Business owners and property managers must prioritize outdoor parking maintenance to control wear and tear. The average parking lot lasts for 20 to 30 years. Frequent exposure to chemicals and extreme temperatures can shorten this. Here are some tips you can try to protect your company’s parking lot.
Go for a walk in your parking lot at least once a month, and do a visual inspection. Take note of areas that seem problematic, especially those that have cracks in the asphalt.
This one is crucial when there is extreme weather like heavy rain, intense heat, and snow. These could cause the asphalt to become brittle and break down.
Regular cleaning is one of the best outdoor parking maintenance methods that increases longevity. Simply sweeping off the dirt and debris will go a long way.
Removing debris prevents garbage, rocks, or big sticks from clogging drains. Clogged drains cause standing water that destroys the asphalt.
It’s also advisable to pressure wash the parking lot a few times every year. This will remove oil or chemicals that may contaminate the pavement.
Fallen leaves, broken branches, and weeds frequently litter parking lots. This unwanted vegetation can be left unchecked, especially during fall. These will serve as obstructions that may result to injuries and accidents.
So, start off by sweeping off the twigs, leaves, and any other trash in sight. Pull out the weeds in between cracks to stop the pavement from being damaged further.
The earlier you clean a stain, the easier it will be. Always watch out for stains and clean them right away. The first thing you need to do is sweep the area and hose it off. Apply any kind of environmentally-friendly household cleaner like dish soap or laundry detergent.
Use a scrub brush to get rid as much of the stain as possible. Scrub the stain until it’s gone. Rinse off the pavement with water once you finish.
There are other cleaning methods you can try for oil stains:
Start by mopping up the oil. Apply a layer of cat litter on the top. Let it sit for several hours or overnight. The litter will absorb the oil. Sweep away the litter and stain using a broom the next day. This technique will work surprisingly well if you use it right after the stain occurs.
Baking soda is likewise an effective cleaner. It also absorbs oil, just like cat litter. Apply the baking soda onto the stain and mix with a scrub brush. Let the stain sit for at least 30 minutes. You will be able to sweep the spot with a broom afterward.
The next thing to do after the actual cleaning is to fill the cracks on the parking lot. Make sure that the sidewalls and surface of cracks and potholes are clean and dry. Choose the right type of crack filler – either hot or cold pour.
A cold pour is advisable for small and shallow cracks. On the other hand, a hot pour is recommended for holes and fissures that are at least half an inch wide.
Oxidation, if not addressed right away, causes the pavement to deteriorate prematurely. A pavement is already deteriorating as soon as it starts losing its color or if it turns grey.
You can check for oxidation by pouring a small amount of water on the pavement. If the water forms into beads, the pavement is sealed; otherwise, this means that the surface isn’t sealed and will be prone to moisture and UV damage. Sealcoating is highly recommended for problematic surfaces.
You can do sealcoating on your own as there are asphalt repair kits available in the local store. However, if the damage is significant, it’s best to get help from a professional.
It is highly advisable to paint new stripes on the parking lot once they begin to fade away. This will better guide the drivers while also allowing you to maximize the available space.
Adding new stripes will also prolong your parking lot’s lifespan. Painting stripes in another area once the old stripes fade prevents cars from driving over the same area.
You can do this outdoor parking maintenance yourself, but hiring a professional will ensure that the lines are straight and aligned correctly.
Parking lots of any age can start to display signs of wear and tear anytime. Tackle these issues right away once you start to notice the signs.
Prioritizing outdoor parking maintenance increases the lifespan of your lot. If you feel this task is better entrusted to professionals, Prestige Property Services can help out.
Prestige Property Services provides the best commercial cleaning services in Orange County and surrounding areas. We will take care of your outdoor parking lot like it’s our own. Book an appointment today!
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