Even with proper maintenance and upkeep, your commercial asphalt parking lot can be damaged due to a number of mitigating factors. There’s nothing worse than moving your business to a new location or having a new asphalt pavement installed only to notice a short time later that it’s already beginning to crack and crumble.
To help you avoid this type of situation and save money on repairs, here are five important factors you should know about that can damage your asphalt parking lot.
1. Poor Quality Construction and Application
Cracking and crumbling at the edges is a big indication that your asphalt parking lot wasn’t properly constructed or applied. At first, it might appear to be in great condition with a perfectly smooth condition. But with continued use and exposure to the heavy weight of vehicles, you might start to notice chunks of asphalt falling apart. Other signs that your asphalt wasn’t properly constructed include pooling rainwater, depression formations throughout the pavement, and water seeping out from underneath the surface.
2. Tree Root Growth
Trees are a wonderful addition to any commercial property. Not only are they necessary for providing oxygen and clean air, but they also improve the aesthetic appeal of your property. However, if planted too close to an asphalt parking lot (within 10-15 feet), the roots of mature trees can actually lift up and damage the pavement from beneath the surface. Once trees are mature and have established a firm root system, they can be difficult or impossible to move. It’s best to work with a seasoned arbourist and asphalt pavement contractor to avoid this problem when planning the layout of your outdoor space.
3. Use of Subpar Materials
The materials used in your asphalt pavement mixture make a big difference in terms of quality, texture, durability, and longevity. To get the best results possible for your property, it’s important to consult with a local experienced asphalt pavement contractor who knows the climate and traffic conditions in your area very well. Using subpar or cheap materials for your asphalt parking lot can actually incur more costs in repairs for you in the future because it will most likely buckle under pressure and weight of vehicles.
4. Lack of Sealcoating
Sealcoating provides a protective layer for your asphalt to prevent external elements like water, dirt, dust, and even heavy vehicles from damaging your asphalt. Sealcoating extends the lifespan of your asphalt for at least 20-30 years and neglecting to do so could actually cost you more money in the long run.
5. Using a Metal Shovel
As tempting as it is to chip away at ice and snow in the winter with a metal shovel, this is a big no-no for asphalt parking lots. The sharp edges of metal shovels combined with the direct blows to the pavement and below freezing temperatures can actually cause the asphalt to crack. It’s better to use non-corrosive ice melters and plastic shovels with dull edges.
Sure-Seal Pavement Maintenance Inc. is one of the leading asphalt parking lot contractors in Toronto and the GTA. Our professional crew has worked on countless commercial properties and is experienced in asphalt installation, repair, and maintenance. From crack sealing to line marking and fixing catch basins to filling in potholes and so much more, all our work is backed by our comprehensive seven-year product and service warranty. Contact us today to schedule a consultation!