Most property managers have maintenance checklists in place for the exterior and interior of their buildings. These checklists also include the landscaping and parking areas. These checklists should be reviewed on a regular schedule. The Crack Repair and maintenance needed to keep the property in good condition are then noted and done. This article will concentrate on the items on the checklists that concern the maintenance of a facility parking lot.
Asphalt Pavement Checklist
1) Asphalt Sealing
Why should I sealcoat asphalt?
Sealcoating asphalt pavement protects against oxidation as well as damage from oil gas, salt and other substances. It prevents water from entering cracks and reduces the need of asphalt repairs. If pavement is not sealed properly, it can crack and cause potholes.
Asphalt should always be sealed after installation. This will depend on weather conditions and traffic patterns as well as wear and tear.
2) Crack Filling
What should you do if your asphalt cracks?
Each year, you should inspect your parking lot for asphalt cracks. Sealing cracks in asphalt will stop moisture from damaging structural components. Sealcoat may be applied for cracks in asphalt that are less than a quarter-inch wide. If cracks are larger than this, your paving contractor should apply crack sealer.
For this maintenance to be effective, cracks must first be cleared of all debris. This includes vegetation, asphalt, and loose asphalt. Properly sealing the pavement with crack sealer should be done after it has set.
3) Pothole Repair
Why do potholes form?
Potholes form when water is allowed to seep through asphalt pavement cracks. Add wear and tear to the crack and the soil will start to soften. This can eventually result in a depression. Over time, the asphalt will start to crack and crumble into its subparticles – gravels, sands and stones.
Asphalt patches made in the northern states during winter do not last as long as repairs made during warm months. Pothole repairs can be made almost every day due to Florida’s mild winter temperatures.
4) Asphalt Pavement Replacement
When should asphalt pavement need to be replaced
It’s often difficult for someone with no asphalt pavement experience to see a parkinglot and decide whether it can or should be repaired. This is where professionals step in.
Even a well-maintained parking area over the years may eventually begin to show signs of wear and will need to be replaced. An asphalt expert will assess the entire paved area to determine its current conditions. You should also consider drainage, traffic load, as well as any problems caused by landscape, such a large tree whose roots are causing havoc underneath a pavement.