Save Your Pavement: 7 Signs to Repave Your Asphalt Parking Lot

Keeping your asphalt parking lot in the best shape is not always as hard as it seems. Like your home systems and appliances, your asphalt parking lot requires regular maintenance and occasional repairs. That will keep your property safe, usable, and attractive.

When do you need parking lot resurfacing? The signs can be as clear as day. Here’s a list of seven signs that you need to repave your asphalt parking lot!

1. Buckling and Warping

If you take a look at the surface of your payment, what do you notice first? Does the asphalt look level and even, or are there wavy or warped sections everywhere? 

Warped pavement usually occurs due to a compromised or insufficient base and heavy vehicle use. Often times, parking lot seal coating can re-level the asphalt. The worst-case scenario is that the asphalt and base will need replacing.

2. Alligator Cracks

Shallow surface defects are often known as alligator cracks. The cracks look similar to an alligator’s skin or spider webs. The defects span a large surface area of pavement. 

Alligator cracks require a full-depth reclamation of the asphalt. An asphalt and concrete specialist or contractor can determine if you need parking lot paving. Ask about asphalt parking lot costs and their parking lot resurfacing process.

3. Extra Sinkage

An asphalt pavement sits on a compacted base or a crushed stone. When that base starts to erode, sinkage may occur. This is especially true near buildings, carports, and other structures. 

Sinkage usually happens when downspouts deposit water too close to the structure, which increases the impact on the pavement. This could result in the need for gutter repair as well as other asphalt services.

4. Drainage Problems

When moisture lingers, it poses a great threat to a healthy asphalt parking lot. The moisture can seep into layers and harm the binding agents. You may notice puddles in your driveway or parking lot and should contact a contractor about parking lot drainage. This can reduce the risk of potholes, cracks, and other damage.

5. Crumbling Edges

Roads and parking lots not protected on their edge with curbs or concrete gutters are vulnerable to crumbling edges. These edges deteriorate and break apart, leaving tons of debris around. Crumbling edges usually require replacement or removal.

6. Large Stains

Automotive fluids and other chemicals can eat away at binding agents used in asphalt. If you notice a stain or chemical spill, speak to a contractor immediately. Spills like these will continue to sink into the asphalt pavement and expand outward until addressed.

7. Undermining

Undermining happens after an underground pipe has slipped its joint or cracked. It can also occur after an underground pipe loosens from the drainage structure. Once that happens, the crack allows the soils to enter into the pipe from above until the asphalt is completely undermined. Contractors can dig to the problem area and fix it or replace the damaged asphalt and base entirely.

When It’s Time To Replace Your Asphalt Parking Lot

You want to work on the asphalt parking lot before it reaches beyond a point of repair. Resurfacing is best when the surface layer on top is in its best shape. If your asphalt parking lot looks to be in poor condition, contact a contractor to discuss the asphalt sealing cost and procedure today!