During the late 16th century, British explorer Sir Walter Raleigh became famous for his exploits in the Americas. On an island near the Venezuelan coast, natives guided him to a source of natural asphalt. Realizing that asphalt would make ideal caulking for his ships, he chose to practice proactive maintenance to enhance and maintain the watertight capabilities of his vessels. Had he opted for reactive maintenance, there could have been some serious consequences, including costly repairs or even the complete loss of one or more of his ships. Asphalt contractors prefer that their customers think a little more like Raleigh and be proactive about routine maintenance. By doing so, you can save a substantial amount of money over the life of your pavement.
How to Make Parking Lot Maintenance a Proactive Strategy
What Are the Potential Savings a Proactive Asphalt Maintenance Program Can Deliver?
The exact savings will depend on a number of factors, including the use your pavement receives, the point at which a preventive maintenance program was initiated, and the initial quality of the installation. However, multiple studies have shown that being proactive about parking lot maintenance can save between $4 and $10 on major renovations for every $1 spent on routine repairs and preventive maintenance.
What Procedures Are Included in a Proactive Asphalt Maintenance Program?
The exact procedures depend on your pavement’s use, its current condition and its age. A reputable asphalt contractor can provide valuable assistance to help you design a proactive maintenance plan that suits your budget and the needs of your particular pavement. However, the following steps are typically included in a proactive maintenance program.
1. Inspect: Planning a proper course of action is much easier if you know what you are facing. You or your asphalt contractor should walk your pavement every spring and again in the fall to determine whether there are issues that need to be addressed. If you only have the time or the budget for an annual inspection, most asphalt contractors recommend that you schedule it for spring.
2. Repair: Maintaining the integrity of your pavement’s foundation is of great importance. Without a stable, strong foundation, your asphalt pavement can alligator and/or subside, resulting in potholes, poor drainage and extensive cracking. Virtually all foundation damage is caused by water infiltration. Studies have shown that pavements can require complete reconstruction in less than seven years if cracks and potholes are left open to the elements. Most contractors will include any necessary repairs when quoting asphalt sealcoating services; the sealant will have a remarkably short life if repairs are not made before it is applied.
3. Seal: Some people think that sealants are just a cosmetic treatment for asphalt pavement, but they are incorrect. Although it is true that sealants restore the color to faded pavements, they also block ultraviolet radiation and help protect the pavement from automotive fluids, water penetration and tire scuffing. Most asphalt sealcoating contractors advise that a new pavement should be sealed within 12 months of its installation, followed by additional applications every 18 to 36 months.
4. Resurface: Every pavement will deteriorate over time and reach the end of its useful life in 10 or 15 years. If you have been diligent about your pavement maintenance, the foundation may be stable enough to receive an asphalt overlay when it needs a major rejuvenation. Pavements that have endured a lifetime of neglect will probably need to be removed and rebuilt at a substantially higher cost.
MH Greeson specializes in parking lot maintenance for customers in Marietta, Atlanta, and most parts of North Georgia. Our services include sealcoating, crack repairs, pothole repairs, asphalt striping and pavement markings, traffic sign installations, asphalt patching, tennis court maintenance, asphalt paving and bollards. We are known for our integrity, our affordable rates, and the exceptional quality of our work. You can call 770-335-2983 or fill out our online form to request a free quote.
