An asphalt parking lot is vulnerable to cracking and accelerated aging if it is not properly maintained. Extreme weather conditions may influence the appearance of the parking, so proper care must be a priority. Luckily, a consistent preventive maintenance schedule can help preserve the functional and aesthetic value of the parking lot. Remember, asphalt maintenance is a dependable way to save money since it saves from having to install new asphalt every so often.
The budget for regular maintenance of asphalt parking is lower than one for replacement. Understanding the best approach to achieve the best results is critical. Read through to grasp primary tips to ensure your parking lot remains in top-notch condition.
1. Invest in a Decent Drainage System
Flooding in parking is not only an embarrassment but also damages the surface within a short time. Stagnant water reduces the lifespan of asphalt by causing cracks on the ground. That way, the parking gets weak and cannot last long, which necessitates the need for replacement. Inspect the drainage system before the rains to ensure that there is no blockage. Clean the drainage frequently and if it seems complicated, hire an expert to handle maintenance work.
2. Fix Any Oil Stains
It is not usual for oil stains to exist on a parking lot. Inspect and clean such immediately you notice them. Besides damaging the surface’s appearance, drops of oil may affect the ratio of substances used to make asphalt, which makes it vulnerable to heat. However, removing it from the surface as soon as it shows improves the life of your parking significantly.
3. Maintain Absolute Cleanliness
If you want to keep your asphalt parking looking attractive, invest in cleaning equipment like a surface blower and brooms for easy cleaning. Design a regular schedule for doing this to avoid dirt buildup.
Observing a consistent cleaning program retains the glory of your parking since dirt and debris keep accumulating. Leaving grime on the surface allows it to penetrate through the vents, which block the drainage system if heaped for long. It gets challenging to clean the debris once too much of it exists in the cracks. Dirt buildup is the chief cause of deteriorated asphalt parking.
4. Fix Any Cracks as They Appear
Have a schedule to inspect and fix any cracks on your asphalt parking before they develop further. If not attended to, the cracks tend to extend, creating room for water and grime to enter causing even more damage. If you notice multiple cracks, contact an expert to address the issue before it escalates. Never overlook any crack exceeding three inches. Use mastic repair to fix minor cracks immediately you notice them.
5. Use a Sealcoat to Cover the Parking Surface.
As asphalt ages, it may develop cracks and minor holes. However, this depends on factors like weather conditions. If you notice an eroded or an oxidized surface, apply a top-quality seal coat to prevent further damage. The move restricts the penetration of moisture, which may destroy materials under the parking. Most seal coats come from coal or asphalt emulsions, among other sources.
Most of the materials used to construct the seal coats fade after a certain period, so applying a fresh coating is advisable. Your parking will appear new after this procedure, which extends its life span. Contact an expert to help you identify the best option when looking for a seal coat.
6. Only Use Appropriate Marking Paint
Asphalt parking surfaces react differently to different marking paints. Some feature excessive chemicals such as VOC, which could be harmful to people and the environment. With the right coat, the parking retains the markings longer.
An asphalt parking requires a time-to-time inspection to identify any defects before they develop into a bigger problem. Solving issues timely makes the surface last longer and prevents future hefty budgets.
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