Asphalt parking lots are a staple of any community, and during the winter, they can be very popular. Just because spring is on the horizon does not mean you can leave your asphalt parking lot to fend for itself during the cold winter months. Parking lots are an extension of your home; maintaining them is as important as any other part of your property.
1. Frequently Check for Any Potholes or Deep Cracks
Any time the ground around your parking lot is frozen, your parking lot is likely to be experiencing issues. The snow freezes and doesn’t melt, leaving potholes or cracks in the parking lot exposed to the cold air. These issues can be prevented by visual inspection of your parking lot in the fall and winter.
2. Perform Asphalt Repairs Before Winter Starts
Any asphalt repairs planned for this year should be done before the spring season begins. This will help prevent any hassle and can also be a safety issue for your drivers and customers. You want your property in the best shape possible to prevent problems.
3. Deep Clean the Parking Lot
After winter, you should make sure that your parking lot is clean. Whether hiring a professional or doing it yourself, ensure that it is fully cleaned before spring arrives so that you have a clean place for people to park their vehicles and visit your establishment. The most important thing at this stage is having it cleaned by professionals to prevent any other damage or problems from arising while cleaning.
4. Check for and Remove Standing Water
You can check for standing water when the parking lot is cleaned and dry. It doesn’t have to be iced over, but it should be checked thoroughly. It can be dangerous if any puddles are not removed, or they may freeze over. Once your parking lot is iced over and cleaned, you can ensure that standing water is removed.
5. Mulch Your Parking Lot
If you have mulched your parking lot after winter, it’s time for spring maintenance again. You want to maintain a healthy, beautiful parking lot for the coming season. If you don’t maintain the mulch, it can become an eyesore and a vehicle hazard. Mulching helps to keep grass from growing in the parking lot, and it is nice to see the green grass beside your parking lot in the spring.
6. Replace Any Bumps and Holes
If your parking lot has cracks or bumps, it’s time to remove them before they become a major problem. Small holes can be filled with cinders, while larger ones may need asphalt. This will prevent people from getting hurt by them during the spring season, which is high traffic and parking lot action time in most cities.
7. Remove Debris From Parking Lot and Surrounding Grounds
In most areas, you must keep a certain amount of space around your parking lot clear of debris for safety. If your lot has overgrown areas, you need to eliminate that debris. It is best to call a professional if trees grow in the parking lot and are in the way of cars.
8. Use Safe De-Icing Agents
Once winter passes, you must be careful about your de-icing agents. You can easily use too much, or sometimes the wrong kind of product. This can result in a hazardous situation for your customers and the parking lot. Because of this, you should always consult a professional to clean and remove ice from your parking lot properly.
Asphalt parking lots are an essential part of most people’s lives, and it is important to care for them. If you do not maintain your parking lot properly, you may have problems that will cost more to fix than if they were taken care of immediately.
