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.