Studies have shown there are more than a billion parking spaces in the United States.
In fact, throughout inner-city commercial areas, the amount of land dedicated to roads and parking lots is somewhere between 50 and 70%.
As you can see, the parking industry is a big deal in our car-orientated society.
Consequently, it’s of utmost importance to correctly perform your parking lot maintenance to maximize the return on your business investment.
Parking Lot Maintenance in the Winter
Snow and ice build-up are the most significant issues in winter. Get these under control while being eco-friendly at the same time.
Before a snowstorm hits, apply an anti-icing agent to prevent snow and ice from sticking to the pavement. Follow the label instructions carefully to reduce waste.
After the storm, get rid of snow ASAP to stop it from compacting onto the asphalt.
Always plow before applying salt or sand. Remember, these are used to stop the snow from sticking to the ground.
Furthermore, use salt sparingly and store it uphill from the snow. Salt is a nasty pollutant when it comes into contact with fresh water.
Remember, salt only works above 15 F. Try an alternative de-icer for colder temperatures.
Instead of slathering your de-icer by hand, try using a handheld sprayer. This method will use less liquid, saving both your bottom line and the environment.
…in the Spring
Undertake some parking lot cleaning services to fix the damage winter may have brought.
Start by giving the entire area a thorough sweep. Be sure to focus on removing any debris as well as cleaning out cracks that might have formed over the winter.
- Cracks could evolve into potholes
- Debris could cause someone to slip and fall
After they’ve been adequately cleaned, seal off any cracks that may have grown. Note that unsealed cracks allow water to penetrate your pavement. When the freezing and thawing cycle of winter comes, the water in your pavement will expand and contract, causing cracks to widen and spread.
Next, rip out any weeds or other vegetation and clear out all your pipes to ensure standing water can drain.
…in the Summer
Summer is the time to focus on seal coats and restriping.
Sealcoating an asphalt parking lot provides a nice fresh, dark and damp look that makes it appear like new. It’ll also retard the oxidation process for extra longevity.
You don’t need to do this every year, however. Once every three years or so will suffice.
- Opt for a seal coat that is PAH-free and environmentally friendly. This helps maintain that nice new black appearance.
- Ensure your seal coat can resist gasoline, motor oil, and other fluids.
After the seal coat, you’ll need to restripe the parking lot.
- Ensure all lines comply with ADA regulations.
- Evaluate the possibility of redefining lines for safer access or better traffic management.
- Choose a paint that is suitable for traffic and environmental conditions.
…in the Fall
Fall should be focused on cleaning up leaves and prepping for the winter to come.
Don’t let those leaves pile up.
- They may seem harmless enough, but the natural chemicals that get left behind from accumulated leaves can damage your parking lot surface.
- Ensure the leaves aren’t clogging up your drainage pipes.
Winter is just around the corner, so formulate a game plan to tackle the cold months ahead. Alternatively, consider outsourcing your maintenance to a professional parking lot cleaning business.
Proper parking lot maintenance will protect your investment for years to come, particularly if the adequate procedures are followed each season. Keep the above tips in mind for the best possible outcome.
