Asphalt parking lots, as durable as they are, can get damaged. Depending on the location and usage, some might sustain damage quicker than others. Asphalt parking lot and driveway paving is a complete process that requires hard work. Also, when done right, your asphalt parking lot should last for up to 25 years. However, this time can be shortened quite dramatically when not cared for.

Water, snow, and harsh sunlight are the worst enemies for asphalt parking lots. Not only can these discolor your asphalt pavements but can also cause unwanted damage. However, when you know how to take care of your asphalt parking lot, its life can be prolonged by many years. Here are some tips that will help you do just that:

Tips to Prolong the Life of Asphalt Parking Lot

In the following, there are 7 top ways to prolong the life of any asphalt parking lot and if you follow these ways then you get the perfect result for your parking lot.

1: Be Very Clear About Your Parking Requirements with Pavement Contractor

The initial process of asphalt pavement installation is very important. This is the time your contractor will take all the required details. Be sure to tell them the exact usage requirements from your asphalt parking lot. Let them know the size and weight of your vehicles and how many vehicles will be parked on it. They will need these details to prepare the soil underneath and also the hot mix.

Additionally, your asphalt pavement contractor should consider weather conditions. How much it rains or snow will also play a vital role in the hot mix and surface underneath preparation. All these factors combine to make your asphalt parking lot installation the perfect one. Have a good detailed conversation with your selected contractor for the project.

2: Keep It Clean and Remove Any Fallen Leaves or Debris

Fallen leaves, debris of different kinds, and basically foreign materials can accumulate on the parking lot. If there are a lot of trees around your parking lot, it will get leaves on it during autumn. These foreign materials can collect on the surface. When it rains, these materials can get washed up and find their place in your water runoffs.

Also, during the winter snow season, more snow can accumulate on top of them freezing the foreign materials up as well. When shoveling snow off the surface, these foreign materials can take a chunk of stone with them. So, it is best to keep your parking lot clean at all times. Remove or pick off any fallen leaves or debris on the surface regularly to prolong the life.

3: Fix Leaky Engines Quickly

Leaky engines can be quite devastating in more than one way. Firstly, they will cause quite the stains. These hardy stains can be so difficult to remove. Also, the hot engine oils can break up the adhesives when they get into the underlayers of your asphalt pavement. This can cause the loose stone to come off the surface developing cracks or potholes.

So, make sure to fix leaky engines as soon as possible. Additionally, leaking engines can be devastating for your vehicle’s health as well. Lower quantities of oil in the engine can cause it to overheat and develop long-term damage. Fixing them quickly is good for everyone.

4: Get Cracks and Potholes Filled Early

Cracks and potholes are almost inevitable for all kinds of paved surfaces. Depending on the amount and weight of the traffic, these can form quicker. As soon as cracks or potholes start to appear, they will also start to get bigger. Also, leaving these without fixing can cause big-time damage to the asphalt paved surfaces in time.

So, as soon as you see signs of potholes or cracks developing, make sure to get them filled out. Getting potholes or cracks filled early is one of the best ways to prolong the life of your parking lot. Get your contractor to do a good survey and fill out all the cracks or potholes.

5: Get a Fresh Sealcoat Every 3-5 Years

Sealcoating is a sure way to prolong the life of your asphalt pavements. It is a fresh layer of liquified adhesive materials that bind up the surface. Sealcoating should be done after getting cracks and potholes filled out. Regularly, we recommend seal coating every 3-5 years.

Also, fresh seal coats helps melt snow quicker. It also deflects more sunlight keeping the surface temperature maintained. Sealcoating is an inexpensive solution that helps prolong the life of your asphalt pavements by many years. It will also fix loose debris or rocks coming off the surface.

6: Remove Snow and Make Sure Water Runoffs Are Clear at All Times

If it snows a lot in your area, your asphalt parking lot is at risk. Make sure to clear off the snow as soon as possible. Melting snow will cause water to get into the underlayers of the paved surface. This is where it will destroy the layers that bind everything together.

Additionally, during the rainy or snow season, make sure to keep all the water runoffs nice and unclogged. Collecting water will pool on the surface causing damage that you don’t want.

7: Do Not Park Heavy Vehicles in the Same Spots Regularly If Possible

Quality asphalt paving installation experts will tell you one of the major reasons for sinking parking lots is vehicle load. Many commercial parking lots will be used by heavy vehicles. However, the real problem occurs when you park heavy vehicles at the same spots often.

Indentations in the surface and potentially sinking parking lots will be the result. So, where possible, make sure to park heavy vehicles at different spots. Managers at commercial parking lots need to manage parking carefully. Doing so will ensure there is not much sinking going on. This is usually due to shifting ground underneath.

Final Words

Asphalt pavements are durable. However, maintaining them will prolong their life by many years. Keep your parking lots clean and get a fresh seal coat every 3-5 years. Also, make sure to fill pot holes or cracks quickly without delaying them. They will get bigger when left unattended. Fix any leaking engines and keep stains away from your parking lot as well.