A Comprehensive Look at Asphalt Parking Lot Maintenance

 

You've likely seen an asphalt parking lot before whether it be at your workplace, a shopping plaza, or your child's school. But have you ever thought about the maintenance that goes into these seemingly simple parking lots? Proper maintenance is crucial to the longevity and safety of any asphalt parking lot. In this blog post, we will provide a comprehensive overview of the steps involved in asphalt parking lot maintenance, including regular cleanings, crack repair, sealcoating, and more. 

 

1. Regular Cleanings

One of the simplest and most important steps in asphalt parking lot maintenance is regular cleaning. Dirt, dust, and debris can accumulate on a parking lot surface, which can lead to clogged drainage and damage to the surface over time. The concrete surface needs to be swept or blown clean regularly. The cleaning frequency would depend on weather conditions and traffic patterns, but it should be conducted at a minimum of once a month. If not regularly maintained, the dirt and debris build-up will create a desirable site for weeds to develop and break the pavement. 

2. Crack Repair

Neglected cracks can create potholes leading to bigger issues for the parking lot. The formation of cracks is just common in parking lots due to regular wear and tear. To prevent this, you have to repair the cracks frequently. Parking lot contractors typically use hot rubberized crack fillings. Crack fillings should be performed at least twice every year, once before the winter begins and once before the summer season begins. 

3. Sealcoating

Sealcoating is the application of protective coating to asphalt surfaces. This coating is known to protect the surface from sunlight, water, and oil. It can extend the life of the asphalt parking lot and make it look new again. Sealcoating is essential for those parking lots exposed to extreme temperatures and heavy traffic. Professionals recommend that parking lots should be sealcoated every 2-3 years to keep them in optimal condition.

4. Line Striping

Parking spaces and directional arrows should be marked in visible paint. It's advisable to paint the surface every year to keep it visible and prevent accidents. Re-striping also gives the parking lot a refreshed appearance. 

5. Asphalt Repair

If the parking lot has visible areas of damage such as potholes, it's important to repair them as soon as possible. Potholes are holes that can destroy the underlying structure, leading to a costly repair or even replacement of the entire parking lot. The best practice is to fix small issues before they become bigger, more expensive issues requiring greater inconvenience and more extensive construction. 

 

Conclusion

Asphalt parking lot maintenance is critical to the safety of pedestrians and smooth car traffic. Therefore, it's crucial to hire professional asphalt contractors instead of doing it yourself. When it comes to the longevity of your parking lot, it's always best to give the job to the professionals. Contractors like M. Carroll Blacktop Services have years of experience and take the necessary precautions to ensure a smooth and long-lasting result. So, if you're looking for contractors in asphalt paving in Modesto, CA, we encourage you to contact them today for a free quote. Keep your asphalt parking lot clean, sealcoated, crack free, line-striped, and in optimal condition to extend its life and keep its users safe.