Maintenance Tips

From the moment that asphalt begins to cool and harden is when the aging process begins. Overtime it will be broken down by oxidation, sun, oil, salt and water. It is important to be proactive in maintaining the investment you have in your asphalt parking lot and the following tips can help. 

• Carefully inspect your pavement on a regular basis for cracks, fading pavement markings, and other signs of failure or liability issues
• Sealcoating a parking lot helps to slow pavement deterioration; for maximum benefit, asphalt should be sealed every 24-36 months
• Sealcoating should only be performed under the proper weather conditions (50°F during sealer application and for 8 hours afterward)
• Traffic should be kept off a newly sealed surface for 24 hours to allow for drying (curing) time
• Proper attention to cracks will prevent problems from spreading and double the life of pavement
• Singular cracks that are between ¼-inch wide and 1-inch are good candidates for cracksealing
• Crack widening or “routing” is strongly suggested in truck areas, but not in cracks that have already been sealed
• Fixing “birdbaths” as soon as they appear will lessen the chance of water seeping through to the base and becoming a pothole
• Catch basin installation can be a possible solution for improper drainage on a parking lot
• All pre-existing problems such as cracking, low spots, poor drainage, and base or sub-base damage should be resolved before resurfacing pavement
• Concrete is especially durable when it is mixed properly and caution is taken during the curing process
• Concrete needs at least 4-7 days to cure, during which time the surface should be constantly wet
• Lot marking using a “straight-in” design (at 90°) allows for the most stalls and accommodates two-way traffic flow
• According to ADA guidelines, all businesses must have the proper amount of handicapped-accessible parking stalls, and required van parking spaces

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