If you manage facilities, you know the value of preventative maintenance. And you know it is required on everything from the roof, windows, and HVAC to plumbing, electricity, and other operating systems within the building. The parking lot is no different. It, too, requires routine inspections, especially after a long winter.
Post-winter parking lot inspections help you identify areas of your commercial pavement that need attention. Inspections also enable you to prioritize defects and more accurately budget for repairs. This strategy is proven to save money over time by reducing the need for more costly, structural repairs and it will help mitigate liabilities.
Post-winter inspection checklist:
Debris on the lot
Salt, sand, gravel, or other de-icing solvents are incompressible materials that can enter small cracks in the pavement. These objects will not compress as the crack contracts in warm weather, causing it to widen and spread. Cleaning the surface will help remove these materials.
Surface damage
Snowplow scrapes or dents, large cracks (greater than ¼”), oil stains, potholes, and faded or missing striping are all minor repairs that should be addressed immediately to prolong the safe usability of your parking lot and lower future repair costs.
Structural damage
Standing water, which is often accompanied by areas of pavement heaving or uneven transitions, occurs when the parking lot has improper drainage or damaged catch basins. Water seeps below the surface and, during freeze-thaw cycles, causes expansion and contraction of the asphalt. This results in cracks, breaks, dips, and uneven pavement. Catch basin repair and installation or asphalt removal and replacement will likely be necessary.
Aesthetics
Aside from looking bad, damaged landscape, signage, bollards, or cart corrals can be safety hazards. Repairs should occur as soon as possible. It may also be worthwhile to re-visit proper asphalt/landscape integration as well as proper placement or positioning of signage, bollards, or other structures on the parking lot.
Who can help:
Let’s Pave specializes in long-term asphalt and concrete solutions for commercial properties nationwide. We have been in the paving industry for decades and would love the opportunity to help you better understand your parking lot assets and assist with post-winter inspections and preventative maintenance. Contact us today to learn more or to schedule a complimentary consultation.
