Asphalt pavement is a cost-effective option for your commercial, residential, or industrial property. It’s water managing, manages skid resistance, and helps deflect snow.

Structural distresses include rutting and depressions. Repair strategies depend upon the severity of these defects. Visit https://www.pavementsolutionstx.com/ to learn more.

Alligator cracking is structural damage that gets its name from the wavy pattern of these cracks which resemble alligator scales. A timely crack seal can slow down deterioration.

Asphalt pavement is a mix of rock and stone aggregate held together with a petroleum-based binder called asphalt cement. This binder makes the pavement flexible enough to withstand temperature changes and the pressure of vehicles. However, rain, oil, gasoline and other chemicals degrade this binder, making the pavement become brittle over time. Seal coating blocks these oxidizing substances and keeps the asphalt pliable, prolonging the life of the pavement.

When properly applied, a seal coat can more than double the life of asphalt pavement. It also prevents liquid penetration that can cause fading, cracking and crumbling. For this reason, it is recommended that parking lots and driveways be seal coated at least every two to three years.

A fresh seal coat can improve the appearance of the pavement and add to its value by restoring its deep black color. Over time, sun and weather conditions can fade asphalt pavement, leaving it washed out, gray or dingy in color. Seal coating restores this rich color to the asphalt, improving its appearance and making it look new again.

Having your pavement seal coated protects the asphalt and helps to avoid major repairs, like potholes and cracks, which can cost thousands of dollars. The process is simple, but a professional should be hired for the job. The pavement must be completely cleaned prior to application, which includes sweeping and power washing. It is also necessary to make any minor asphalt repairs, such as filling cracks and patching potholes. Once the surface is prepared, the workers can spray or brush the emulsion onto the pavement according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

There are multiple types of seal coats, including coal tar, asphalt-emulsion and acrylic polymer. The professionals will determine which type is best suited for your pavement. Coal tar seals are most effective in sealing and protecting the asphalt, but they aren’t as good at filling cracks or smoothing the surface. The more expensive but environmentally friendly acrylic polymer sealer provides the same benefits as coal tar, but it is less toxic and produces fewer VOC’s. This is an important consideration for commercial properties that are required to meet state and federal environmental regulations.

Striping

Striping refers to the application of paint or thermoplastic to a parking lot surface to either add directional or ADA compliant markings. It is a very important aspect of pavement and parking lot maintenance that ensures safety, controls traffic flow, maximizes parking space, and improves curb appeal. Before striping, it is recommended to thoroughly clean the asphalt surface using a gas blower or power washer. This will help to remove any dirt, rocks, sand, or debris that could hinder the proper application of paint. It is also best to perform this task during a sunny day so that the paint can dry quickly.

ADA Compliant Markings

ADA compliance is a critical factor for commercial property owners to consider. Failure to comply can lead to severe fines, lawsuits and reputation damage for businesses. To avoid this, hiring a professional paving company experienced in ADA paving will ensure your business has total compliance and upholds the reputation of your business or property.

In addition to ensuring the paved outdoor areas of your business are fully ADA compliant, it’s important that any parking spaces and access aisles that are designated for disabled users are clearly marked with contrasting paint stripes. In general, these stripes must be at least four inches wide and have a contrasting color as compared to the surrounding pavement or surface material. In addition, any ADA parking space must be adjacent to an access aisle that is at least 60 inches wide.

Likewise, a sign that identifies a handicapped parking space must include the international symbol of accessibility and be mounted at least 60 inches above the ground. Additionally, signs that identify van-accessible handicap spaces must be clearly labeled with the designation “van accessible.”

Finally, all directional and informational signs should be in a sans serif font. This type of font is best for ADA signs because it is easily legible and easy to read. Letters should also not be italicized, in script, oblique or otherwise highly decorative.

Overall, ADA guidelines for paved outdoor areas are fairly straightforward and can be followed by any commercial property owner. However, specific properties such as medical facilities may have stricter ADA requirements. In addition, all paved areas should be regularly inspected to ensure that they remain ADA compliant and any necessary maintenance is performed immediately. Regular resurfacing, painting and cleaning will help ensure that all markings are visible over time. The resurfacing process should be scheduled every 5-7 years and should include the entire lot, if possible. This will prevent the need to redo any striping or other ADA related work on your property. For more information about ADA guidelines, you can visit the ADA website here.

Parking Lot Maintenance

Whether your parking lot needs asphalt repair, crack sealing, or a full resurfacing, regular maintenance will prevent costly re-pavings in the future. Establishing a consistent schedule for a professional pavement assessment and maintenance will allow you to budget for your lot’s immediate and long-term maintenance needs.

Keeping your parking lots up to date with these services, will also boost curb appeal. Customers are more prone to visit businesses that offer a clean, safe and approachable environment and are more willing to spend money on items or services from those businesses.

Pavement can deteriorate over time due to the natural aging process and heavy vehicle traffic as well as continuous freeze-thaw cycles. Pavement oxidation and damage can be prevented with seal coating, which helps preserve the surface and extends its lifespan. It also reduces abrasion and dirt penetration, helping to minimize the effects of ongoing traffic.

Uneven depressions or rutting in your parking lot can be dangerous for pedestrians and damaging to vehicles. Repairing these uneven depressions with proper drainage and new paving material is critical.

Cracks in your parking lot can lead to water infiltration, which ruins the integrity of your underlying asphalt and reduces its longevity. Repairing cracks with specialized crack fillers and sealants before they can worsen is key to maintaining your lot.

Unpaved and unlit areas of your lot are a magnet for pests, who seek out warm and moist environments where they can breed. Keeping your parking lots clear of debris, keeping your garbage cans covered and implementing an overall maintenance plan to keep these areas clean will help prevent the attraction of unwanted pests.

Drainage issues are a common cause of many parking lot problems, including block cracking and pavement collapses. Ensure that your drainage systems are functioning properly with regular cleaning and pumping to avoid clogs, flooding, and other issues.

Managing all of the various aspects of your parking lot maintenance can feel overwhelming to busy property owners. Finding a company that can offer you all of these services in one convenient package will not only save time but money as well.