Bringing in your paving contractor once a year for a parking lot inspection is a good idea. They can locate potential problem spots and recommend repairs before the issues become too severe. This prolongs the life of your paving and saves you the cost of major repairs or premature replacement.
1. Drain Condition
Every paved lot should have some sort of drain system. This could be as simple as a few storm drains around the edges of the lot to integrated drains in the center of lots or drain troughs spanning low spots. The drains need to be inspected to ensure there are no blockages or anything preventing the proper flow of surface water into the system. For those that hook into underground drain pipes, it may be necessary to periodically assess pipe conditions to ensure there are no leaks that could damage the paving base.
2. Crack Formation
Cracks typically begin very small and then grow larger if they aren't addressed. During an inspection, your paving service will look for small cracks as well as chips or divots that could later develop into cracks or potholes. They may also look for issues that can lead to cracks, such as tree roots growing under the edge of the paving. Patching a small crack now prevents larger cracks later.
3. Surface Quality
The quality of the asphalt surface should be assessed periodically so that the effects of age and weathering can be arrested. Over time, the asphalt can shrink, and the aggregate within can come loose, an issue known as graveling. When caught early, an application of a sealcoat can solve the issue. If graveling is allowed to progress, then an asphalt overlay or complete rebuilding of the lot may become necessary.
4. Edge Damages
Crumbling edges on a parking lot are damages that won't stick to the edges. Eventually, water incursion and erosion will cause cracks to begin snaking in from the damaged edges. Water may also get into the base, causing the whole lot to fail. Catching edge damage early means it can be repaired before the problem becomes too great.
5. Low Areas
Low areas in the lot hold water, which increases the chances of pothole formation. A low area may also indicate that part of the base material is failing. The repair method depends on the cause and severity. Sometimes patching can be used to rebuild the low area to level. In other instances, it may be better to install a drain or rebuild a section of the lot.
Contact a commercial paving service if you need to schedule an inspection and repair visit.