A property owner or manager has a very full plate to deal with daily when it comes to property maintenance, and parking lot maintenance is one of those items that should not be ignored.
A neglected parking lot can be prone to causing accidents. According to the National Safety Council, over 50,000 crashes occur in the parking lot every year, resulting in more than 60,000 injuries and 500+ deaths.
Although most of the accidents are caused by distracted drivers, a great number are caused by poor lighting, potholes, and faded or worn markings.
The serious statistics urge the need for inspecting your parking lot at regular intervals and tackling the essential repairs at an early stage.
Parking Lot Maintenance Best Practices
Prepare Your Parking Lot for Winter
The best time to inspect and repair your parking lot is before the winter. Areas receiving moderate to heavy snowfall can be difficult to repair during the cold months. Check your parking lot to find out if there are one or more of the above issues:
- Potholes
- Cracks
- Faded markings
- Snowplower scratches
Keep the Premises Clean
A daily cleaning regimen is a must in the parking lot. Debris and grime deposits retain water and clog water drainage and penetrate asphalt surfaces causing damage underneath and the base.
Apart from sweeping the premises, remove clutters of dried leaves, branches, etc. Clean the entire parking area at least once a day.
Apply a Fresh Coat of Paint on the Faded Stripes
The parking lot stripping becomes pale or disappears totally due to thawing ice, heavy rain, UV-rays, or chemical reaction.
Pale lines can be hard to see during winter, especially for the handicap. As a safety measure, consider painting the dull markings.
Clean Oil and Gasoline Deposits
Strong chemicals in engine oil and gasoline destroy the glue that holds the asphalt firmly together. It is best to do professional pressure cleaning 2-3 times a year. Pressure washing is an excellent option to remove stubborn oil and chemical deposits quickly and effectively.
Inspect the Drainage System
There should be an adequate drainage facility to allow the rainwater to drain through quickly. Check the drainage system regularly to ensure there is no blockage. Heavy clogging can pose several problems for property owners in the future.
Pavement Sealcoating
If you notice small cracks on the surfaces, parking lot sealcoating can save you from expensive repairs later. It is one of the most cost-effective repair options for asphalt pavements.
Professional sealcoating allows you to add a protective layer to the parking lot surface. It extends the durability of the expensive material. Once done, it lasts for 3-5 years before the next maintenance.
Besides the strength, the new layer of shiny surface provides a fresh look to the property
Constant exposure to weather, oils, chemicals, and a load of heavyweight vehicles, are all responsible for damaging the paving in the parking lot. However, sealcoating and striping at an early stage can cover up small cracks and striping issues. This can save you from expensive and time-consuming replacement projects.
Are you looking for parking lot maintenance or repair services? The asphalt sealcoating companies in your area can help. Search our directory of asphalt parking lot repair and maintenance companies near you.
