A well-paved parking lot is a great way to boost your business’s curb appeal and resale value. It’s also an important safety feature for both your customers and drivers.
Asphalt is an excellent paving material for parking lots because it’s durable and requires little maintenance. However, some things can degrade it over time.
Get the Sub-Base Right
The sub-base is one of the essential components of the parking lot paving Elkhart IN. For the new asphalt, it must offer a stable surface.
It must also withstand weather, traffic, and erosion.
A flexible sub-base can be made from various materials, including crushed stone, gravel, and concrete. Depending on the type of material, it can be used as a base for both footpaths and driveways.
A suitable sub-base is designed to distribute loads across a large area, preventing channelization and settlement. It is beneficial on driveways, where two ruts form in the paving layer each time a vehicle passes over it. It also acts as a frost barrier to reduce the amount of damage that occurs during freezing and thawing cycles.
Pay Attention to Water Issues
Drainage is one of the most important things to pay attention to when paving a parking lot. If you aren’t careful, water can cause real damage to your asphalt and the underlying sub-base.
Puddles and ponding are signs that something is wrong. They warn that the water is not draining well and needs to be addressed immediately.
The most common puddle formations on parking lots are caused by poor drainage. They occur when rain or snow water ponds and stay there for hours and days.
To prevent puddles, ensure the parking lot has a slope of at least 1-5%. The shoulders should also have a slope of at least 2 percent to allow for proper drainage.
Keep It Dry
Your parking lot is vital to your commercial property and the first thing your customers see. You want to make sure it looks good and functions well.
Keeping your asphalt pavement dry is the key to its longevity. Leaving it soaked in water leads to cracking and potholes that will cost you a fortune to fix.
The best way to keep your parking lot dry is to ensure all drains are clear and working correctly. It includes providing clear drainage of debris such as garbage, large rocks, or sticks.
Don’t Overwork It
A correctly laid out parking lot is an excellent first impression for any business. A cluttered or challenging-to-navigate lot can leave customers frustrated and less likely to return.
A well-planned and maintained parking lot also increases your home’s resale value. Even a tiny bump in the pavement can make a big difference.
Getting the most out of your parking lot is an ongoing process that requires dedicated time and effort to see results. A carefully planned and maintained parking lot is one of the best investments you can make for your home. Long-term savings and higher client satisfaction make it a win-win situation for you.
Get a Visual Inspection
Getting a visual inspection is an essential part of the paving process. It can help you identify problems early on and fix them before they become more expensive.
It can also be an excellent strategy to guarantee that your asphalt surfaces will remain robust and functional following the paving procedure. Look for hairline cracks or any other signs of deterioration that could lead to structural failure.
Getting a visual inspection is easy, and it doesn’t require any special equipment. Maintenance technicians who walk around a building or asset often conduct it.