As the leaves start to fall, it’s time to give your blacktop a preventative maintenance checkup. We’re here to help you keep your property looking great and your visitors satisfied – as well as save you money over time by extending the life of your parking lot, driveway or walkways.
To keep things simple, let’s break autumn asphalt maintenance down into 3 key tasks.
Inspect Closely: Walk the paved surface area, looking for signs of damage: cracks larger than 1/4 inch, potholes, heaving, oil stains, or faded paint. In particular, watch for pooling water – a potential safety hazard as the colder months approach. Check for puddles near the edges of pavement. Look out for potholes, too. Consider repairs before winter to prevent snow and ice buildup. Bonus Tip: Don’t forget signage and striping! Make sure parking lot signs and markings are easy to see and read.
Sweep it Clean: Get rid of the rotting leaves, gravel, rocks and other autumn debris. They’re not just unsightly now. They can cause lasting stains and decay of the blacktop. Minor stains don’t pose a risk beyond the aesthetics. But we recommend cleaning up larger stains. You might even need to replace a small section. Get more parking lot cleaning tips. Proper cleaning also makes it easier to spot cracks and other surface damage.
Repair it Right: If it’s been at least 3-5 years since you last had your asphalt seal coated, consider getting it done again. In addition, repair cracks to keep them from expanding and reduce future repair costs. And fill those potholes to avoid larger costs in the future and to prevent winter hazards.
Depending on the severity of the damage, you might need to decide between repairing or replacing your blacktop.
Finally, mark any tripping hazards in walkways with spray paint if you can’t get necessary repairs done right away.
For help with creating a custom plan for your property, download a free copy of our Autumn Maintenance Checklist.
Our checklist will help you to evaluate your asphalt surface, and give you an idea of what you need to budget for this fall.
Not sure what to do next? You can always start with a free consultation with our asphalt experts. There’s no obligation, and we’ll only recommend what you need to make sure your asphalt looks better and lasts longer. Get started today.
