protect the asphalt from becoming damaged by salt, sand, or even the sun’s UV radiation. It will also help to protect the asphalt from the intrusion of water.
- Repairs – Over time, cracks and other blemishes are unavoidable on asphalt. When you notice cracks or damage, you need to have them repaired as fast as possible. If you have the skills and equipment, you can do it yourself, or you can hire a contractor to do the parking lot repair for you.
Save Money and Time
Parking lot maintenance and repair will save you a lot of money over the long term. With the durability of asphalt, proper maintenance will ensure you don’t need to worry about replacing the parking lot for twenty or thirty years. Keep your business successful and have a parking lot that doesn’t turn customers away.
If you need help with maintenance or parking lot repairs, CPEX can get the job done. If the time has finally come to replace your asphalt parking lot, CPEX can do that too. We have all the equipment and experience we need to make sure your asphalt parking lot looks great.
If you’re ready to have a beautiful, well-kept, and professionally poured parking lot, contact us.
