Have you ever noticed cracks in your Parking Lot during winter months? A damaged parking lot or pavement spells danger for drivers and pedestrians. In addition, it can also put a big dent in your wallet.

According to a report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 60000 injuries occur due to parking lot accidents.

So, being proactive and inspecting your parking lot for early signs of damage can save you from personal injuries. Further, it can also help you to avoid heavy repair costs in future.

Detecting signs of damage often help property owners in fixing parking lots in half the time and money.

So, scheduling a Parking Lot Maintenance Plan should be a priority in your checklist if you are a property owner.

Unfortunately, many are unaware about the effects of snow and freeze-thaw cycles on their Asphalt parking lots.

However, there are many ways to prepare Parking Lots in Winter Months. But to completely comprehend its importance, you first need to know how winter weather can affect asphalt parking lots.

So, let’s take a look at the factors that influence the condition of parking lots in winters.

Why to Prepare Parking Lots for Winter | How Winter Affects Parking Lots

#1: Cracks and Potholes

If you begin to see minor cracks in an asphalt parking lot, it’s vital to address it before winter comes. As a matter of fact, winter weather is extremely harsh for asphalt pavement. And if cracks are already present, freezing temperatures can cause the area around those cracks to contract further.

This causes these cracks to become bigger which allows water to seep into them. This will eventually cost you even more than preventing those cracks in the first place.

#2: Faded Parking Lot Markings

During winters, many parking lot owners have to thaw the ice from their driveways. However, using de-icing chemicals can deteriorate the paint of these markings. Further, markings are often really useful for motorists and handicaps, so getting it fixed should be a necessity.

#3: Snow Plow Damage

If you’ve a parking lot, you may hire a snow plow driver to clear the ice. However, it’s common for snow plow drivers to keep the blade low resulting in a scratch in asphalt surface. If you notice any kind of scraping on the surface, it’s important to fix it before further damage.

Luckily, there are many ways to fix these issues. Below we are sharing some Asphalt Parking Lot Maintenance Guidelines to help you with that. With these tips, preparing a parking lot before winter comes should not be a headache for you.

How to Prepare Parking Lot for Winter | Effective Ways for Parking Lot Winter Safety

#1: Regular Thorough Inspections

You might have heard of the saying “Prevention is better than cure.” Well, the same logic applies here. Checking your parking lot thoroughly for any early signs of cracks or potholes ensures regular maintenance.

Moreover, there are many ways, such as crack filling, pothole patching that can easily fix these issues. Most importantly, Repairing Asphalt Parking Lots do not have to be expensive.

But if not done properly, these cracks can become bigger in winters causing extensive damage. And getting those fixed will cost you much more than regular minor repair work.

This is important especially if you are a commercial property owner. Not getting those cracks fixed can be a discomfort for your customers. Your visitors may also fall and cause personal injury. Cracks and potholes often result in flat tires too. Eventually, the liability of all this will be on you. So, regular checks of your parking lot can significantly reduce your liabilities.

#2: Maintain Proper Drainage System

If you don’t already know, pooling water is lethal for an asphalt surface parking lot. It’s also one of the leading causes for asphalt deterioration.

Unfortunately, clearing water out of the parking lot can be a challenge as water generally pools in low areas. However, stagnant water on an asphalt parking area can lead to severe damage.

So, keeping a check on the drainage system of your property should be a mandatory part of the maintenance schedule.

#3: Keeping the Parking Lot Area Clean

Fortunately, keeping a parking lot clear is the easiest step in maintaining the safety of a parking lot. A professional sweeping service can clear out all the leaves and debris from the surface. You should also pay attention to remove any kind of chemical spills as well.

Further, it’s vital to clear out any fallen leaves. They usually get frozen due to an early snowfall, after which it’s not an easy task to remove them.

#4: Hire a Snow Removal Team

Clearing snow out of a parking lot surface keeps it clean and in good condition. Make sure that you hire a professional snow clearing company. These contractors generally have years of experience in snow clearing without causing damage to the asphalt surface.

You must know that there are many de-icing chemicals but all are not safe for use on asphalt. Hiring an expert will also guarantee that the chemicals they use to clear snow will be safe for the surface.

#5: Parking Lot Striping

Striping and markings are an indispensable part of parking lots. Asphalt Parking Lot Striping helps in maintaining traffic control measures as well.

Due to snow and icing, these marks may begin to slowly fade away. However, fading marks can cause a lot of problems for commuters. So, it’s important to repaint the markings as soon as possible if they are starting to fade away.

#6: Routine Repair Work

It’s advisable to contact a Professional Asphalt Repair Company if you start observing any surface cracks or potholes. Some cracks, if not repaired before winter, can widen and cause more damage to the surface. Thus, it’s prudent to fix any minor issues before they start creeping in the sub-grade layer.

Moreover, there are many ways for an Asphalt Parking Lot Repair. Follow these repair methods to minimize the Asphalt Driveway Costs and parking lot maintenance cost in the long run.

• Crack Sealing: This is one of the best ways to seal any minor cracks in the asphalt surface. This also ensures that water doesn’t seep into the sub-grade layer. If not repaired at the right time, cool temperature can cause the area to contract and widen these cracks. Asphalt Parking Lot Crack Repair will lower any potential risk of future damage.
• Pothole patching: Make it a habit to inspect the parking area before winters. Taking this step will give you a heads up before any severe issue takes place. In case you observe any pothole in the surface, get it patched at the earliest. It’s a fairly cheaper repair method than replacing the asphalt completely.

Pothole Spray Patching generally combines hot asphalt emulsion with crushed aggregate to repair surface potholes. Before application, the area is usually cleaned off of debris and water.

• Infrared Patching: This repair method uses the latest technology and application methods to patch any surface defects. When done before winter months, this can prevent the defects from worsening.

The Infrared Patching technology is not widely known to everyone. However, it provides a long-lasting and cost-effective method to rectify any minor cracks or potholes.

This method should be used for bumpy or rough surfaces in parking area. Further, it can also fix potholes in high-traffic areas.

So, these were some of the measures you can take to better prepare your parking lot for winter. Following these steps will ensure proper care and maintenance of your parking area without burning a hole in your pocket.

Did you find this article useful?

Hopefully, the above detailed guide will help you in getting your parking lot winterized to extend Asphalt Parking Lot Life.

Though, getting your parking area fixed for winter is not an easy job and requires the assistance of an expert. Professional Asphalt Parking Lot Contractors know the nuts and bolts of asphalt maintenance and can guide you for your specific case.

Facing Parking Lot Problems?

Hire the Best Asphalt Repair Company in Toronto | Main Infrastructure

Need assistance with your damaged parking area? Main Infrastructure is a asphalt repair company and your one stop solution for all kinds of asphalt repair and services. Our company prides itself in providing top quality services under your budget.

We also offer expert inspection of your parking area and driveway to look for any sign of surface damage. Moreover, we have a certified team and cutting edge construction services to find and fix all kinds of asphalt damage.

If you have concerns over getting your parking area winter ready, get in touch with us to get a cost-effective solution.

We offer the following extensive range of services:

• Catch Basin Repair
• Infrared Patching
• Pothole Spray Patching
• Asphalt Paving
• Asphalt Sealing
• Sweeping Services
• Pavement Management Planning

Our representatives are always present to offer you a quick consultation or a free quote on your construction project.

Contact Us @+1 (416) 514 0809

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