Since the early part of the 20th century, cars have been an important part of American society. Due in part to the shortage of options for public transportation and the growth of suburban areas, many people must rely on their cars in their daily lives. They commute to work, drive to shopping malls, or commute to universities. As a result, they also rely on parking lots for a secure location to leave their vehicles. Thus, a parking lot is a valuable asset for any business or organization. However, without proactive parking lot maintenance, your asset could become a liability.
Why Is Parking Lot Maintenance Important?
A poorly maintained parking lot can affect how others perceive your operation. Potential customers may question whether you provide goods or services that are of sufficient quality. Potential tenants may question whether your lack of exterior maintenance indicates that your interior spaces are also poorly maintained. Therefore, you could be losing money without ever understanding why your sales are slumping, or why you have trouble attracting and retaining tenants. You could also risk financial losses if your lack of maintenance results in an accident or injury that leaves you embroiled in a lawsuit. Furthermore, a poorly maintained lot may not comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act or local ordinances. Last, but certainly not least, without effective maintenance, you will find yourself paying for major repairs more frequently, and you will likely need to completely rebuild your parking lot in less than 10 years.
What Should a Parking Lot Maintenance Plan Include?
Although parking lots can have many differences, there are some services that every asphalt parking lot should receive on a regular basis.
- Asphalt Sealcoating: Sealcoating is a remarkably cost-effective way to prevent damage to your pavement as well as enhance its appearance. Sealcoating blocks the ultraviolet radiation from the sun that makes asphalt brittle, dry, and prone to cracking. These are the same rays that bleach the color from asphalt, so blocking them also helps retain the color. If fading has already occurred, sealcoating can usually restore the pavement’s original color. Sealcoating also slows the penetration of vehicle fluids that can soften your pavement. Plan to sealcoat your parking lot every other year to maximize protection.
- Asphalt Crack Repairs: Cracks may not seem to be a big problem, but they have the potential to cause serious damage to the entire structure of your pavement. Cracks give water an easy way to penetrate as far as the pavement’s foundation, eroding the base layers and weakening your pavement’s support system. Once water compromises the foundation, the pavement will begin to subside in spots. Potholes and alligator cracking soon follow, and your entire pavement could be beyond repair in a surprising short time. Plan to repair cracks every spring and autumn.
- Cleaning: Parking lot sweeping can remove dirt, trash, and other debris that make your property look unattractive. Some debris can also increase the risk of pavement damage. Sweeping should be combined with a thorough cleaning of any leaked vehicle fluids. Schedule your parking lot sweeping according to your specific needs. Clean up vehicle fluids at least every six months if your pavement is sealcoated; if it is not sealcoated, clean them every two months or so.
- Parking Lot Striping: Parking lot striping is critical for complying with the ADA, maximizing the number of spaces you can provide, and enhancing safety. Most parking lots need to be repainted about the same time as they need sealcoating. If you choose to separate the services, keep in mind that sealcoats make markings and stripes impossible to discern clearly. Therefore, the sealcoating should come first, then the parking lot striping should follow quickly.
If you would like assistance to create an effective parking lot maintenance plan, contact RDC Paving. Our team members have the experience, training, and knowledge to tailor and execute your plan. Our asphalt services include sealcoating, paving, crack repairs, milling, repairs, and resurfacing. We also offer parking lot striping, concrete repairs, asphalt driveway paving, and pavement markings. In addition, we install ADA concrete, concrete parking lots, concrete driveways, and concrete curbs, ramps, and sidewalks. We have an impeccable reputation for remarkable craftsmanship, exemplary service, and professionalism. To request a free estimate, just fill out our online form. If you prefer, you can call 512-920-9155 to reach our office in Hutto.