With the density of buildings and lack of parking spaces, parking lots have become a vital part of modern landscaping. Regardless if you’re in an apartment complex or are the owner of a huge supermarket, chances are that you need to take a look at your parking lot.
The state of the parking lot can attract tenants and customers to your apartments or business. It is in your interests to keep it maintained properly and have an eye out for approaching problems and have solutions at the ready.
Let’s take you through the most common problems that plague parking lots and solutions to them.
1. Potholes and Cracking
One of the biggest issues a parking lot can have is usually cracking and potholes. Cracking can happen because of improper laying or natural causes. There are several types of cracking that can occur in parking lots – alligator, block, and longitudinal are the most common. Cracks are a serious issue because if you don’t get them fixed soon, they might get bigger, making it exponentially more challenging and expensive.
Potholes are scoop-shaped depressions that arise on the surface due to several reasons. They need to be identified early and taken care of. Filling potholes with asphalt patching can help, but for deeper potholes, you might need expert help. The same goes for cracks – while they can be sealed to prevent water seepage, you might need a professional to stop it completely.
2. Fading and Worn Out Markings
Depending on the volume of traffic that uses the parking lot, parking lines and markings are bound to get worn out. These can create issues with proper parking, especially in apartment complexes where parking spots are numbered. Another issue is that painting on the curbs can also get worn out because of exposure to the elements.
This issue can happen even with the most well-maintained parking lots. It is also inevitable in the case of outdoor parking, especially in climates which are extreme. The only solution is to repaint and redo the markings. Take care to ensure that you’ve cleaned the surfaces and it’s dry before repainting them. Opting for thermoplastic material can significantly improve the lifespan of the markings.
3. Poor Drainage
A recurring problem with parking lots is improper drainage. It can cause water to pool in places, causing damage to the surface material and eroding it, causing other serious problems like cracking. This can also occur when the parking lot has not been laid properly and is uneven.
The solution is to ensure that the gutters and drains are cleaned of all types of debris. Call professionals in your area to ensure that your parking lot is properly graded and water flows from the surfaces into the gutters without any obstruction.
4. Oil and Other Types of Stains
Over time, stains can accumulate in the parking lot, which can make it look unsightly. The most common fluid that can stain parking lots is usually motor oil. Coolant and grease are also among the culprits that can mess up parking lot surfaces and they’re equally hard to get rid of. These fluids can penetrate asphalt and cause discoloration, and even structural damage over time.
The best way to prevent more permanent stains is to keep an eye out for spills on your lot. If it does happen, consider cleaning them immediately with a strong commercial degreaser. Use absorbent material to get all the gunk off the surface. A power washer can come in handy when you need to blast it off.
5. Uneven Surfacing and Depressions
Due to improper surfacing or loose soil underneath, there are chances that the parking lot can become uneven. These are a huge headache because they can cause a lot of damage, including cracking and potholes.
If this happens to your parking lot, you’re better off calling the experts at Lone Star Lot Maintenance. The reason is that you need to rip out the asphalt, compact the soil, and re-lay the surface to prevent the surface from shifting.
While parking lots are made to last long, proper maintenance is mandatory, especially if your location has inclement weather. If you’re having trouble, all you need to do is call us. Lonestar Lot Maintenance in Texas can give your lot the overhaul it needs. We take care of all sizes of parking lots and have all services under one roof!