Your parking lot is essentially the front face of your business. Keeping it in good shape is important to maintain a professional exterior and key to attracting customers. Warmer weather means more pedestrian and vehicular traffic on your parking lot and, unfortunately, the increased potential for accidents. Proactive maintenance is the solution.

While parking lots are designed to withstand the elements and years of abuse from traffic, the most common damaging elements to your parking lot today are:

Oxidation – temperature changes and water as well as the lasting effects of sun damage cause oxidation, which breaks down the chemical make-up of the asphalt surface.

Corrosion – petrochemicals like gasoline, motor oil, and antifreeze as well as battery acid, chlorine, and other chemicals work to deteriorate asphalt over time.

Poorly performed repairs – often, repairs done in an attempt to properly maintain the paving surface are not done well and ultimately cause further damage.

Without proper maintenance, a parking lot will deteriorate significantly in as little as 5 to 7 years, but with two simple tips and staying on top of parking lot damage, the expense and effort of maintaining your parking lot can be significantly reduced.

Protect your parking lot pavement – Items like glass, loose debris and small rocks will eventually wear down the asphalt if not swept away regularly.

Prevent potholes and repair cracks – Failure to identify and stop potential potholing and cracking means aesthetic damage to your parking lot. Cracks and holes allow water to collect, freeze and expand, and cause further damage, so preventing and repairing the surface is critical to long-term upkeep.

Just consider. A newly installed parking lot that costs $100,000 requires an investment of just 5% to 10% per year in ongoing maintenance in order to keep it in top condition. So make sure to engage the services of a reputable paving contractor who can help provide the most economically sensitive, yet efficient, repairs and maintenance for your property or properties.

Make sure the contractor has true expertise in their field, a definition of quality for all products and services offered, knowledgeable sales personnel, an easy communication process with clients and national recognition and a company that actively participates in the industry. You want a company that stays abreast of new techniques and developments.

But the bottom line is, start looking at your parking lot! With routine inspections, defects can be caught early and preventative repairs can be performed to help maximize pavement life while minimizing risk.