Resurfacing an asphalt parking lot brings back its shine and fresh look while saving money versus replacing the existing pavement. This is especially helpful if the parking lot has visible damage like cracks, potholes, pools of water, or ruts.
Addressing these structural issues quickly helps avoid more extensive repairs, and strategies including regular seal coating, regulating heavy truck traffic, and timely minor repairs can help extend the lifespan of your parking lot. Keep reading the article below to learn more about Parking Lot Resurfacing.
Resurfacing a parking lot is a significant undertaking, which will cause disruptions in the daily operations of a facility. This is why it’s important to plan ahead and communicate with stakeholders to minimize disruptions. A dedicated project manager can help with communication and problem-solving, which will also improve efficiency during the construction process.
Getting your asphalt parking lot resurfaced can be a great way to improve its look and extend its lifespan. However, resurfacing alone may not be enough to solve structural issues in your lot. If your parking lot has a deteriorated surface, you will likely need to reseal it as well. Resealing will not only restore its previous look but will prevent cracking, potholes and fading. This is a preventive maintenance procedure that is less costly than resurfacing.
A commercial or residential parking lot is in constant use, which leads to natural wear and tear over time. Weather changes, snow salt and vehicle traffic all contribute to the deterioration of asphalt. Parking lot resealing helps extend its dependability and delay the need for expensive repairs.
When choosing a contractor for your parking lot resealing, consider their experience and specialization. A reputable company will have a track record of satisfied clients and excellent customer service. They will also be able to provide you with an extensive portfolio of previous work.
The most important step in resealing is preparing the surface. This includes cleaning the area and removing any trash or debris. Removing any oil or grease spots is also essential, as these will inhibit the bonding process. Removing any weeds and vegetation is important as well, as they can grow through cracks in the pavement.
It’s best to close your parking lot for the duration of resealing, but if you have to keep it open, partitioning it is a good option. This will allow you to use one area for parking while the rest is being resurfaced. It’s a good idea to avoid spreading fertilizers during this time, as their chemicals can react with the sealant. You should also shut off any sprinkler systems to prevent water runoff.
Resurfacing
Over time, asphalt can show signs of wear and tear due to daily traffic and the local weather. Resurfacing is a simple solution to give your parking lot a fresh look and add another 8-15 years to its lifespan. Resurfacing involves placing a new layer of asphalt over the existing surface and repairing any cracks and potholes. This service will improve your parking lot’s curb appeal and is a cost-effective way to make your commercial property look like new.
Crack filling is another service that can extend the life of a resurfaced lot by preventing moisture from penetrating the pavement and creating further damage. It is important to have your parking lot resurfaced when it begins showing signs of damage such as alligator cracks, sinkage or the formation of small potholes. These issues reduce parking capacity and create a safety hazard for vehicles and pedestrians.
A thorough inspection should be done prior to resurfacing to ensure the parking lot is in good condition. If there are significant structural problems, a full lot replacement will be required. Repaving is an extensive project that requires a large investment and is best saved for when it is absolutely necessary.
It is important to choose the right contractor for your resurfacing job. Evaluating quality of work, ensuring specialization and experience, as well as checking for certifications and licensing are critical. This will help you find a company that is qualified to perform a high-quality resurfacing job and will be dedicated to your satisfaction.
It is crucial to communicate with all stakeholders during the construction process so that everyone is aware of any potential disruptions and can plan accordingly. Communicating with all employees, directing customers to available spots and establishing a clear timeline will minimize the impact of the resurfacing on your business operations. Having a project manager in place to keep track of progress, address any challenges and ensure adherence to the agreed upon timeline is also an important step to ensure that your resurfacing project is completed on time and within budget.
Repaving
Even if you’ve invested in regular asphalt maintenance, your parking lot can eventually show signs of wear. If the damage isn’t addressed promptly, it can deteriorate to the point of needing full replacement.
Resurfacing is a cost-effective way to refresh your parking lot’s appearance and durability without having to remove and replace the existing asphalt. The process involves applying a thin layer of new asphalt over the existing surface, and it can be combined with other pavement repair services to maximize effectiveness.
A professional contractor should be able to assess your parking lot to determine if resurfacing is appropriate. They should also be able to provide quotes that are based on a thorough assessment of the current condition of your asphalt. This will ensure you receive a quality job that meets your budget. The contractor you choose should also have experience and specialise in parking lot resurfacing, which will ensure that they understand the specific materials and technologies used for this type of construction.
In order to maintain functionality during resurfacing, it’s important to plan ahead and communicate with all stakeholders about the project timeline. Scheduling resurfacing during off-peak hours or days can also reduce the impact on customer access and parking capacity. It’s also a good idea to hire a project manager to keep the work on track and resolve any challenges that arise during construction.
Once your new asphalt layer is in place, it will be smoothed and leveled with a large roller truck to create a smooth, uniform surface. This step is followed by a slurry seal and a hot mix chip application that protect the new asphalt from weather, traffic, and chemical damage. A slurry seal can also prevent future cracks by filling in small blemishes.
Although the lifespan of a resurfaced parking lot varies, it can last up to 25 years when properly maintained. Routine care, minor repairs, and preventing environmental damage will extend its life. However, a parking lot that has been in service for two decades or more may need to be replaced entirely. Fortunately, strategies like seal coating and regular inspections can significantly extend its lifespan.
Line Stripping
When you’re resealing, paving or repairing a parking lot it is important to have the lines re-striped at the same time. The line striping paint will protect the new asphalt surface, give it a clean uniform appearance, and ensure that the markings will not fade over time. The process involves removing the old lines with a power scraper and spraying down the area with water to clean off any dirt or debris that may have fallen on the newly painted surfaces. Then the paving contractor will apply a coat of line striping paint with either a spray gun or walk-behind machine. The type of paint used depends on the location and needs of your property, with water-based acrylic being more environmentally friendly than solvent-based paint which is typically reserved for high traffic areas.
The best times to re-stripe are after the resurfacing, repaving or sealcoating of your lot, once the repairs have been made and the asphalt is dry. It is also a good idea to do the striping after any snow removal as improper plow technique can cause lines to be scraped away. In order to keep your parking lot safe for both able-bodied and handicapped users, you should have your lines re-painted on a regular basis.
It is important to note that if you’re restriping without any other service such as resurfacing or resealing, a permit will need to be obtained before the work can begin. This is because the new lines must exactly match the existing layout of the lot and meet all current ADA codes.
It is also highly recommended to offer a complete parking lot maintenance service with your line striping, by offering a menu bid that allows the customer to choose what services they need. This will allow you to compete with other striping contractors who may not offer this service and possibly lose the job due to price alone. Having this extra service will show your client that you are the full package and that you want to be their striping contractor for life instead of just being their one-time low bidder.
