5 Causes Of Asphalt Parking Lot Breakdowns
Picketts Paving LLC
November 2, 2022 at 4:49 PM
Key Takeaways
- Parking lot maintenance is essential to extend the life of your pavement and prevent common issues, like potholes, cracking, and drainage problems.
- Some of the most common causes of asphalt parking lot breakdowns are heavy vehicles, poor drainage, oil and gas spills, UV damage, and low-quality materials.
- To prevent these issues, make sure to use high-quality materials.
- Repair any cracks or potholes as soon as you notice them.
- By taking these preventive measures, you can extend the life of your parking lot and avoid costly repairs down the road.
A parking lot is an important part of a commercial business. It provides a place for customers and employees to park and plays a major role in the company’s aesthetics. A well-maintained parking lot can make a positive impression on customers and help keep the business looking its best.
Unfortunately, many business owners don’t have the time or knowledge to maintain their parking lots properly. With no regular maintenance and periodic checking, it will likely result in the eventual breakdown of the pavement.
When your asphalt parking lot starts to break down, it’s not only an eyesore, but it can also be a safety hazard. Unfortunately, slips, trips, and falls are all too common in ill-maintained parking lots. And for older adults, these types of falls are one of the leading causes of death. Pickett’s Paving LLC will explore some of the most common causes of asphalt parking lot breakdowns so you know how to address them.
Why is Parking Lot Maintenance Crucial for Business
If you own a commercial building, you likely have a parking lot. And if you have a parking lot, chances are you need to maintain it. But why is parking lot maintenance so important?
For starters, a well-maintained parking lot is safer for employees and customers. Over time, asphalt can crack and crumble, creating hazards for anyone walking on it. Regular parking lot maintenance can help prevent these cracks and divots from forming.
In addition to safety, regular maintenance can also improve the appearance of your business. First impressions matter and an unkempt parking lot will not give potential customers a good impression of your company. On the other hand, a clean and well-maintained parking lot says that you care about your business and are willing to invest in its appearance.
Common Causes of Asphalt Parking Lot Breakdowns
So now that we know why parking lot maintenance is important, let’s look at some of the most common causes of asphalt parking lot breakdowns.
Cause #1: The Elemental Effects
If you live in Wisconsin, you’re probably all too familiar with the damage that the winter can do to your asphalt parking lot. Water expands when it freezes, which can cause cracks and fissures to form in the asphalt.
The sun can also be tough on asphalt. The ultraviolet rays can break down the surface of the asphalt, making it more susceptible to damage from water and traffic.
Between the snow and ice, so many parking lots need to be repaired or replaced come springtime.
One of the best ways to prepare your parking lot for harsh weather conditions is by working with professional contractors specializing in asphalt and concrete installation. Expert contractors will not only be able to provide you with an adequately installed parking lot, but they can also help reduce some damage caused by weather conditions through proper seal coating.
Cause #2: Oil Spills
If you have a business that deals with cars or machinery, chances are you’re going to have an oil spill now and then. Oil can seep into the asphalt, causing it to break down over time. If you don’t clean up oil spills immediately, they will cause long-term damage to your parking lot.
Although you can’t do much about oil spills, you can take preventive measures to protect your parking lot. Use oil trays and drip pans to catch any oil that may spill. You should also have a regular maintenance schedule to check for any spills that may have gone unnoticed.
Cause #3: Poor Drainage
Rain, snow, ice, and other natural phenomena can all wreak havoc on your parking lot. If water isn’t draining properly, it will pool on the surface and seep into the asphalt. It could make the asphalt more brittle.
To prevent this, make sure your parking lot has proper drainage. There should be a slight slope to allow water to run off. You should also regularly check for any blockages in the drainage system.
Cause #4: Heavy Machinery and Vehicles
An average car weighs around 3,000 pounds. Now imagine dozens of vehicles driving over your parking lot every day. That’s a lot of weight!
Over time, all that weight can cause the asphalt to crack and crumble. To prevent this from occurring, you should only allow vehicles within a specific weight limit into your parking lot.
Cause #5: Low-Quality Materials
Some business owners try to save money by using low-quality materials when they have their parking lot paved. Unfortunately, this usually leads to expensive problems down the road.
To avoid this, make sure only to use high-quality materials when having your parking lot paved. It might cost a little more upfront, but it will save you money in the long run.
Also Read: 4 Ways To Prevent Water Damage to Your Asphalt
Final Words
Now that you know some of the common causes of asphalt parking lot breakdowns, you can take steps to prevent them. By taking good care of your parking lot and following some simple maintenance guidelines, you can extend its lifespan and avoid paying for costly repairs.
Get Professional Asphalt Pavement Solutions In La Crosse, WI
If you’re facing asphalt problems in your parking lot, the experts at Pickett’s Paving LLC, serving La Crosse, WI, can help. We offer a variety of pavement solutions, including asphalt seal coating, paving, and crack filling.
We can ease away your asphalt worries and have your parking lot looking great in no time.
Book an appointment to get a free quote!
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