Quick-charge stations installed as a spark in southern Maine

The Importance of Crack filling Your Parking Lot

Charging Station / July 11, 2018

Photo by Pixabay.com

Your parking lot is the first thing people will see when they arrive at your property. It will affect the first impression they will have of your business so you need to make sure it is a good one. Most parking lots are paved with asphalt because it is durable and cost-effective. When maintained properly, asphalt driveways will look wonderful and last for decades. Unfortunately, it is inevitable that the asphalt will develop cracks over time ruining the appearance of the parking lot with it. We had professional contractors at a Florida based paving company explain to us more about this issue:

What causes your parking lot to crack?

Many factors play together and cause the asphalt in the parking lot to crack, including:

1. Water: water infiltration is a leading cause of cracked asphalt. Water from rain or irrigation finds its way to the foundation of the parking lot, destabilizes it and allows it to move, which causes cracks in the asphalt

2. Weather: extreme weather changes between freezing snow and excruciating heat cause the asphalt to keep expanding and shrinking causing cracks year round

3. Weight: constant and excessive weight damages the asphalt and causes fractures

4. Tree roots: the roots of nearby trees will grow under the asphalt and cause it to move and crack

Why is it important to fill the cracks in your parking lot?

1. Adds to the aesthetics of your property’s overall appearance

2. Protects your investment in the parking lot

3. Prolongs the life of your parking lot

4. Saves you from the costs of tearing off your old parking lot and installing a new one

5. Protects the asphalt from further breakage and damage

How to fix the cracks in your parking lot?

There are two methods used in fixing cracked parking lots. Choosing which one to apply depends on your contractor, the condition of the cracks or the client's personal preference. The methods are:

1. Crack sealing: It is used on working cracks (when the crack movement is more than 0.1 inches) such as transverse crack. A rubberized crack sealer is applied while hot on the cracks to fill them. Sealing prevents water intrusion and debris from entering the cracks, adding to the longevity and flexibility of the asphalt.

2. Crack filling: It is used on non-working cracks (when the crack movement is less than 0.1 inches) such as alligator cracks. Asphalt emulsion or crumb rubber are used to fill the cracks and prevent them from getting bigger. This method is less costly and it reinforces the adjacent pavement.

How to prevent the parking lot from cracking?

1. Sealcoating is the key element in preserving the quality of your parking lot and keeping it crack free as long as possible.

2. Checking up the asphalt regularly is necessary because it will allow you to find and fix the cracks early before they expand further

3. Avoiding oil and gasoline spillage because they cause the asphalt to deteriorate

4. Routine maintenance is important for the quality of the parking lot overall

Final note

Having a well-maintained parking lot will reflect on the way your clients and visitors regard and assess your business, so it needs to be on your priority list.