What’s Wearing Down Your Commercial Parking Lot Asphalt?

Are you the owner of a commercial parking lot who has noticed cracks, potholes, and other damage in your asphalt? If so, you may be wondering what is wearing down your asphalt and how you can fix it. Asphalt repair is an important part of maintaining a commercial parking lot, but it is important to understand what is causing the damage in the first place. So, let’s explore the various factors that can contribute to the wear and tear of your commercial parking lot asphalt and how Parking Lot Armor can repair it. 

The Sun & Heat 

The sun can cause major damage to your commercial parking lot asphalt. The strong ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can damage asphalt by drying it out, causing it to crack and break apart. The heat from the sun can also cause thermal expansion, which occurs when asphalt gets too hot and expands beyond its original size. This can lead to cracks and potholes in your asphalt. To reduce the effects of the sun and heat on your asphalt, it’s important to make sure your parking lot is well shaded when possible and that you use a protective sealcoating that is designed to protect against UV damage. 

The Rain & Snow 

When it rains or snows, the water can get into cracks and crevices in your asphalt parking lot and cause further damage. The water can then freeze and expand, which can make the cracks even larger. Furthermore, when the rain mixes with dirt and debris, it can form a paste-like substance that can penetrate even deeper into the asphalt. In some cases, this paste can even corrode the surface of your parking lot. 

To help prevent damage from rain and snow, it’s important to have a properly sealed surface. This will not only protect against water damage but also prevent weeds from growing in any cracks. In addition, you should use sand or gravel to improve drainage and keep any standing water from pooling on the surface of your parking lot. Finally, you should ensure that any snow is cleared quickly and properly to avoid it from seeping into the asphalt. 

The Ice

Ice can be a major factor in the deterioration of asphalt parking lots, especially during the winter months. The freeze-thaw cycle of winter can cause expansion and contraction of the asphalt which can lead to, you guessed it—cracking, potholes, and sinking sections. Additionally, ice melt chemicals, such as salts and chlorides, can react with the asphalt and erode it away over time. It’s important to take steps to prevent the formation of ice in your commercial parking lot. Some solutions may include using a sealant that has a high resistance to the chemicals found in ice melts, using sand instead of salt or chloride-based chemicals, or installing heated pavement or heated pavers in the parking lot. 

Regular Wear & Tear

Wear and tear are more factors that can quickly take their toll on a commercial parking lot. Over time, heavy traffic, sun exposure, and weather can cause the asphalt to break down and crack. To prevent this from happening, it’s important to regularly maintain your parking lot. Routinely patching up any existing problems, filling in potholes, and resealing the asphalt can help protect your parking lot from wear and tear. Additionally, having lines striped and curbs painted regularly can help reduce the chances of damage occurring. 

Car Accidents

When cars collide in a commercial parking lot, it can cause considerable damage to the asphalt. The force of the impact can crack, chip, or even break apart the asphalt. It’s important to have a plan in place to fix the damage right away. Not repairing the damage caused by car accidents can lead to further deterioration of the parking lot and create hazardous conditions for both pedestrians and drivers.  

After an accident in your commercial parking lot, it’s important to contact a professional to assess and repair the damage. The asphalt needs to be leveled, as well as patched up and refinished. Ignoring these repairs can be costly and can even cause further damage, so it’s important to address the situation as soon as possible. 

Improper Drainage

Poor drainage is a major contributor to the wear and tear of commercial parking lot asphalt. When water isn’t allowed to flow properly off the surface, it pools in low areas and causes standing water. This standing water can weaken the base of the asphalt, resulting yet again in cracks, potholes, and uneven surfaces. To help keep your asphalt in top condition, make sure there is proper drainage for all areas of the parking lot. Check for drainage issues at least once a year, or after any major weather event like a heavy rainstorm. Have any repairs addressed quickly to prevent further damage to the asphalt surface. 

Improper Repairs 

Neglecting to repair cracks, potholes and other types of damage in your commercial parking lot asphalt can cause accelerated damage as well. If these damages are not addressed, water can, as previously stated, get into the crevices, freeze and thaw, and create larger problems. Also, filling cracks and potholes incorrectly can make the problem worse.  

Instead of using cold patch, a high-quality asphalt mix should be used to ensure a proper repair is done. If a crack is wide enough for a nickel or quarter to fit into it, it needs to be properly filled with hot asphalt. The hot asphalt will bond more securely to the existing asphalt and provide better protection from weathering and the elements. Furthermore, resealing your commercial parking lot asphalt is essential in order to make sure it’s maintained properly. 

If neglected, the base layers of asphalt can become weak due to oxidation, which can lead to further deterioration of the asphalt surface. In order to ensure a high-quality job, it’s important to hire a professional asphalt contractor with the experience and knowledge to accurately assess the situation and fix the problem correctly. 

The Parking Lot Armor Promise

If you’re looking for a reliable and experienced team to tackle the wear and tear of your commercial parking lot, then look no further than Parking Lot Armor. With over 20 years of experience in the commercial asphalt industry, Parking Lot Armor can help you keep your asphalt parking lot safe and aesthetically pleasing.  

At Parking Lot Armor, we specialize in filling cracks and potholes, asphalt patching, sealcoating, and much more. We use state-of-the-art equipment and modern technologies to provide a service that not only looks great but lasts. We are experts in the field and have been trusted by many businesses throughout the years. 

We understand the value of a well-maintained parking lot, which is why we take pride in making sure your lot looks its best. We go above and beyond to ensure that all repairs are done correctly and to your satisfaction. Our goal is to make sure you get the most out of your investment. At Parking Lot Armor, we believe that no job is too big or too small. We offer competitive prices, efficient workmanship, and friendly customer service.