Are you planning to have a new asphalt parking lot installed? This can be a great investment for any business, however, if you have never paved a parking lot before, you must know the dos and don’ts in advance.

Remember to Wait

When your asphalt parking lot is new, you should not allow any cars on the surface for at least 24 hours. You will want to wait even longer if you choose to pave your parking lot in the summer. The asphalt has a lot of oil and it will take time for it to dry and harden. If it’s hot, it may dry even slower.

Continue Upkeep and Maintenance

Upkeep and maintenance are crucial to the longevity of your parking lot. To maintain your lot and to avoid flaking at the bevel edge, consider using sifted topsoil and seed. Some soils will cause a reaction with the asphalt that leads to flaking. If this happens, don’t worry, it is not a structural problem.

Also, you will want to make sure that you keep up with regular maintenance and repair. Make sure that your asphalt does not have cracks or puddling. You can have an asphalt contractor inspect your pavement to ensure that it is healthy each year.

Do Not Sealcoat At First

You do not need to sealcoat right away. Some products may have additives that may crack your new asphalt. While you do need to have your parking lot sealcoated, you should do this once every two to three years. Focus on repairing any cracks each year instead.

Before you begin your new asphalt paving project, you need to be aware of what you should and shouldn’t do. This could make the difference between a parking lot that lasts a long time and one that winds up damaged relatively quickly. For commercial parking lot installation or repair, contact Asphalt Surfacing by calling 408-673-4719 or emailing us today!

A commercial parking lot typically gets a lot of use when you have a busy business.  High traffic and the adverse effects of weather can certainly result in damage. Many small-scale damages will spread quickly if they are not repaired in a timely manner. This is why you should always be on the lookout for areas that may need a repair. The following are three signs to pay attention to.

Holes

Whether big or small, holes pose quite a problem for your parking lot. Of course, there are the dangers of someone tripping and falling, as well as a car getting damaged from hitting the hole, but a hole can cause damage beneath the surface as well. While it may not experience freezing temperatures very often, if the temperature ever does get below freezing, the water will contract and expand as it freezes and thaws, causing the hole to get bigger and other cracks to form.

Chemicals

Any time a chemical comes in contact with an asphalt or concrete surface, it typically leaves some type of damage. The signs may not always be immediate, but you will eventually see the negative effect chemicals, such as gas or fertilizer, have when spilled on your lot.  As soon as you are aware of a spill, contact the professionals. The area should be cleaned as soon as possible and the surface should be sealed for protection.

Age

Over time, any surface is going to show signs of wear and tear. If your parking lot is around 20 years old or more, it could probably use some repairs or even a complete repaving. If you’re not sure how old the lot is, just take a look. If you notice fading, cracks, or several previously repaired spots it may give you a hint.

Getting Your Commercial Lot Taken Care Of

As a business owner or property manager, it’s important you take care of the parking lot. An asphalt lot won’t hold up forever, but with proper maintenance and repair, it is more likely to reach its full lifecycle. Contact Asphalt Surfacing today by calling 408-673-4719 or sending us an email to discuss whether your lot needs a repair.