How Often Does Your Business Need Parking Lot Maintenance?
Although parking lot maintenance may not be at the top of your mind, consider this: Your parking lot very literally represents the first impression visitors get about your company. Before ever even stepping through your front door, guests will see your parking lot. They will certainly notice whether it’s in bad shape or has been well-maintained.
Once the asphalt for your parking lot has been installed, you should have an ongoing maintenance plan in place. If you don’t, now is a great time to create one. As the saying goes, better late than never. At Strategic Grounds Management, we recommend you have your pavement sealcoated within 3-6 months of the initial installation, then once every 3-5 years after that. Doing so can help your parking lot last up to 30 years before needing to be replaced, about twice as long as a lot that isn’t regularly maintained.
Parking Lot Maintenance 101
Aside from its physical appearance, your parking lot should be kept in good order for safety reasons. Neglected asphalt tends to develop cracks and potholes, which pose danger to both pedestrians and vehicles. Further, failing to properly maintain your asphalt lot can result in costly repairs later on. Routine maintenance is a much less expensive option.
Why Asphalt Needs Regular Maintenance
Asphalt takes a serious beating on a daily basis, between the sun’s harsh UV rays, water and ice from inclement weather, dripping oil from vehicles, and being driven over. All of this causes it to contract, dry out, and crack over time, leading to larger erosion such as potholes.
Sealcoating restores the sleek black look of asphalt and acts as a protective barrier layer to protect it, drastically slowing down its deterioration.
How to Maintain Your Parking Lot
People tend to think of sealcoating and crack sealing primarily when it comes to parking lot maintenance. However, it’s a broad term that can include everything from simply sweeping the asphalt and removing debris to repainting parking spaces and repairing potholes.
Pavement should be sealcoated within 3-6 months of it being initially installed, then once every 3-5 years. If it appears dry or gray in between those timeframes, it is likely due for a sealcoating. If you live in an extremely hot, sunny climate, an area that gets large amounts of rain, snow, or hail, or a heavily-trafficked area, your asphalt may need to be maintained slightly more often.
Whether you’re unsure if your parking lot needs maintenance or you’re ready to schedule an appointment, Strategic Grounds Management can help. We have over 20 years of experience working with commercial and multi-site companies nationwide. In addition to parking lot maintenance, we offer comprehensive exterior building maintenance landscaping services, including snow removal, irrigation installation and maintenance, comprehensive property cleanups, pressure washing, and emergency maintenance.
We know that building and parking lot maintenance isn’t your priority. Let us take care of everything so you can focus on the critical day-to-day functions of your business. Contact us today for additional information or to schedule a consultation.