It’s getting colder outside, and a lot of work needs to be done in the parking lot before the snow starts flying!
Winter parking lot preparation should be a top priority for businesses that have commercial parking lots. Many parking lots suffer from deterioration during the winter due to snow, ice, and freezing temperatures. If you want your parking lot ready for the winter season, there are several things you can do before it hits.
There are many parking industry professionals, such as Proline Parking Lot Maintenance, Inc., serving customersin Mooresville and other towns in North Carolina, who can help you get your parking area prepared for winter. This blog post discusses three best practices you should follow.
Crack Sealing
Crack sealing prevents cracks in asphalt from getting wider over time and protects against moisture intrusion, which can cause potholes in asphalt due to the freeze and thaw cycles. The crack sealing process doesn’t require heavy equipment so it can be completed in a day. It improves the longevity and aesthetic appearance of pavements.
The process involves placing an adhesive sealant into the working cracks on the pavement surface, preventing moisture and non-compressible materials from getting into the pavement.
The crack sealing process is usually completed within a day when the sealant dries and forms a tight bond with asphalt. Crack sealants are rubberized materials with the ability to expand and contract as needed, making them perfect for filling open cracks on parking lots.
Sealcoating
Sealcoating protects and seals asphalt surfaces, preventing water from seeping down into the underlying pavement material that can lead to costly repairs in springtime.
During sealcoating, the paving team applies bituminous-based products, acrylics, or other emulsion coatings to the pavement to provide a protective barrier for the parking lot surface. A thin layer of asphalt is applied, followed by two or three coats of liquid rubber that are heated with steam. This process can be completed in one day, but the parking lot should remain closed to traffic for an additional 24 hours.
The sealcoat will protect the pavement from damage caused by water and oils, and keep it looking as good as new with a deep black finish.
Fix the Drainage Issues
While rainwater drains from the parking lot into the storm drain, it also seeps through tiny cracks in the pavement. The water creates a weak point which can turn into an underground cavity when ice and snow melt. To avoid this costly emergency repair, prevent any erosion of the exterior walls by using parging and asphalt patches during any reconstruction work. Ensure your catch basins are structurally sound, the interior walls are parged, and the surrounding asphalt is intact.
If the parking lot has a high water table, you may want to install drain covers over them so the drains don’t fill up with debris and become clogged during the winter months.
If you own a parking lot in Mooresville, NC now is the best time to contact Proline Parking Lot Maintenance, Inc. to have your parking lot prepared for winter with our premium paving services.
