Pave It, Preserve It

Talk To Your Paving Contractor About How To Restore Your Parking Lot

by Mildred Fisher

If you own a business that has a small parking lot, you may not realize how important it is to keep the lot in good condition. Your lot is one of the first things your customers see, and it's an extension of your property, so you want the parking lot to make a good impression.

Plus, the lot should always be in good repair so no one gets hurt by tripping on a pothole and getting injured. If your parking lot is in bad shape, call in a paving contractor to take a look. Here are some things you may want to discuss.

Repairs To Improve Drainage

If you've noticed areas on the parking lot that hold water when it rains, be sure to let the paving contractor know. Poor drainage causes your lot to deteriorate quicker, so the contractor will want to fix the drainage issue when they make repairs on your lot.

Resurfacing Or Repaving

If the paving contractor discovers big problems with drainage and a washed-out base, they might need to replace your lot so the base can be repaired before repaving is done. However, if the damage is isolated to the surface of your parking lot, and the damage isn't too severe, the contractor might suggest resurfacing instead. This involves repairing all of the old damage while putting on an asphalt overlay that gives the lot a new surface so your lot looks new.

Repairs And Sealcoating

You know your lot needs to have cracks and holes repaired, but you might not know what else the surface of your lot needs. Sometimes, seal coating is an option. This is a thin layer similar to paint that goes over the surface of your parking lot. It isn't a new layer of asphalt like resurfacing requires, so if your lot has a lot of cracks, seal coating might not be the right approach since repairs will probably show through.

One thing to know about seal coating is that it should be applied every few years because it protects your parking lot from aging. Your paving contractor repairs your lot first since seal coating doesn't make repairs, it just restores color and protects the asphalt from UV damage and rain.

After inspecting your parking lot, the paving contractor can make a plan on how to restore it if possible. Restoring your lot costs less than repaving, and restoration can last for many years, especially if you keep up with future repairs and seal coating. Plus, your lot will have a new dark surface and be free of trip hazards once repairs have been completed.

For more information, contact a contractor in your area such as Arrow Black Top & Masonry Inc.

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