9 Facts About Asphalt Parking Lot Repair

Maintaining a business's physical appearance is essential, not just for aesthetics but also for safety. One area that often needs attention, especially in Florida with its extreme weather conditions, is the asphalt parking lot. Regular asphalt maintenance can extend the life of your parking area, improve the safety for visitors, and elevate the overall appeal of your property. Here are nine facts every business owner should know about asphalt parking lot repair.

1. Several “Ingredients” Are Used To Create Asphalt

An asphalt parking lot is primarily made from hot mix asphalt, which is a combination of roughly 95% stone, sand, or gravel bound together by asphalt cement, a product of crude oil. The mixture's durability makes it perfect for sustaining the weight and wear of vehicles.

2. Alligator Cracks = A Common Sign Of Damage

Named for their resemblance to alligator skin, alligator cracks are a network of small cracks that signify underlying structural issues. They typically indicate that the asphalt pavement's base has weakened, often due to water erosion.

3. Regular Asphalt Maintenance Is Crucial

Regular inspections and timely asphalt maintenance can prevent minor issues from evolving into significant problems. This includes sealcoating, which provides a protective layer against weather, chemicals, and oils that degrade the asphalt surface.

4. Crack Filler vs. Crack Sealing: What’s The Difference?

While both are essential for asphalt repair, there's a difference between these two processes. Crack filler is a rubberized material used for cracks up to half an inch wide. Crack sealing, on the other hand, is a more permanent solution, using specialized materials to seal wider and deeper cracks, preventing water infiltration.

5. Cold Patch vs. Hot Mix Asphalt: Which Is Best?

For pothole repair, the method used can depend on the situation. Cold patch is a pre-mixed asphalt compound used for temporary fixes. However, hot mix asphalt, heated to over 300°F, offers a more permanent solution, binding better with the surrounding asphalt pavement.

6. There Are Several Patch Asphalt Techniques

Asphalt repair isn't one-size-fits-all. Depending on the issue's depth and extent, different patching methods, such as surface patching or full-depth patching, might be used. An experienced contractor can recommend the most effective method for parking lot repairs.

7. Timely Repairs Are Crucial

Beyond aesthetics, prompt parking lot repairs can save you money in the long run. Delaying can lead to more extensive damage, requiring more materials and labor for repair. Furthermore, a well-maintained parking lot reduces the risk of accidents and potential liabilities.

For instance, pothole repair is crucial to prevent accidents and vehicle damage. Potholes often begin as small cracks. With time and due to weather conditions, especially water infiltration, these cracks expand, leading to surface material loss and the formation of potholes.

We recommend that business owners inspect their parking lot regularly, to identify small cracks and signs of minor wear. Early detection can prevent small issues from becoming significant (and expensive) problems.

8. The Lifespan of Repairs Varies

While asphalt repair can extend the life of your parking lot, it isn't everlasting. Typically, crack sealing can last several years, while more extensive repairs like patching can last up to two decades, provided the parking lot receives regular maintenance. Again, regular inspections can identify problems before they become quite costly to fix.

Sealing asphalt parking lots is a crucial task, and we recommend that you opt for this service every two or three years. Repairing cracks and potholes as quickly as possible also expands the life of your asphalt. Additionally, if you notice spills, such as gasoline or oil, cleaning these areas and perhaps resealing the area can be wise.

Regular sweeping to remove debris and trash also can help extend the life of your asphalt. Ensuring that the lot has proper drainage also is crucial. A well-functioning drainage system can prevent water from pooling on the surface of your lot. We recommend inspecting and cleaning the drainage systems regularly to prevent blockages.

9. Choose the Right Commercial Paving Company

Given Florida's unique climate, it's crucial to select commercial paving contractors with experience in the region. They should understand the challenges of the local environment and offer solutions tailored to it. A knowledgeable contractor can guide you through the repair process, ensuring your asphalt parking lot remains in prime condition.

An asphalt parking lot is often the first impression for visitors. For Florida business owners, understanding the intricacies of asphalt repair ensures that this impression is a lasting and positive one. Regular maintenance and timely repairs not only beautify your property but also ensure the safety and longevity of your investment.

Quality Parking Lot Maintenance – Our Services

At Quality Parking Lot Maintenance, we’ve been providing commercial paving services for years and serve clients throughout Florida. We can provide you with complete asphalt paving services, including asphalt parking lot repairs and sealcoating a parking lot.

We also offer line striping services, milling services, concrete services and, if your parking lot is prone to chronic issues, we also offer excavation and investigation services to get to the root of the problem. Whether you need asphalt parking lot repair or another of our services, give us a call at any time and we can provide you with a free quote for our services.