Your Value Out Of Your Asphalt Parking Lot
Your Value Out Of Your Asphalt Parking Lot
What is the true value of your parking lot? It is more than just the price you paid to have it built. Although you naturally want to earn the highest return on your financial investment, your parking lot contributes value in other ways. It provides a valuable and necessary function — it gives your customers, guests and employees a convenient, secure location to park their vehicles. It can also contribute to the curb appeal of your property. If you want to get the most out of your parking lot, however, you should consider the following tips.
Your Value Out Of Your Asphalt Parking Lot – What To Look For
Pay Attention to Signs of Distress
Spend a few minutes every month to take a tour of your parking lot. You need to know the true condition of your pavement so that you can fix minor issues before they escalate. Make notes about any cracks, potholes or debris piles. Try to conduct a few of the inspections while it is raining to verify that drains and gutters are not clogged. Make sure that pavement markings, such as traffic arrows, crosswalks and stripes, are clearly visible. Look at the color of your pavement; if it has lost its dark, rich color, you should consider having sealcoating reapplied.
Fight Procrastination
It can be easy to postpone a repair because it’s “just a pothole” or “only a few cracks.” The problem is that potholes and cracks can lead to pavement failure if not repaired. They allow water to get beneath the pavement and weaken its foundation. They will also continue to expand and spawn even more cracking. You could wind up facing an extensive and costly repair that could have been easily avoided.
Do Not Allow Unqualified Drivers to Operate Snowplows
There are occasions when you simply must have your parking lot cleared of snow and ice. However, lackadaisical or inexperienced snowplow operators can play havoc with your pavement. Typically, they cause most of the damage by setting the blade incorrectly, gouging the pavement or even shearing off entire sections with the snow.
Fight for an Adequate Maintenance Budget
When budget time arrives, property managers are often confronted with senior management that can be “penny wise and dollar foolish.” Upper management may not understand the importance of proper maintenance and timely repairs, such as having sealants reapplied or cracks repaired when needed. If you face such issues, consider appealing to management’s financial side. Explain that they could be facing a capital expense in the form of total pavement replacement if the parking lot does not receive the maintenance and repairs that it needs. Explain that proper care will be far less expensive than replacement. In short, do your best to ensure that you will have adequate funding to protect the condition of your parking lot throughout the year.
Contact Dirtworks for Help
Dirtworks is a Cape Cod asphalt paving and excavation contractor offering a full range of services. We have been providing pavement installation, asphalt repairs, reclamation, milling and many more services for more than two decades. All of our employees share a commitment to excellence in craftsmanship, customer service and safety. If you would like to request a free estimate, you can either call us at (508) 240-5541 or use the online form to send us your information.
Please see our recent Site Work at Spaulding Rehabilitation Center, Orleans MA
