For commercial properties, curb appeal can be just as important as it is for residential homes. Your customers will make a judgement about your business, the value of the goods inside, and your level of professionalism partly based on what the exterior of your building looks like. Included in that curb appeal is your parking lot, and its condition says a lot to potential clients. An asphalt parking lot is one of the most cost effective ways to create a pleasing and welcoming entrance, and its relatively quick curing time means your business isn’t disrupted for long periods of time by construction or the low maintenance required after installation. The flexible surface means that it stands up well to heavy traffic flow, and it’s a great noise absorber. Asphalt can be easily recycled (and most of it is) so it’s a very sustainable paving choice, and, since it doesn’t leech any toxins into the environment, it’s a greener option. Smooth and even, paving with asphalt means that there are fewer tripping hazards outside your commercial door.
Periodically your asphalt will need to be repaved. Although it does have a long life period, if your asphalt parking lot is at around the 20 year mark, it may be time to have it repaved. You may or may not notice the signs leading up to your parking lot deterioration, but even if your asphalt is only a few years old, there are a few to be on the watch for;
Low areas are a sign of either very heavy vehicles passing through, or vehicles that have sat for extended periods of time. These can cause your asphalt to be compressed, leading to spots that pool or puddle during a rain shower. If these low areas aren’t repaired or levelled they can certainly lead to water or vehicles doing further damage in a short period of time. This can look like small divots, larger sunken in spots, or a rippling surface.
Cracks are another sign of wear and tear in your parking lot. Small cracks might slip under your radar as not being imperative to fix, but left alone, they’ll lead to bigger cracks, crumbling pavement, or even potholes. Water can also fill cracks, and, during a freeze, leave the asphalt exposed and at the mercy of expanding ice. Water can seep underneath the surface of your parking lot and leave an ever growing number of weak areas.
Potholes are probably the most obvious signs of wear, and the most damaging to both your pavement and to vehicles coming in, whether they belong to potential customers or to suppliers. They can also be hazards when it comes to tripping and falls; something any business owner is keen to avoid!
You may also notice bubbling or soft spots in your parking lot. These are also signs that your asphalt is no longer holding up to weather, outside temperatures, and traffic, and it’s time to have it replaced.