What Commercial Property Managers Should Know About Asphalt Parking Lot Installation

As a commercial property manager, you have the responsibility of making big decisions for many people. When it comes to pavement maintenance, one of your primary concerns should be the safety of your tenants and their customers. You also have to consider curb appeal, which could impact your tenants’ business for better or worse.

While these considerations are essential for your tenants, you should have an interest in them as well. When the parking lot looks good, it can draw more customers or clients to your tenants, improving their business and helping you to retain tenants. Improving safety protects you from liability. However, you have to balance these concerns against your budgetary constraints. Here are some important things you need to know before installing an asphalt parking lot.

Asphalt Has a Long Lifespan

A new parking lot installation can last between 15 and 20 years. You may be able to justify upfront costs if you look at them as long-term investments and budget accordingly.

Asphalt Needs Regular Pavement Maintenance

To keep your asphalt from deteriorating before its time, you should conduct parking lot maintenance at least twice a year. The most important maintenance tasks are filling large cracks and applying sealcoating. Filling cracks helps prevent water seepage, while sealcoating helps protect against weather and wear and tear in addition to restoring the look of the asphalt surface. Maintenance also involves the repair of any damaged portion of the surface.

Problems Can Arise From Beneath the Surface

Above the subgrade but beneath the top layer of an asphalt parking lot is the sub-base. This is the most critical layer because, when installed correctly, it prevents the paved surface from shifting, cracking, or sinking. The sub-base is a layer of aggregated material that helps prevent displacement of the soil. The sub-base helps the asphalt last longer and stand up to pressure more effectively when installed correctly. However, if there is a problem with the sub-base, you may not know it right away because the surface may appear perfectly normal at first.

Finding an Asphalt Contractor Takes Time and Deliberation

Not all contractors pay the same attention to detail, something that results in a durable and attractive parking lot. When considering hiring an asphalt company, ask yourself the following questions:

• Does the company have an established history in the paving business?
• Has the company performed jobs of a similar size and scope?
• Can the company produce evidence of insurance and licensing?
• Does the company have positive reviews from past customers?
• Can the company provide an estimate of what the job will cost?
• Does the company provide good customer service?
• When choosing a paving and asphalt company for installing parking lots or pavement maintenance, it is critical to determine whether the contractor can meet your needs.

A Pavement Company With Purpose

Pavement infrastructure is essential to support everyday life, and Pavecon’s purpose is to construct and maintain it.