Identifying the right time and place to resurface a parking lot can be really tricky. Today, we will cover what to look for when evaluating resurfacing as well as timing it correctly. Keep reading to discover if you should resurface your parking lot this year.
Background Info
Once a lot has been resurfaced, it will last an average of 8 to 15 years before it needs to be serviced again. The amount of traffic the surface receives as well as the weather conditions in the area will contribute to how long the surface lasts. Geographic areas that have extremely high or low temperatures, high humidity, or experience lots of storms will incur more damage to paved surfaces. Areas with lots of traffic, like parking lots or service areas, will also become damaged much more quickly. You should not wait 8 years or longer to resurface a lot that has become damaged just because it is not at the end of its lifespan yet.
It is best practice to get a lot resurfaced when cracks are a few inches deep and a quarter of inches wide. This will prevent entire pieces of the lot from breaking off, which would be very expensive and time-consuming to repair. Depending on the use of the lot, your main goal is most likely to keep it in action for as much time as possible. You don’t want a damaged lot to prevent customers, employees, or deliveries from being able to park.
Signs to Look For
In general, there are 5 signs to look for that suggest it is time to resurface a lot. Closely monitoring each of them is essential for determining when it is the right time to get resurfacing done. You should look for cracks, warping, potholes, fading lines, and pools of water. Potholes can develop if you let your cracks become too big, and they can be costly and time-consuming to repair. Warping occurs when there is a big temperature difference between the top and bottom of the pavement. This is a bigger problem in areas with extreme temperatures. Fading lines in a parking lot can lead to issues with traffic, especially when directional lines begin to fade. Pools of water mean there is an issue with the drainage system and could result from lots of different issues.
If your lot has one or more of these issues it is probably a good idea to consider resurfacing. Fading lines will most likely have to be remedied more often than any of the other issues. It is best practice to get lines redone every 1 to 2 years. If 30% or more of the lot needs to be repaired, you may have to resort to completely replacing the surface. This is something you want to avoid at all costs since it is much more expensive than simply resurfacing. Lots of business owners neglect their lots out of a false sense of security. Sure, a paved lot is hardy and can take lots of abuse, but it is not invincible. Due your due diligence by inspecting the lot at least once a month for the 5 signs we covered in this article.
Our Services
Looking for a new asphalt parking lot or have questions on aftercare? Pro-Pave, Inc. is a premier commercial concrete and asphalt paving company serving general contractors, property managers, and HOAs in the Mid-Atlantic. We are Class A-licensed, VDOT-certified, and fully bonded/insured for jobs of all sizes.
We work with many commercial clients, including federal, state, and local governments; commercial property owners; K-12 schools; higher education institutions; military groups; retail stores; and more.
Visit our website or contact us to learn more about our services.
