Maintaining a parking lot extends beyond mere aesthetic appeal—it is essential for the safety, functionality, and longevity of the space. Inevitably, parking lots are subjected to various stressors such as heavy traffic, weather conditions, and natural wear and tear that result in damages requiring professional attention.
Potholes
Potholes are one of the most common types of damage found in parking lots. They occur when water seeps into the underlying surfaces, freezes, expands, and eventually causes the asphalt to crack and break away. Not only do potholes create an unsightly appearance, but they also pose significant risks to vehicles and pedestrians alike, potentially leading to accidents or liability claims. Repairing potholes promptly is critical to prevent further deterioration and maintain the integrity of the parking lot.
Cracks
Over time, various factors, such as temperature fluctuations and the stress of heavy parking loads, can cause cracks to develop in asphalt surfaces. These range from hairline fractures to more substantial breaks that can expand when exposed to extreme temperatures and moisture. It's important to address these cracks early through professional sealing and filling services to prevent moisture intrusion and avoid more complex and expensive repairs in the future.
Rutting
Rutting is characterized by depressions or grooves that occur primarily in the wheel paths of parking lot surfaces. This damage typically results from repeated heavy vehicular loads, causing the asphalt to sink and create uneven surfaces. Besides negatively impacting the aesthetics, rutting can also contribute to surface water accumulation, leading to potential hydroplaning risks. Commercial asphalt repair services can address rutting through resurfacing or full-depth replacement based on the severity.
Raveling
Raveling occurs when aggregates in the asphalt surface begin to detach and erode, leading to loose gravel on the lot. This tends to happen as the binder that holds the aggregate material together weakens over time due to environmental stressors. Left untreated, raveling can lead to more significant surface degradation and reduced longevity of the parking lot. Professional repair services typically involve applying a seal coat or overlay to restore structural integrity.
Base Failures
Base failures are severe forms of damage indicating that the underlying support layers of the parking lot have been compromised. This issue can result from poor initial construction, drainage problems, or prolonged exposure to excessive weights. Symptoms of base failure include alligator cracking or sunken areas that might suggest subsurface erosion. Repairing base failures often requires excavation and replacement of the affected areas to restore a stable foundation.
Drainage Issues
Proper drainage is crucial to maintaining a healthy parking lot since standing water accelerates asphalt deterioration. Issues like improper grading or clogged drains can lead to water pooling, causing structural damage over time. Effective solutions by commercial asphalt services involve regrading, installing adequate drainage systems, or creating permeable pavement options to ensure efficient water runoff.
Learn more from a company near you like PSI Paving Inc.
Share30 September 2024
Paving contractors spend all day laying the pavement. We figured that the least we could do was write about it! In other words, we plan on laying the pavement of information. Yes, that sounds a little cheesy, but sometimes it's okay to sound cheesy when talking about something as serious as pavement. We caught your attention, didn't we? Now that we've caught your attention, allow us to share a little more about this blog. It will feature articles about paving and pavement contractors, and we plan on providing a lot of different information and perspectives as we go. You're welcome to join us!