Hard, But Meaningful WorkHard But Meaningful Work

About Me

Hard, But Meaningful Work

Over the years, as we have observed contractors working on our home, one thing has become clear: this is not easy work. Whether the contractor is replacing pipes, framing a new room, or installing flooring, they are always working really hard to get the job done. We admire this. Many other professionals could benefit from observing this work ethic. As soon as we realized how hard contractors work, we had to share that fact on the internet. In fact, there are lots of other facts about contractors that we feel are worthy of sharing, which is why we continue to post on this blog.

Archive

5 Things Your Parking Lot Maintenance Program Should Include

22 October 2021
 Categories: Construction & Contractors, Blog

Do you have a parking lot maintenance plan? If not, now is the time to craft one. To help you find the right schedule, get the help you need, and take care of your lot no matter what your budget is, here are six things your lot maintenance program should include. 

1. Regular Walking Inspections

Your eyes are the first line of defense for your lot. Take the time to walk the lot and visually inspect it every couple of months, depending on the harshness of the weather or other potential stress. Look for large or growing cracks, pooling of rainwater or snow, bulging and warping, potholes, aggregate, and obstructed drains. Clear the parking lot of debris and correct defects as you're able. Work with a contractor if you find larger issues. 

2. Scheduled Crack Sealing

Small cracks left unattended become larger cracks that erode the asphalt or concrete from below. Sealing is a relatively simple and cost-effective measure that will extend the life of your asphalt. This should be done at least once per year. 

3. A Budget for Sealcoating

Sealcoating is the addition of a protective layer on top of the existing asphalt. This layer protects from sun damage, weatherproofs what's underneath, reduces stains and debris damage, and slows down crack formation. How often to sealcoat your lot depends on its use and the local climate, but you should generally budget for this every 3 to 5 years. 

4. Landscape Maintenance

Don't overlook the importance of caring for the landscape around the lot. Encroaching trees, bushes, and plants can drop damaging debris, cause cracks around the lot's edges, and leak potentially hazardous substances onto the asphalt. Keep landscaping tidy and pruned away from the asphalt. Trim trees overhead so these don't shade the parking area so much that it encourages puddling and ice formation. 

6. Alteration of the Layout

Readjusting your parking lot layout does more than let you maximize efficiency. It also helps even out the wear and tear on materials. Parking lots need restriping on a regular basis, so take this opportunity to redirect traffic flow and adjust where vehicles park. This is especially useful if heavy equipment regularly uses the lot or your lot faces extreme weather. 

Where to Start

Want more guidance for setting up your parking lot maintenance program? Start by consulting with an experienced parking lot contractor in your area. With their expertise, you can craft a commercial parking lot maintenance plan that keeps everything looking its best.