It’s easy to overlook parking lot maintenance when running a business or managing properties. But the condition of your parking lot can have a significant impact on how customers perceive your company – and if they choose to do business with you.
Overlooking the condition of your parking lot can put pedestrians at risk and cause damage to their cars. Resurfacing your parking lot will restore the value of your property, improve curb appeal, and help you make a good impression on your customers.
What Exactly is Resurfacing?
Resurfacing is when a new layer of asphalt is applied to an existing pavement surface. It’s not the same as total pavement replacement.
Parking lots show wear and tear over time, just like everything else. Resurfacing adds a new layer of asphalt about 1.5 – 2 inches deep.
Resurfacing is a cost-effective way to add 8-15 years to your parking lot’s life span. Before resurfacing, the old layer must be repaired if it’s damaged to prevent it from weakening the resurfaced lot.
When Should You Resurface?
It’s time to resurface your parking lot when you see any of the following signs:
- Cracks – One significant sign that your parking lot needs resurfacing when cracks appear on it. Over time, asphalt develops cracks as it’s exposed to sunlight and moisture. If ignored, these cracks will widen and cause damage to the foundation. Deep cracks are a serious matter of concern for people and vehicles.
- Potholes – Potholes can cause damage to vehicle tires and rims. They can also cause pedestrians to trip or fall and injure themselves.
- Distortion – Pressure from cars and trucks can cause distortion and uneven surfaces in your parking lot. Warping is common with commercial and industrial parking lots due to heavy vehicles constantly on them. Resurfacing will restore the warped parking lot and protect pedestrians.
- Faint Parking Stripes or Lines – Sunlight, rain, and traffic will cause the lines and markings on your parking lot to lose their brightness. To avoid confusion and keep people safe, parking lines and no parking zone stripes must be bright and conspicuous. Resurfacing your parking lot includes redrawing these essential lines so they’re visible to visitors.
Is Resurfacing the Right Choice for Your Parking Lot?
As time goes on, the wear and tear on your parking lot may require more than repairing potholes and cracks. Instead of an outright replacement, though, resurfacing your parking lot is a more cost-effective way to make sure it’s safe and restore its attractive appearance.
If your parking lot has limited and shallow cracks and potholes, then resurfacing is the ideal solution for you. These minor defects will be repaired before the pavement is resurfaced.
Resurfacing is also a good idea only when the foundation of the parking lot is still structurally sound. If the underlying foundation is stable, then resurfacing will put your parking lot back in tip-top shape.
For asphalt that is worn down to its foundation layers or is over 20 years old, repaving is usually the only option.
What are the Benefits of Resurfacing?
Most commercial property owners understand the importance of resurfacing their parking – mainly due to the many benefits of having a resurfaced parking lot.
- Safety – Daily wear and tear causes cracks and depressions to form and get worse. These cracks can be hazardous to the people using your parking lot, and you could be liable for any injuries that occur on your property.
Resurfacing your parking lot covers all cracks and depressions – and ensures the safety of those using the property.
- Prolongs the life of your parking lot – Resurfacing helps extend the life of your parking lot. An asphalt parking lot should last over 20 years – and proper maintenance and resurfacing increases the life span.
- Boosts your property value – A resurfaced parking lot is attractive and looks brand new. People purposely avoid terrible parking conditions, so you’ll attract more customers with a professional appearance.
- Saves time and money – Resurfacing your parking lot before cracks and depressions cause irreparable damage will save you time and money on having it torn out and completely reconstructed.
Ready to Resurface Your Parking Lot?
Resurfacing your parking lot is a cost-effective way to extend its life span, restore the value of your property, keep your customers safe, and make a good impression on them. Don’t wait until potholes, alligator cracks, and standing water cause so much damage to your parking lot that you have to rip it out and repave it.
Premium Asphalt Paving & Sealcoating has been in the industry since 2010 – proudly serving Bryan/College Station and the surrounding Brazos Valley. Contact us today for a free estimate on your next commercial or residential asphalt project.
