Presenting an attractive asphalt parking lot is an important part of attracting potential business. No one wants to drive over potholes, park in oil-stained spaces or walk through puddles of water. A properly maintained asphalt parking lot is welcoming and makes visitors feel safe. Patrons will immediately notice the time and attention that has gone into providing a clean and well-tended area to park. First impressions will be positive and can help ensure return visits. A well-built asphalt parking lot that receives routine asphalt maintenance will be an investment that helps pay for itself through increased business. Providing a continuous program of maintenance for your asphalt parking lot will increase its longevity and decrease the need for major repairs throughout its life.
What Does a Properly Maintained Asphalt Parking Lot Look Like?
What Are the Attributes of a Properly Maintained Asphalt Parking Lot?
The construction of every asphalt parking lot should begin with proper planning and design, so the services of a professional and experienced paving company are essential. The basic requirements of the structure must be met, and the level of construction should be of the highest quality. The proper materials, equipment and labor must be utilized in order to guarantee your satisfaction with the finished product. The completed asphalt parking lot should be expected to last for 20 years or more with proper preventive maintenance. If a parking lot is correctly installed and well-maintained, it should display the following characteristics.
• The color of the asphalt will be dark black.
• Pavement markings and stripes around parking spaces will be vibrant and easily seen.
• There should be no open cracks, potholes or other unmended damage.
• The surface of the pavement should be well-drained and free from low spots that allow water to collect.
• Puddles of oil or other automotive fluids should be cleaned promptly to prevent permanent stains and damage to the pavement.
• There should be no debris present, including piles of dirt or dead leaves, trash, grass clippings and tree limbs.
• Weeds and grass should be trimmed away from the edges of the pavement.
How Can You Achieve the Look of a Properly Maintained Asphalt Parking Lot?
Asphalt has been used for many decades in the pavement industry. The ease of application and asphalt’s durability have made it the most popular choice for the construction of parking lots in North America. However, elements and conditions within the environment will take their toll on asphalt if it is not properly maintained. Following are the most critical maintenance procedures for asphalt parking lots.
• Asphalt Sealcoating: Perhaps the most important procedure for maintaining the desired look of asphalt pavement is sealcoating. Pavement sealer revitalizes the asphalt surface, giving it a dark, smooth appearance. However, the main purpose for periodically applying sealcoating is to protect the asphalt pavement. The procedure produces a protective coating against UV rays that cause the asphalt to deteriorate. It also helps waterproof the asphalt and seals hairline cracks.
• Asphalt Crack Sealing: Cracks that appear on the asphalt surface should be sealed as quickly as possible. Left unsealed, cracks will progress and lead to more serious issues that can require major repairs. Asphalt crack sealing or crack filling should be performed before the pavement is sealcoated.
• Cleaning: Keeping the asphalt pavement as clean as possible is advisable if you want to present a well-maintained look. Keeping the asphalt clean also protects it from potential damage. You might consider having a professional sweep your parking lot once or twice a week. You can also hire a professional to remove oil spills and other vehicle fluids from the pavement’s surface and/or remove live and dead vegetation from the asphalt pavement.
• Striping: Keep painted surfaces clean so they remain clear and obvious to drivers and pedestrians. Have fresh stripes and markings applied as soon as the existing paint fades to about three-fourths of its original visibility.
MH Greeson specializes in asphalt maintenance for customers in Marietta, the Atlanta metro area, and North Georgia. We offer asphalt sealcoating, crack repairs, traffic sign installation, parking lot striping and pavement markings, bollards, pothole repair, car stops and asphalt patching. Our work is top-notch, but our rates are extremely reasonable. If you would like to receive a free quote, fill out our quote request form online or call the office at 770-335-2983.
