Is there anything better than a new asphalt parking lot? Not in our book. Sealed asphalt’s aesthetic qualities and long-term durability make it the go-to option for commercial and residential projects. If you’ve hired one of the best paving companies in the area to complete the job, then you can look forward to many years of use of your new parking lot. However, it’s important to remember that, in order to get quality, long-lasting results, some post-paving care will be essential.
In this blog, we’ll draw upon some of the expertise we’re learned through our experience of being the best asphalt company in the country to share the dos and don’ts of parking lot aftercare.
DO: Give It Time
Your new parking lot will be dry within a few hours after pouring and will be ready to handle vehicles within 48 hours. However, it can take much longer for the curing process to be complete — in some cases, it can take as long as a year. You can extend the life and quality of your parking lot by keeping an eye on the number of vehicles it handles during the first few months. If you can, try to avoid having heavy vehicles on the lot, at least for long periods of time.
DO: Keep It Clean
If you’ve gone through the time and effort to source paving contracts and develop a parking lot, then it’s in your best interest to keep the lot looking spick and span. Committing to a regular cleaning schedule won’t only help to keep the lot’s aesthetic qualities intact; it’ll also help to preserve the integrity of the asphalt. Substances such as oil and other chemical spills can quickly seep under the surface, compromising the chemicals that help to keep the asphalt in one piece. Commit to regular cleaning, and you’ll be doing your bit to preserve your parking lot.
DO: Keep Ice And Snow Away
Your new asphalt parking lot will be porous during the curing process, which makes it easier for ice and snow to penetrate the surface and cause a host of problems, such as cracking. During the winter months, have a plan in place to prevent snow and ice from accumulating on the surface.
DON’T: Commit To One Parking Spot
It’s recommended to avoid parking in the same place every day. Why? Because you’ll be putting just one part of the lot under pressure, which could cause damage. Look at mixing up your parking spots to maintain even weight distribution during the curing process.
DON’T: Turn A Blind Eye To Problems
Small issues can become big problems if they’re not addressed in a timely fashion. If you notice a small crack, weeds, or other issues, get in contact with a paving company such as AJAX to handle the repairs as soon as possible. It’s much easier to fix a small issue at the earliest sign rather than waiting for the problem to develop and having to go through a costlier and more time-consuming process later on.
Your Parking Lot Means the Most to Ajax Paving
Here at Ajax we want your parking lot to remain intact and fully operable for years to come. When we install your parking lot, we will also provide you with the information needed to properly care for it. Contact us today to get started on your asphalt paving project.