4 Steps to Building a Quality Parking Lot for Your Business

Paving a high-quality commercial parking lot requires careful planning, the right materials and methods, and the expertise of a seasoned contractor.

If you’re currently looking to have a new parking lot paved for your business, how will you know that you’re getting a great return on your investment?

Of course, an experienced asphalt contractor will know exactly what is required to pave a quality commercial parking lot. Many contractors perform the job at a high level, yet you could be the occasional unlucky customer who receives a poor final product.

To avoid this, it’s important that you’re at least familiar with how a parking lot is supposed to be paved. This will ensure that you get an asphalt parking lot that serves you and your customers for as long as possible.

Here are four steps to building a quality parking lot for your business.

1. Remove any pre-existing layers

How your contractor plans to address the pre-existing layers of the area will tell you much about how the final product will turn out.

While a professional contractor will be sure to remove all pre-existing layers and confirm that the sub-grade is in good condition before installing a new base for your parking lot, the contractor who is looking to cut corners might attempt to pave over existing layers.

When this happens, cracks and potholes are likely to form much faster, and the lifespan of your parking lot will be severely limited as a result.

2. Provide a strong base

With all pre-existing layers removed, you should expect your contractor to provide a strong base for your new pavement.

Again, without a new, strong foundation, your new pavement will be susceptible to buckling, breaking, and cracking under the weight of traffic—particularly heavy equipment or machinery.

A professional contractor will ensure that all areas of your new parking lot are prepared with strong sub-base and base courses.

3. Supply proper drainage

While our great state of Texas doesn’t see as much rainfall as other states do, it takes very little rain to wreak havoc on a parking lot that lacks proper drainage.

When water pools in certain areas of your asphalt, small cracks begin to form. As water fills those cracks and freezes during low temperatures, those cracks only expand and cause damage to the lower layers of your pavement.

Many of these issues are avoided when your contractor equips your parking lot with a proper water drainage system. This allows water to flow freely and run off your pavement naturally.

4. Apply a beautiful surface layer

Great contractors know that an asphalt parking lot should not only be functional but also aesthetically pleasing. They will exhaust all tools, machinery, and resources to ensure that your new parking lot is attractive to customers.

Assess your contractor’s attention to detail. Are all areas of your parking lot smooth, level, and uniform? Are all parking spaces adorned with straight painted lines? Is your contractor taking the necessary amount of time to make sure you’re satisfied with the final product, or are they rushing to get to their next job site?

If you need a professional asphalt contractor you can trust to install a world-class commercial parking lot, get in touch with Danny’s Asphalt Paving today. We would love to provide you with a free estimate for your next project!