How to Increase the Lifespan of Your Parking Lot

Your asphalt surface will only last for as long as you allow it.

While the lifespan of your parking lot is largely at the mercy of the amount of traffic your asphalt surface sees, the type of traffic (passenger cars versus heavy equipment or machinery), and weather conditions, there are many things you can do to ensure that your parking lot endures for as long as possible.

Today, we’re going to provide you with six key tips for maintaining your parking lot. Let’s get started!

1. Sweep debris, leaves, and stones

Even with a brand-new parking lot, you only need to wait a few days before debris, leaves, and stones start making their way onto your asphalt surface.

While these items may be seemingly harmless, it’s critical that you sweep your parking lot regularly. Not only do they detract from your company’s image and potentially deter customers but they may also get in the way of water runoff and proper drainage.

2. Stay on top of vegetation

Where there is water, sunlight, and dirt, you can be sure that there is the potential for weeds and other vegetation to grow.

Vegetation can easily spread underneath the surface of your pavement, expanding cracks and weakening your asphalt, so you’ll want to make sure you tackle this before it becomes a serious issue.

3. Remove oil stains

Where there are vehicles, there are also oil spills. Even the slow drip of oil from a passenger vehicle has the ability to break down and weaken your asphalt.

Fortunately, there are plenty of products you can use to get rid of oil stains. Keep them in stock and make an effort to remove oil stains as they occur.

4. Check for improper drainage

Improper drainage not only creates a potential hazard for vehicles but also directly impacts the life of your asphalt.

If you look out at your parking lot and notice that there are areas where pooling occurs and water isn’t running off properly, you may need to revisit drainage and make sure you install drains where standing water is a problem.

5. Fill in cracks and small holes

Particularly if you live in an area that sees a wide range of weather conditions, you can expect small cracks to form in your asphalt pavement over time.

While this issue may be inevitable, it shouldn’t be neglected. Filling in cracks will not only stop them from expanding into larger ones but it will also prevent rain, oil, and debris from spreading underneath the surface.

6. Apply sealcoating as needed

Addressing repairs as needed is only one part of increasing the lifespan of your parking lot. You also want to be proactive in preventing damage to your asphalt surface before it happens.

Sealcoating will create a barrier between the elements and some of the more vulnerable areas of your asphalt.

Need help paving, maintaining, or repairing your commercial parking lot?

Get in touch with the team at Danny’s Asphalt Paving today. We’d be happy to discuss your parking lot with you and create a maintenance plan that extends the life of your asphalt surface!