How to Keep Your Lot Looking Great
Property managers, business owners, and homeowners must make parking lot maintenance a priority in order to mitigate natural wear and tear. Although it’s estimated that the average parking lot will last anywhere from 20-30 years, this isn’t always guaranteed. Those that experience increased traffic or exposure to extreme temperatures and chemicals can begin to break down much more rapidly. In these situations, poorly maintained parking lots can become a danger to vehicles and pedestrians. If you want to avoid this for your property, our five maintenance tips will help you keep your parking lot in top shape.
Regularly Look for Damage
It’s recommended to get out and walk your parking lot once per month to perform a visual inspection. Write down any areas that look like they may be problematic, especially cracks in the asphalt. This is important after you experience extreme weather such as high heat, intense rain, snow, or ice. Eventually, these conditions will break down asphalt and make it brittle with tiny cracks throughout the surface. If you aren’t sure what to look for, then you can have a professional help you analyze the condition of your lot. They will be able to point out areas of concern, so you know what may be a problem in the future.
Professional Parking Lot Repairs
When cracks become a problem or you begin to notice pot holes, you’ll want to call in a professional to evaluate your parking lot for repairs. They’ll be able to assist with a parking lot patch that can cover these areas while simultaneously strengthening them. Although it can be tempting to do this yourself, professionals have the tools and knowledge to make sure the job is done properly. They will make sure you’re left with a flat surface and that the area is perfectly patched so you can continue to avoid damage into the future. Repairs are especially important for anyone driving on the lot, as potholes and cracks can lead to vehicle damage and potential lawsuits.
Utilize Sealcoating When it’s Necessary
When pavement begins to crumble or crack, it’s important to have sealcoating done by a professional. In fact, this is something you should have done just a few months after your pavement is initially installed. This should last for anywhere from three to five years before sealcoating needs to be done again. The best part about this is that it will restore the look of the lot while also helping to protect it from cracks, oil spills, and oxidation. When combined with a parking lot patch, this can leave your lot looking like it’s brand new.
Regularly Clean
Cleaning your parking lot is one of the best things you can do to increase longevity. One of the easiest things you can do is regularly sweep your lot to help get rid of dirt and debris that can cause damage. Getting this debris off of the lot can also help prevent garbage and large sticks or rocks from clogging drains, which can cause standing water that quickly deteriorates asphalt. It’s also recommended to pressure wash your parking lot a few times per year in order to get rid of oil or any other chemicals that may come in contact with the pavement.
Update Your Paint
In order to keep your lot as safe as possible, you’ll want to paint new stripes when they start to deteriorate. This will ensure drivers know where to go and will maximize the amount of space as well. Painting new stripes can also benefit the health of your parking lot. If you paint the stripes in different areas each time the older ones fade, then this will prevent tires from driving over the same spots time and time again. This can help you avoid weak areas for longer periods of time so you’re not constantly using patches. This is one parking lot maintenance job you attempt yourself, although professionals will make sure the lines are straight and properly aligned.
Maintaining Your Lot the Right Way
Parking lots of any age can begin to show signs of wear from heavy traffic, oil exposure, excess sunlight, and routine usage. When you begin to notice these signs for yourself, tackle them right away. By making parking lot maintenance and repairs a priority, you’ll be more likely to increase the longevity of your lot. More importantly, this can result in fewer potholes and cracks so vehicles driving aren’t at risk of damage. If you need assistance, never hesitate to have a professional ensure the work is done right.
