While it is something that many people overlook, as a property manager you know that professional-looking pavement is an investment. A well-kept parking lot and entryway make an impression on everyone who stops at your building, and even on those passing by. Replacing an entire parking lot or another paved area can be expensive, so it is important to get the most from your existing pavement through proper maintenance.
Temperature Changes and the Damage They Cause
When thinking about factors that degrade your asphalt over time, one of the main areas to focus on is the changing seasons and the wear and tear they cause. Cold conditions, especially if ice and snow are involved, can strain any existing cracks in asphalt. If ice salt is used, it can further break down the surface of paved areas. During any rainy or wet seasons, standing water can further erode your asphalt. Extreme shifts of temperature slowly break down the surface area over time as water seeps down, expanding as it freezes and washing away fragments of your asphalt as it melts.
Other Factors to Consider
In addition to the weather and water it brings with it, a property manager should also keep an eye out for common problems in your parking lot. These include oil stains and chemical spills, which can degrade the surface if they are not cleaned up. Dirt and leaf litter can have a similar effect over time. Asphalt is porous, so stains and spills can seep deep below the surface, damaging the asphalt’s structural integrity.
Preventative Maintenance
With proper pavement maintenance, an asphalt parking lot can last up to 20 years without needing to be replaced. One of the first things you should check is the drainage of your parking lot. Proper drainage helps mitigate the problems associated with changing weather by carrying away water before it can cause damage. It is important to check any drains periodically and remove any debris such as dead leaves or garbage that may be preventing the flow of water.
A good property manager should keep asphalt clean, removing any spills and stains promptly. You should also take care to properly maintain any surrounding landscaping to prevent leaves and dirt from piling up on the pavement. Having concrete curbs to divide out grassy or planted areas from paved areas can simplify this.
You should take note of any cracked or damaged areas on the surface and get them filled in as soon as you can. The longer they are left open the more they will grow and cause problems that are more difficult to fix.
Getting the Most Out of Your Pavement
While all paved areas will eventually need to be replaced, there are ways to increase the lifespan of your asphalt. No matter what kind of business or organization you are the property manager of, chances are there is some pavement for you to care for. When you start to notice problems in paved areas, get ahead of them by working with an experienced company to fix your asphalt. Get in touch with the team at DRYCO today for a free estimate.