May 17, 2017

Asphalt Maintenance: Addressing Winter’s Impact on Your Surfaces

Your Checklist for Asphalt Maintenance

As the winter season wanes, the impact on asphalt surfaces becomes increasingly evident, underlining the significance of diligent asphalt maintenance. Fluctuations in temperature during the colder months can cause considerable damage to your asphalt surfaces. As the warmer weather draws near, facilities maintenance professionals are preparing to evaluate and address any destruction caused by Mother Nature. This assessment is crucial, given that ensuring the safety of employees and customers remains a top priority.

The top asphalt repairs include asphalt sealing, crack filling, pothole repair, and line striping.

Asphalt Sealing

Asphalt sealing minimizes the need for asphalt repairs by creating a flexible barrier on the surface, preventing water from seeping into cracks and protecting the parking lot from weather, oil, gas, and salt. With asphalt sealing, it’s important to note that seal coating should be applied when the asphalt is dry and the temperature is above 50 degrees, and asphalt should be resealed every two to four years thereafter, depending on weather conditions and traffic patterns.

Crack Filling

As you inspect your parking lot for cracks, consider having cracks sealed with a rubberized asphaltic material to prevent moisture from breaking down the surface. The higher the rubber content, the more flexibility, which leads to better protection and longer life of the surface.

Pothole Repair

Pesky potholes occur when water permeates the pavement through a crack in the surface. Cold weather then freezes the water, causing the surface to expand, further cracking the surface and leading the asphalt to soften, unravel, and break down. This damaged asphalt is unappealing and can cause damage to customer cars as well as additional liability.

Line Striping

Line striping is an affordable option to improve the appearance of retail property and additionally creates a sense of safety and organization for traffic – both vehicular and pedestrian. Be sure that your line stripping is ADA striping law compliant.

To help with your asphalt assessment, Branded Group offers the following checklist.

  • Before inspection, clean the surface(s) to remove debris, gravel, and rocks.
  • When walking the surface area(s), look for visible damage, including snowplow scrapes and dents, potholes, sink holes, cracks larger than ¼ inch, alligator cracking, oil stains, and faded paint.
  • Inspect for water pooled up near edges of pavement and record locations of visible standing water.
  • Evaluate unleveled areas of asphalt.
  • Ensure pavement stripes are clearly visible and ADA-compliant.
  • Inspect parking lot signs to be sure that they are securely standing, visible, and in good condition.
  • Be sure to mark any damaged areas or trip hazards until repairs are complete.
  • Schedule necessary repairs to maintain surface integrity, minimize future repair costs, and ensure safety.

As the seasons transition, prioritizing asphalt maintenance is crucial for upkeeping your facility’s safety and appearance. Asphalt maintenance and repair projects should be approached with trusted, expert advice. With Branded Group’s comprehensive facility management services, including expert asphalt maintenance, you can ensure your property is well-prepared for the challenges ahead. Schedule a consultation today to discover how we can tailor our solutions to enhance your facility management strategies.

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