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Why You Should Consider Resurfacing Your Parking Lot
Parking lot resurfacing requires time, labor, and machinery. But a well-maintained parking lot will increase customer satisfaction and boost your property value.
Proactive parking lot maintenance, like regular inspections, crack filling, and salting can significantly extend a lot’s lifespan. But when problems arise, you need to take action quickly.
The term “curb appeal” is often associated with residential properties, and it’s true that a beautiful exterior grabs the attention of potential customers and increases resale value. But retail businesses also need curb appeal if they want to attract and retain customers. A run-down parking lot can turn people away, and regular maintenance is the best way to keep it in good condition.
The first impression that visitors have of a commercial property is made by the parking lot, and it can have a big impact on whether they choose to do business there or not. A deteriorating asphalt surface, oil stains, and faded pavement markings give the impression that a company isn’t well-maintained or cares about its appearance. By contrast, a newly resurfaced and striped lot gives a positive impression to customers and encourages them to return.
A parking lot resurfacing job is typically less expensive than replacing the entire asphalt surface. In addition, it extends the lifespan of the parking lot and gives it a fresh, jet-black look that’s sure to impress. Resurfacing can also be done in stages, which minimizes the amount of time your parking lot is closed.
If you’re unsure how often your commercial parking lot should be resurfaced, consult an asphalt repair specialist for advice. A professional can create a plan that will address your particular needs, including the amount of traffic your parking lot gets and the weather conditions in your area.
Resurfacing a commercial parking lot doesn’t just improve the look of it, but it can help with compliance and safety issues as well. A poorly-striped or marked lot can be confusing, and it’s important to have clearly outlined spaces, loading zones, special markings, and crosswalks. Striping your parking lot regularly keeps these important compliance issues in check.
A poorly-constructed or maintained parking lot is unsafe for pedestrians and vehicles. Without proper maintenance, your parking lot can develop cracks and potholes that are tripping hazards for visitors. Resurfacing your commercial parking lot can prevent these problems from occurring in the first place or causing further damage by filling in small cracks before they have the chance to expand.
Safety
Your parking lot is the first thing potential customers see when they visit your business. It gives them a first impression of your company, so a damaged or outdated lot can cause them to turn away. This can cost you business and lead to lost revenue. Resurfacing your parking lot keeps it looking new and professional, which can encourage customers to return.
In addition to curb appeal, a well-maintained parking lot improves safety. Cracks, potholes and sunken asphalt can be a tripping hazard for pedestrians and cars. They also make driving a challenge and can damage vehicles’ tires and suspensions. Fixing these issues quickly reduces the risk of accidents and injuries, which can save you money in repair costs and liability claims.
A professional sealcoating can be applied after the resurfacing process to protect the new layer of asphalt from damage. This helps your parking lot last longer and minimizes future repairs. Sealcoating is an inexpensive way to protect your parking lot and improve its appearance, and it can be done as frequently as once per year.
It’s important to resurface your parking lot when you notice surface damage. If you wait until the surface is completely worn out, you may require a complete asphalt replacement. Resurfacing a damaged parking lot prevents further wear and tear, and it can make the area more appealing to pedestrians and drivers.
Aside from a smoother surface for drivers, resurfacing can help your business save on fuel costs. The smoother the surface, the less friction there is between the vehicle and the road, which means that your vehicles will need to use fewer gallons of fuel. This can significantly cut down your fuel costs over time.
Resurfacing can also address problems like faded lines that can cause confusion for visitors and create tripping hazards. These problems are easily fixed by resurfacing the parking lot with clearly defined line markings.
Resurfacing your parking lot is a cost-effective option that can double its lifespan. However, you should always consult with a professional before beginning the project. They will perform a thorough inspection of your lot and determine whether it requires resurfacing or a full replacement. If your parking lot has significant structural damage, resurfacing is likely not the best solution.
Durability
A resurfacing job is more expensive than a simple repair, but it’s also much longer-lasting. This is because resurfacing removes the top layer of asphalt to generate space for the new material. Once the new asphalt is applied, it will be rolled and smoothed, which makes it less likely to show cracks or other damage.
If your parking lot is looking a little worse for wear, you may want to consider resurfacing it. However, you should keep in mind that resurfacing is not always the right solution. If your parking lot is full of alligator cracks, potholes or depressions, you should have those issues repaired first before considering resurfacing the surface.
Regular inspections and preventative maintenance are the best ways to prolong the life of your parking lot. This includes routine crack sealing, cleaning, and oil stains removal. If you’re not catching these issues before they become serious, you may find yourself ripping out your entire parking lot and spending more money than you would have spent with a proactive approach to repair.
The most important part of your parking lot is the base, which you need to ensure is in good condition. If you don’t have a proper drainage configuration, water will accumulate in your parking lot and cause damage to the asphalt. It will shift and crack the new surface and can also damage the subbase underneath.
When resurfacing your parking lot, you will need to remove the existing surface and fix any damage found there before applying the new material. It’s best to have your lot resurfaced with hot-mix asphalt, which is more durable and lasts longer than other types.
Another way to extend the lifespan of your parking lot is by seal coating it once or twice a year. This is done by mixing coal or asphalt with inert fillers, water and additives. It’s then sprayed onto the asphalt surface in thin coats, and it provides a rich black look that protects the parking lot from salt, water, gasoline and ultraviolet rays. This helps your lot last for a long time, reducing your maintenance costs in Boston.
Reliability
Resurfacing your parking lot helps to keep it safe for guests who visit your business. Potholes and other surface damage like cracking, warping or unlevel surfaces can damage the suspension of cars or pose a trip-and-fall hazard for pedestrians. Resurfacing fills in these problems and creates a smoother surface that is easier on car tires and rims. It also reduces tripping hazards and can help avoid costly repairs down the road.
Resurfacing doesn’t fix all issues with your parking lot, however. If your asphalt is showing serious signs of wear and tear, including large cracks, sinkage, large compressions, or unlevel areas you may need to replace it instead of resurfacing. This process includes removing and replacing the old asphalt as well as repairing the underlying foundation. This takes a bit longer to complete, but it will ensure that your parking lot is both safe and beautiful for your customers and tenants.
If your parking lot is in disrepair, it could turn away potential customers or renters. This can lead to a loss of revenue for your business, especially if it’s a popular shopping destination or tourist attraction. Resurfacing your parking lot can restore its appearance and make it look professional, which will appeal to visitors and encourage them to return.
One of the best ways to maintain your parking lot is by investing in regular commercial sealcoating. This protects the surface from oil, salt, water, gasoline and ultraviolet rays, which can all contribute to its breakdown. The coating is a mixture of coal or asphalt with inert fillers, water and additives and is applied in thin coats to the surface.
Resurfacing is a cost-effective way to upgrade the look of your parking lot and extend its lifespan by 8-15 years. The most important factor is to regularly inspect your parking lot for any minor or major issues, so they can be fixed immediately before they become worse. Proactive maintenance like inspections, patching and crack sealing will keep your parking lot in good shape for years to come.
Advantages of Asphalt Paving
Asphalt is the pavement of choice for highways, roads, streets and parking lots in virtually every country. It is highly versatile, durable and cost effective.
The quality of asphalt pavement is important. For example, the base course needs to distribute traffic and environmental loads to reduce rutting by providing stability and durability. It also must have a high stiffness to resist deformation.
Asphalt is a lot cheaper than concrete, which means you can save money on the initial cost of the project. It also requires less maintenance over time and is more environmentally friendly. Plus, it is smoother to drive on, which can help reduce noise pollution and wear and tear on vehicles. If you want to reduce the level of traffic noise even more, you can use rubberized asphalt. This type of pavement is made from recycled tires, which would otherwise be thrown away.
The process of paving with asphalt is very quick, which allows for minimal downtime for businesses. This is especially important for commercial locations, as it keeps employees and customers safe and comfortable while they’re in the office or on the road. It’s also faster than other paving materials, such as concrete, which can take weeks to cure before they are ready for use.
Most asphalt is produced as a hot mix, which is heated to 350°F. This is the most popular form of asphalt, and it’s used for high-traffic roadways and highways. Cold mix is also available, which is mixed at lower temperatures and uses less fuel.
Another option for reducing the environmental impact of asphalt is using recycled aggregates. These are usually sourced from local roads, but they can also be obtained from airport runways and other sources. The material is then ground and mixed into new asphalt to create a mixture that is similar to the original. This helps to reduce the amount of waste that is produced and can contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.
An asphalt paving company can help you determine the best type of asphalt for your needs. They will take into account the amount of traffic, such as cars or heavy trucks, and the type of surface you need. It’s also important to consider the climate, as asphalt can be affected by moisture and temperature extremes.
During the paving process, the asphalt is mixed with additives to achieve the desired density. These additives can include recycled frying oil, residue from corn stover and treated swine manure. However, the addition of these soft materials reduces the high-temperature grade of the asphalt, which increases its rutting resistance and decreases its lifespan.
Durability
Asphalt is a durable, long-lasting material that is suitable for roads and other large paving projects. It is easier to maintain than concrete, and is available in a range of colors and styles. It is also environmentally friendly, as it can be recycled after use and reused in other applications. The durability of asphalt can be improved by reducing air voids and increasing density. This will increase the fatigue life of the pavement and reduce maintenance costs.
The asphalt paving industry is working to improve the longevity of their materials and has adopted a new standard that requires higher density specifications for all paved surfaces. This standard aims to minimize the risk of distresses that require full-depth repairs, while at the same time maximizing the amount of traffic the pavement can handle. The higher the density of an asphalt pavement, the less likely it is to crack or rut.
One of the most important factors in determining the durability of asphalt is its constructability, or how well it can be constructed. This is especially important for highways and other heavy-duty projects. When constructing these types of projects, it is essential that the asphalt is able to be placed and compacted quickly. This allows construction crews to keep traffic moving, and provides a safer work environment for the construction workers.
Another factor in the durability of asphalt is its ability to resist damage from climate and other environmental conditions. For example, wet weather can cause the pavement to become brittle. This can lead to premature failure. In addition, water underneath the pavement can weaken the structure and cause the road to collapse. This can be caused by a drainage problem, or by a rising water table.
The durability of asphalt is enhanced by a proper design and construction process. A properly designed pavement is constructed with a thick base course that bears the main load, followed by a strong-load bearing intermediate course and finally, a 30-40 mm surface course. When these layers are built correctly, they can last decades without requiring a total reconstruction.
Safety
Asphalt roads serve a vital function in modern society, providing increased mobility for people and goods. However, they also require careful maintenance to ensure optimal safety and durability. Fortunately, new advances in asphalt technology allow for the construction and repair of roadways at a reduced cost and with less impact on motorists. These innovations are especially important for rural routes, which have limited access to alternative transportation options.
Roads must be able to handle the stress and strain of heavy vehicles, while at the same time meeting noise reduction and comfort requirements. To accomplish this, they need to have high stiffness and resistance to deformation. In addition, they must be able to support varying loads and weather conditions. The best way to achieve this is to use a combination of high quality aggregates and an innovative paving technique, such as warm mix asphalt.
Hot asphalt is a dangerous material for workers to work with, but this danger can be minimized by using proper PPE. This includes a face shield and chemical goggles to protect the eyes and body from sprays, fumes, and hot asphalt. It also includes thermally insulated gloves to prevent burns and solvent-soaked skin. Long-sleeved shirts, pants, or coveralls should be worn with these gloves to further protect the skin. Footwear should include safety toes and boots with a six-inch top or higher.
Workers should also be hydrated, even during summer temperatures. Drinking 16 ounces of water or electrolyte beverage per hour can help reduce the risk of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Also, it is important to eat a healthy meal before starting work. Workers should also wash their hands frequently and thoroughly.
Other important safety measures include checking equipment before each shift to ensure that all parts are functioning properly and that they have been cleaned. Workers should also follow lockout/blockout procedures and turn off machinery before leaving the operator’s station. Finally, workers should never smoke or consume food near the asphalt. This will help to avoid any contaminants from leaking into the paving process and exposing workers to additional health risks.
Maintenance
Asphalt, also known as blacktop, is a popular choice for roads and parking lots because it provides a safe and durable surface that is easy to maintain. Whether you need to repair cracks, fill potholes, or sealcoat your asphalt pavement, it’s important to use high-quality materials and tools for the job. It’s also a good idea to wear safety equipment like gloves and safety glasses and to place warning signs or barricades around the area where you’re working.
In addition to regular inspections, asphalt maintenance requires regular cleaning and patching to ensure the longevity of your asphalt pavement. This process includes sweeping the surface and using a blower to remove dirt, leaves, debris, and oil spills. You should always check the weather before beginning any maintenance work, as harsh conditions can speed up damage to your pavement.
Some of the most common types of maintenance required for asphalt include the repainting of lot lines and the repair of cracks and potholes. These minor repairs can be done with a broom, a crack sealer, or by removing and refilling these damaged areas. You should also monitor traffic patterns to help prevent the need for large-scale paving projects.
Another type of maintenance is a cold mix overlay, which involves using radiated heat to soften existing asphalt and then adding additional hot mix. This is a fast and cost-effective way to repair small patches, ruts, and other issues with asphalt surfaces. However, it is not recommended for structural repairs or areas with base failure.
A major cause of asphalt damage is vehicle stress, which can lead to rutting, troughs, and corrugations. This damage is often caused by slow-moving vehicles, which cause the road to flex over long periods of time and result in fatigue cracking and crocodile cracking.
If you’re looking for a cost-effective and durable way to keep your parking lot or driveway in good shape, consider investing in preventative asphalt maintenance. This will help you avoid costly repaving projects and extend the life of your asphalt. Taking the time to perform small repairs as soon as you notice them can save you thousands in the long run.