As temperatures rise, parking lot owners can face some unexpected challenges. From heat damage to increased traffic, summer can affect commercial parking spaces in ways people don’t typically think about. Preparing your parking lot before the heat comes can reduce long-term costs and keep users safe.
Want to keep your commercial parking lot up and running? If so, you have to learn these practical summer tips for both parking lot owners and users. These suggestions help protect your property and ensure your lot stays safe and presentable throughout the sweltering season.
Increased heat and foot and vehicle traffic can speed up a parking lot’s wear and tear. Asphalt and concrete can expand at high temperatures, leading to cracks and other kinds of damage. Plus, general wear like oil leaks from vehicles, UV exposure, and rain can worsen the problem if left unaddressed.
According to the Federal Highway Administration, extreme heat contributes to the deterioration of pavement materials, particularly in high-traffic areas such as parking lots. Ignoring these parking lot damages over the summer will be an extremely expensive mistake. This easily avoidable problem can result in higher repair costs if you don’t prepare your lot for the summer.
For business owners, summer brings more parking lot usage. Retail centers, office buildings, and other commercial spaces generally experience more traffic due to more people being free. Unfortunately, this also means that your parking lot will experience higher activity levels that increase the rate of wear. Being proactive with preventative measures can help you avoid both costs and complaints.
1. Schedule regular parking lot cleaning or sweeping.
With the increased foot traffic, dust, debris, and trash can build up quickly during summer. Regular cleaning and sweeping help remove loose dirt that can make your lot unsightly and clog your drains. Frequent sweeping can easily improve your guests’ experience during the summer. Less clutter means easier access, which is less frustrating during times when high traffic is expected.
Power sweeping is a vital maintenance step for parking lot owners, especially in busy commercial buildings. Having a clean lot is not only safer but also more welcoming for customers and employees.
2. Coat the asphalt in the parking lot.
Getting your asphalt coated creates a protective barrier against heat, moisture, oil, and chemicals. It extends the lifespan of your lot and enhances curb appeal, which is a big lifesaver during the summer. Since heat can easily expand cracks in your lot, having your coating redone every 2 to 3 years will help prevent this.
3. Inspect the parking lot for cracks and potholes.
Small cracks can grow quickly in hot weather. Water seeps in, expands, and causes further damage and unsightly potholes. Inspect your lot and repair the damage you find as soon as you can since heat can worsen it. Don’t wait for a minor crack to turn into a major pothole.
Immediate actions from parking lot owners prevent larger and more expensive issues later on.
4. Repaint faded lines and signage as needed.
The hot summer sun can easily fade striping and parking signs over time. Having sun-bleached signs is not a good look for any reputable business. Parking lot owners should consider repainting every 1 to 2 years or as needed. This helps ensure that all markings are visible, which can help reduce the risk of accidents.
Sun bleaching takes time to occur, so be sure to keep an eye on your signage during the summer.
5. Clean and maintain drainage systems around the property.
As we know, summer isn’t all sunshine. Summer storms can, unfortunately, lead to pooling water if your drains are blocked. Ensure that you check all stormwater drainage systems regularly and remove debris as often as possible. This helps prevent water damage and extends your pavement’s durability, especially in summer, when extreme temperature changes happen.
Having clean drainage systems also protects the rest of the property. Neglecting them can lead to flooding or, worse, big cracks and potholes. Both problems which are extremely expensive to fix.
Work With the Experts at Prestige Property Services.
Summer can and WILL take a toll on commercial lots, but with proper care, parking lot owners can extend the life of their property. Regular cleaning, timely repairs, and careful use can go a long way in preserving your parking lot’s safety and appearance.
As they say, prevention is better than the cure. Don’t wait for small issues to become expensive problems. Prestige Property Services offers professional commercial cleaning and maintenance that can help any business stay in top shape. We can help parking lot owners like you keep their lots in top shape all year long!
Contact us today to schedule a maintenance check or learn more about our services for this summer. Give us a call now!
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