Asphalt pavement is a popular choice in commercial parking lots. First, asphalt is durable. Also, asphalt is aesthetically appealing, inexpensive, and easy to maintain.
However, asphalt is prone to potholes. Potholes are depressions that may appear as circular or jagged cracks in the pavement surface. Learn about asphalt potholes, the causes, the risks, and prevention measures.
What Causes Asphalt Potholes?
Potholes form when water seeps into small cracks in the pavement. This issue is pervasive during high rainfall or snowfall periods.
When water penetrates the pavement, the moisture may freeze and expand, causing the cracks to widen. Over time, the repeated freezing and thawing cycles will cause a gap between the pavement and the underlying base.
The weight of vehicles that pass over the gap will cause the pavement to collapse and form a depression known as a pothole.
What Are the Risks of Asphalt Potholes?
Potholes on a commercial parking lot can pose many risks. First, potholes are a significant threat to cars and motorbikes, as they can cause severe damage to vehicles. When a car hits a pothole, the impact can cause the tire to lose contact with the ground. The issue can result in lost control of the vehicle and, in some cases, accidents.
Another risk of asphalt potholes is that they can damage a vehicle’s suspension system. When a car hits a pothole, the force of the impact can cause the suspension components to bend or break. In severe cases, this incident can lead to tire failure.
Potholes are also a tripping hazard for motorbike riders and cyclists. The problem may cause the riders to lose control and fall off their bikes.
Potholes also pose a risk of falls and injuries to pedestrians and may also cause collisions between vehicles as the cars try to avoid the potholes.
All these hazards put your business at risk of liability claims. The injured individuals may file a lawsuit against your company, and you could be required to pay for the costs of repairs and any incurred medical bills.
Furthermore, potholes are unsightly and can quickly turn away potential customers. Almost no one wants to shop or do business in a place that looks rundown and unkempt.
How Do You Prevent and Manage Potholes?
Fortunately, you can take measures to prevent potholes on your commercial parking lot.
Perform Regular Asphalt Maintenance
The best way to prevent potholes is to have a regular maintenance schedule for your asphalt pavement. This step involves comprehensive inspection to identify any existing or potential problems such as cracks. Once identified, the asphalt contractor will clean and fill the cracks with a sealant to stop water from seeping in.
Put Up Proactive Preventative Measures
You can also take proactive preventive measures to stop potholes before they form. For instance, you may limit the weight and speed of vehicles that use your parking lot. This tip reduces the pressure on the asphalt and minimizes the risk of the formation of potholes.
Repair Potholes Promptly
If you already have potholes in your parking lot, repair the issue as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the bigger the potholes will get and the more expensive they will be to fix.
Pothole repairs involve cleaning the affected area, filling the area with asphalt, and compacting it to create a smooth surface. Hire an experienced asphalt contractor to complete the repairs to ensure the job is done correctly.
You can trust us at Pinnacle Paving & Sealing to provide high-quality asphalt paving services. We have years of experience in the industry, and you can trust that we will deliver quality results that meet your expectations. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.