Asphalt is a top choice for commercial parking lots because it is durable, inexpensive, low maintenance, and versatile. Also, it offers a smooth and sleek appearance to increase your business’s curb appeal and create an excellent first impression for customers.
While an asphalt parking lot can endure many stressors, certain things damage it, resulting in costly repairs and premature replacement. Learn about eight enemies of your asphalt parking lot.
- Poor Workmanship
You might want to choose an inexpensive paving company to install an asphalt parking lot for your commercial building. However, you may end up with poorly installed asphalt, which is both problematic and costly. An incorrectly installed asphalt wears out faster and requires recurrent repairs. Hire a qualified and experienced company for the best results.
- Heavy Loads
Weighty equipment and cars can cause significant damage to your asphalt. Garbage and delivery tracks are heavier than passenger cars, put considerable pressure on your parking lot, and may cause it to crack, chip, or break apart with time. Consider minimizing heavy loads on your asphalt, and install thicker asphalt on truck routes.
- Tree Roots
Trees beautify your commercial property while offering shade and purifying the air. Nonetheless, trees too close to your parking lot can be problematic. Their roots can hurt your asphalt’s foundation, resulting in cracks and potholes. Refrain from planting trees close to your parking lot to tackle this issue.
- Sunlight
Sunlight causes your asphalt parking lot to fade, thus decreasing its appeal. Also, it accelerates the aging process by softening and oxidizing the surface. A good way to protect your asphalt from the adverse effects of sun exposure is to seal coat it regularly to preserve its quality, functionality, and aesthetics.
- Chemicals
Chemicals like gasoline, oil, rock salt, and industrial-grade cleaners can cause premature wear on your asphalt. Although rock salt helps melt snow on your parking lot during winter, it facilitates thaw and freeze cycles that harm the asphalt. If you spill chemicals on your parking lot, clean them immediately to prevent stains and corrosion.
- Stagnant Water
Water is a big enemy of your asphalt parking lot. When water pools on the parking lot’s surface, it makes its way into the base layer, where it can compromise its structure. Stagnant water can also lead to cracks and potholes that damage cars and evoke safety concerns. Address this issue by maintaining good drainage for your parking lot.
- Extreme Weather
One of the most significant assets of asphalt parking lots is the ability to withstand different weather conditions. However, under extreme cold, asphalt contracts and cracks, which may reduce its life expectancy. When moisture seeps into the asphalt’s surface, it expands and damages the foundation. Also, extreme heat causes asphalt to expand and fade.
- Unaddressed Repairs
After years of use and heavy traffic, your commercial parking lot wears out and becomes vulnerable to cracks and potholes. When you notice cracks and other signs of wear, hire a professional to repair them promptly. Unaddressed repairs intensify with time and may require premature resurfacing.
Besides handling repairs in a timely manner, perform preventative maintenance on your asphalt parking lot. A simple task like cleaning the asphalt to get rid of dirt and debris can keep your parking lot attractive and functional. Other maintenance activities include regular inspecting, crack filling, de-icing, and fixing drainage issues.
Understanding the enemies of your asphalt parking lot can go a long way to protect its beauty and functionality. If any of these things have damaged your asphalt, contact the experts at Pinnacle Paving & Sealing. We provide professional asphalt sealing and repair in Cincinnati, Ohio.