Asphalt parking lots have many benefits. They are long-lasting, durable, and aesthetically pleasing. A good parking lot often means a good first impression, whether it’s outside an event center, medical clinic, retail center, or an office building.
When you install a new asphalt parking lot, you’ll want to ensure it lasts for many years. If you want to keep your asphalt parking lot looking and functioning well, it’s vital to know some dos and don’ts.
Read this guide from Bituminous Roadways, Inc. (BR) on caring for your asphalt parking lot!
Asphalt Parking Lot Care: The Dos
To keep your new asphalt parking lot in great shape, it’s important to look at the things you should do.
Do #1: Complete a Condition Assessment Annually
Unless you're an asphalt pro, you might not be able to catch potential problems early on. BR has created a Pavement Condition Assessment form for you to complete annually on your property.
By analyzing the condition of the asphalt, you can get an idea of what type of maintenance may be needed. Plus, if you complete it year after year, you might notice problems early and be able to address them.
BR estimators are always available to visit a job site and prepare a free estimate. Included in the estimate will be our best recommendations and scope of work for any of the problem areas.
Do #2: Plan Ahead for Routine Maintenance
Along with yearly pavement condition assessments, you should also plan for some overall maintenance steps every few years.
Cracksealing might need to be done every couple of years, while the surface may need a sealcoat every three to seven years.
Create your ideal asphalt maintenance schedule with our expert guidance and assistance!
Do #3: Know How the Seasons Affect Your Asphalt
Being proactive about your asphalt’s maintenance needs is your best defense against serious parking lot problems, and there are things to know from season to season in Minnesota.
For example, the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MNDOT) estimates that vehicle loads cause five times more damage during the spring thaw than during the summer months. That makes it evermore important to learn what you can do to protect your parking lot against traffic loading.
Check out BR’s recommendations to proactively protect your pavement during each season of the year!
Do #4: Choose the Right Sealcoat When It’s Time
There are various types of sealcoat applications; The two most popular sealcoats are an emulsion sealcoat and a chipseal sealcoat.
There are pros and cons to both, and there are times when a sealcoat doesn’t make financial sense. The best way to determine if a sealcoat is appropriate for your property – and which type of sealcoat you should use – is to meet with a BR estimator and discuss your needs and goals.
Asphalt Parking Lot Care: The Don'ts
Now that we’ve gone over what you should do to maintain your asphalt parking lot, it’s time to review the things you should avoid.
Don’t #1: Wait to Make Repairs or Replacements
Proper asphalt maintenance means fixing issues as they arise. While it's tempting to leave minor problems, like one or two potholes, alone at first, it’s better overall to repair these pavement distresses right away.
Avoiding repairs can just lead to bigger, more expensive problems down the line. Following an asphalt maintenance program and budgeting for these expenses will save you money in the long run.
If repairs are not made in a timely manner, you may be faced with the cost of a full parking lot replacement.
Don’t #2: Do It Yourself
While you might be tempted to take asphalt care and maintenance into your own hands, many of these techniques and best practices require experience and specialized tools. It’s best to leave things like pothole repair to the experts!
Don’t #3: Forget About Your Curbs & Gutters
Make sure the concrete curbing and gutters in your parking lot are in good condition. Curb and gutters are critical in carrying water away from your asphalt pavement and into the storm water system.
If there are issues with cracked or chipped curbing, drainage can become an issue and could potentially be a safety hazard.
Don’t #4: Ignore Puddles
They’re more than an eyesore – puddles in your parking lot increase safety hazards for anyone driving around the property.
Puddling is most often a result of basic wear and tear. Check out these maintenance services you may want to consider scheduling with us.
Maintain Your Asphalt Parking With Bituminous Roadways, Inc.
Bituminous Roadways, Inc. is a full-service asphalt contractor providing extensive asphalt repair and installation services to private businesses, retail centers, and medical clinics throughout the Twin Cities metro area. With more than 75 years of asphalt paving experience, customers rely on our expertise to keep their new asphalt parking lot looking brand new.
Contact us at 651-686-7001, or request a consultation online here.