The best way to protect an asphalt surface is to invest in sealcoating for parking lots. Taking this step is essential, since UV radiation and excessive heat can have a devastating effect. Some of the most common challenges include:
Cool pavement or reflective coatings for parking lots can also help reduce the potential for heat-related damage.
Sealcoating, a liquid sealant that prevents water from seeping into the asphalt, is one of the leading solutions for protecting parking lots from heavy rain and flooding. Water can only cause significant damage if it seeps into the asphalt. Crack sealing and pothole repair help prevent this.
Standing water can erode asphalt and wear away at the seal coating, so ensuring that water can drain away is also essential. There are two sides to this:
One technique that has shown great promise is the implementation of low-impact development stormwater control measures, which work in conjunction with sealing methods to safely remove water.
Snow and ice can significantly damage your asphalt parking lot if regular maintenance is not performed. Keep the surface sealed and clean, and ensure that the drainage systems work correctly. When preparing a parking lot for winter, be sure to incorporate a pretreatment for ice. Whether you choose rock salt, liquid brine or a newer product, it’s a trustworthy and proven way to prevent ice from forming on your asphalt surface.
In truly cold climates, it might be worth considering porous asphalt pavement or pervious concrete, which perform better under cold conditions.
Keeping the asphalt surface clean and debris-free is essential since debris on the surface can exacerbate any potential damage.
Larger objects can easily gouge the asphalt surface, leaving room for water and ice damage. This is especially true when strong winds or heavy water flows pick up the debris and drag it along the asphalt’s surface. Even sand and small pebbles can have an abrasive effect under these conditions, resulting in a similar impact to sandpaper on wood.
For these reasons, it’s essential to implement programs like:
While some types of maintenance are occasional, occurring once every three to four years, others are critical elements for your annual checklist. Here are a few types of yearly maintenance to prioritize for optimal weather protection:
The best way to meet all the maintenance requirements is to invest in an annual maintenance inspection. An expert maintenance company can help you identify areas that require improvement so your parking lot receives the necessary maintenance and upkeep.
We’ve compiled a list of common questions about parking lot weather preparation to help you find the answers you need.
The best way to prevent water damage to asphalt is to install good drainage, seal any cracks immediately, and sealcoat the surface every two to three years. By preventing water from entering the asphalt, you eliminate the potential for damage. It’s also essential to keep the asphalt surface clean so that flowing water can’t cause damage by dragging debris across the surface.
While there’s some debate about which deicing solution or pretreatment for ice is best, salt brine (Sodium Chloride) is one of the preferred solutions due to its cost-effectiveness and efficiency. Other options include Calcium Chloride and Calcium Magnesium Acetate.
The best way to eliminate standing water from your parking lot is to install a robust drainage system. Options like French drains and trench drains are helpful. It’s also vital to ensure that elements like curbs and sidewalks are adequately raised to encourage water to follow the assigned drainage paths. When you notice standing water around drains, it’s likely time to upgrade your catch basins.
You should sealcoat your commercial parking lot every two to three years. If your lot is exposed to harsh weather conditions and heavy traffic, it may require more frequent treatment. The most effective way to establish an appropriate treatment frequency is by partnering with a professional for annual inspections.
Reflective coatings, also known as cool coatings, are specialized paints or sealants with light colors and unique formulations that allow them to reflect both visible and invisible UV rays. As a result, your asphalt sustains less damage due to heat and UV exposure.
Sometimes, the most effective way to ensure your parking lot stays clean and well-maintained is to rely on a professional. We have over six decades of experience in the industry and would love to help keep your parking lot in optimal shape. Request a quote or book a site walk from Universal Site Services, Inc. today.
