Oil stains on your parking lot or driveway can be very unsightly. More importantly, any type of petroleum-based product and many other types of chemicals can cause serious damage to the asphalt pavement. Removing any oil or other corrosive chemical as quickly as possible from your asphalt pavement is important in order to maintain the integrity of the pavement. Therefore, the removal of oil stains should be part of your asphalt maintenance program.
Parking Lot Maintenance Tips – Removing Fluid And Oil Stains
What Types of Fluids Can Damage Asphalt Pavement?
Asphalt pavement contains petroleum, and when petroleum distillates come into contact with each other, they try to recombine. In the attempt to revert to the state that they were in before they were separated, they change the composition of the asphalt binder, causing the pavement to become soft. If the damage to the asphalt is severe enough, the existing pavement will have to be removed and replaced with new asphalt. Furthermore, petrochemical products will eventually cause damage to the subbase and base supporting the pavement by allowing moisture to enter through the inevitable breaks in the pavement’s surface, leading to foundation erosion.
Any type of oil or petroleum product sitting on the asphalt’s surface can damage the pavement. In addition to motor oil, transmission fluid, hydraulic fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid and grease will all have the same detrimental effects. Antifreeze can stain the asphalt pavement, but it is not likely to cause the damage that other automotive fluids can inflict.
Does Asphalt Sealcoating Prevent Damage From Automotive Fluids?
Keeping a well-sealed asphalt surface will provide a layer of protection that will slow down the damaging effects of automotive fluids. However, these products are corrosive and will eventually eat through the sealcoating material and into the asphalt surface.
Experienced asphalt sealcoating contractors know that all traces of oil-based fluids will need to be removed prior to applying the sealant, and it may also be necessary to use a quality primer to seal the area of contamination. Sealcoating material will not adhere properly to an unprepared surface.
Most contractors recommend that commercial clients have oil stains removed and fresh sealcoating applied as part of a pavement striping and marking project. However, although you may only need sealcoating and parking lot striping every other year, you may want to consider removing oil and gas spills more frequently.
How Do I Remove Oil Stains From Asphalt Pavement?
Removing oil stains from a residential asphalt driveway is less labor-intensive and much simpler than removing them from a large commercial parking lot. Regardless of size, it is advisable to consult a professional asphalt maintenance contractor to ensure that the work is done correctly.
If you choose to tackle the job yourself, you can use clean rags to remove the bulk of the oil. Next, apply a layer of non-clumping cat litter, baking soda or other absorbent material. Leave this material in place for 12 to 18 hours before removing it and disposing of it properly.
Rinse the area well with clean water from a hose and apply a cleaning agent. Liquid dishwashing soap that contains a degreasing agent is often sufficient to clean the area. Scrub the stain in a circular motion with a stiff-bristled brush. Do not use a wire brush; wire brushes can damage the pavement.
It may take more than one thorough scrubbing to completely eradicate the stain. Once you have removed the stain, rinse the area well and let it dry.
For the Parking Lot Maintenance Atlanta GA Customers Trust, Contact MH Greeson
MH Greeson specializes in asphalt maintenance for customers in Marietta, most parts of North Georgia, and including the Atlanta metropolitan area. Our services include asphalt sealcoating, asphalt repairs, pavement striping, traffic signs, pavement markings, asphalt paving and asphalt crack repair. Our rates are extremely competitive, our craftsmanship is superior, and our references are impeccable. For a free quote on all your needs for parking lot maintenance, use the online form to send us your information or call our office at 770-335-2983.
