One of the best features of asphalt pavement of an asphalt parking lot is the overall strength and durability of the material. Asphalt is cost-efficient and much more affordable than other materials, such as brick and concrete. Moreover, when properly paved, your asphalt parking lot should last up to 15-20 years.
However, all new things eventually grow tired and weathered, to the point that you’ll need to invest in some retouches and repairs.
If you’ve noticed that your asphalt parking lot has begun to look rough around the edges, it might be best to start repairs sooner than later.
Here are 4 signs that your asphalt parking lot needs repair.
1. Cracks
Cracks in the pavement are sometimes unavoidable. Excessive layers of seal coating on your asphalt will inevitably lead to cracking. Other times they are caused by faulty installation or the use of low-quality products.
Deep cracks found in wide areas of the asphalt pavement will only worsen with time, and they may point to underlying issues. In this case, you should consult with certified contractors before the cracks start spreading substantially.
Additionally, cracks can lead to potholes. Aside from being unsightly, they pose a risk to road safety and can cause damage to your customers’ vehicles— and you definitely don’t want to anger your loyal customers.
2. Fading
Over time, your asphalt parking lot will go from shiny black to dull gray because of oxidation. The oxidation of your pavement is a result of long-term exposure to the sun’s UV rays and nature’s other elements.
Oxidation doesn’t actually interfere with the utility of pavement, but who wants an aesthetically unappealing parking lot to represent their company?
Applying a new layer of seal coat and refilling the cracks is all you’ll need to do to restore your pavement’s old shine. This asphalt facelift shouldn’t be done more than every 3-4 years, otherwise you’ll risk the formation of unnecessary cracks.
3. Wavy
When you start seeing uneven waves on your lot, it’s likely due to long-term pressure from heavy-duty vehicles, or from a weakened base. Sometimes the fix is easy, and only the affected areas need to be filled and leveled. Other times you’ll find that both asphalt and base need to be completely replaced.
4. Disintegrating edges
Poor installation practices usually are the reason for disintegrating edges around your pavement. For example, applying the asphalt past the 4-8 inch granular fill layer underneath or applying the asphalt too thinly around the edges can eventually lead to the disintegration of the edges.