What Happened to My Asphalt Parking Lot
What Happened to My Asphalt Parking Lot
Your asphalt parking lot takes quite a beating. It must flex slightly under the weight of traffic, endure snowfalls and ice storms, bear up in direct sunlight and in general, withstand everything that nature, people and vehicles can do to it.
Asphalt pavement is remarkable resilient, however, and with proper maintenance, you can expect your parking lot to last for many years without showing its true age. However, if it does not receive the care that it needs, your asphalt parking lot can begin to look old before its time. If you are dismayed by the condition of your parking lot, here are some questions that can help you determine what has happened.
Have you sealed your Asphalt Parking Lot
Sealcoating is one of the nicest things you can do for an asphalt parking lot. It is one of the economical ways to prolong your pavement’s life and keep it looking beautiful. Sealcoating is also one of the most-neglected maintenance tasks after the pavement’s first year or two.
Sealcoating needs to be applied within 12 months of the pavement’s installation. It then requires reapplication every two to four years, depending on the use that the parking lot receives. Without sealcoating, sunlight can turn asphalt pavement into a dry, easily damaged material, resulting in premature failure of the pavement. Furthermore, sunlight will turn asphalt pavement from the lustrous, dark color it has when new to a washed-out, unsightly gray.
Have you repaired cracks swiftly?
Small cracks have a tendency to turn into large ones, and large cracks tend to turn into potholes. Any break in your pavement has the potential to provide an entry point for water. Water will erode the base that supports your pavement and its traffic. An eroded base robs your pavement of its ability to rebound from the weight of traffic, allowing potholes and major cracks to form. The problem can be exacerbated during the winter months if the trapped water freezes and expands.
Have you kept your parking lot clean?
Piles of decaying leaves and trash can stain your asphalt parking lot. Of greater concern, however, are the fluids that are often leaked by vehicles and which can also cause unsightly stains. Furthermore, these fluids have a petroleum base that can destroy the binding agents holding asphalt pavement together. Although sealcoating can slow penetration, automotive fluids will eat through the sealcoating relatively quickly. Keeping your parking lot clear of debris and removing chemical spills can help prolong your pavement’s attractive life.
For More Help
M.C.E. Dirtworks, Inc., offers a full range of asphalt paving -related services to residential and commercial property owners throughout Cape Cod. We have over 20 years of industry experience and provide asphalt paving, repairs, sealcoating, parking lot striping and much more. We also offer excavation services, site work, demolition services and asphalt milling and asphalt reclamation. We are dedicated to giving customers the best quality at the best rates. Call us at (508) 240-5541 or complete our convenient online form to request your free job quote.
