Asphalt is an excellent material for parking lots because it can be as strong as concrete with the right application but at a lower cost. A freshly laid or repaired asphalt parking lot also cures much faster than a concrete parking lot and can be used almost immediately at the end of the job. Most drivers also think asphalt parking lots look more aesthetically pleasing than those made with concrete.
More importantly, asphalt is excellent for countries that experience extreme weather because it doesn’t deteriorate from de-icing salt and handles freezing-thaw cycles better than other materials.
Although asphalt has plenty of excellent qualities, it’s still critical to pay attention to its maintenance for a variety of reasons:
1. Longevity
An important reason to maintain your asphalt parking lot is to improve its lifespan — an adequately maintained asphalt parking lot can last a couple of decades, while a poorly maintained one won’t last more than a few years.
To keep your asphalt parking lot in optimal condition, hire a cleaning crew to regularly remove dirt, debris, and the elements with a high-pressure hose and the right cleaning tools. Likewise, you should hire a professional asphalt care team, like Seal A Drive — to treatyour parking lot with asphalt sealing every two to four years. This family-owned and operated team has been in the asphalt maintenance business since 1990 and has developed an excellent reputation thanks to their unmatched warranties, competitive pricing, and dedication to customer service.
The seal coating will shield your investment from oxidation, which is dangerous in colder climates. When asphalt isn’t seal coated,it oxidizes and loses its natural oils, becomingdryer. In harsher weather, dryer asphalt is far more prone to cracking.
Sealcoating also makes your asphalt more resistant to chemical leaks, such as oil, antifreeze, and gas. With the asphalt sealed, you can rest easy as your customers park all sorts of vehicles on your investment.
The right asphalt care team can also repair cracks to stop water penetration and further enhance your parking lot’s longevity. Likewise, they can tackle more serious problems such as potholes, unevenness, poor drainage, and stains.
2. Looks
You’ll be amazed by how beautiful your asphalt parking lot looks after proper maintenance, especially if you opt for seal coating. Your asphalt will shine like new and encourage drivers to park their expensive cars in your parking lot for an extended period. You may also pay lower rates to your insurance company if your parking lot looks pristine.
3. Liability
Various studies show that cars suffer from greater tire wear and more frequent suspension problems when parked on poorly maintained lots or driveways. Your parking lot business can face even more significant challenges if it has potholes, which can damage cars even further.
In addition, you may have to deal with liability issues if your customers or pedestrians fall over potholes and become injured. Not only would your insurance premium go up, but you could face legal problems.
With proper maintenance, you can improve your asphalt parking lot’s looks and lifespan and protect yourself from liability issues. Remember to use the services of the best professionals to preserve your investment.
