Asphalt is a durable material that provides many benefits for parking lots. However, choosing the proper pavement is challenging.

Keeping your asphalt lot clean and free of tough stains like fuel and oil helps prevent deterioration and extends its lifespan. Proper striping helps reroute traffic and spares damage.

Sealcoating

Asphalt is a durable, affordable material that offers excellent value and longevity for parking lots and roads. However, sun exposure, water, oil, and road salt can cause it to degrade over time. Regular seal coating is a crucial pavement maintenance step that can protect your investment and prolong the life of your asphalt surface.

The emulsion in asphalt seal coat soaks into the surface, restoring a deep black appearance and replenishing oils that have become degraded. It also forms a defensive barrier against harsh weather, slowing oxidation and protecting the base beneath. It prevents moisture from entering small cracks, a significant cause of damage and potholes.

It also helps keep the asphalt flexible, allowing it to withstand pressure, expansion, and contraction with fluctuating temperatures. Additionally, it shields asphalt from damage from the salt used to melt snow and ice. Routine seal coating and crack sealing should be part of your business’s asphalt maintenance plan.

Maintenance

A well-executed parking lot paving La Porte IN project will add value to your property. It will also serve as a great first impression for customers.

While asphalt is the most commonly used paving material, other options exist. Understanding which paving material will be best for your business is essential. Concrete is another prevalent option.

A professional contractor will lay an adequate sub-base and the asphalt pavement at the appropriate thickness for the expected traffic loads during construction. It is a critical part of the paving process and must be done correctly.

Proper pavement striping is necessary for safety reasons and ADA compliance. It is a very time-consuming task that a qualified professional must do.

Repairs

Asphalt and concrete may seem nearly indestructible, but they occasionally need repair. A few simple fixes can significantly lengthen the life of your parking lot and improve both the safety of vehicles and pedestrians using it.

If your lot has cracks more expansive than a quarter, it’s probably time to schedule a concrete repair service. During freeze/thaw cycles, these fissures allow water to seep beneath the pavement, accelerating pavement deterioration. They might also be dangerous for pedestrians and cars.

Poor drainage is another common issue that can quickly lead to puddles and water pools in your parking lot. If this problem isn’t addressed promptly, it can damage the asphalt surface and create an unsightly mess on your property. A professional can grade and install proper drains to prevent this issue. In addition, they can help ensure your lot is ADA-compliant by correcting any low or sinking sections.

Installation

Paving your commercial parking lot is one of the most important investment decisions you can make for your property. The type of paving material you choose will significantly impact how well your parking lot functions and looks and how much it costs to install and maintain.

Asphalt is often the preferred paving option for businesses, as it’s less expensive than concrete and offers comparable durability. However, it would be best always to consider a professional paving contractor who can offer the best options for your parking lot’s needs and requirements.

Understanding basic paving terminology is critical to communicating quickly with your contractor and being confident you’re making the right choice. Familiarizing yourself with these terms will help you ask the right questions when shopping for your parking lot paving project. It will also prevent you from misunderstanding any technical terms your contractor uses that may be unfamiliar.