Parking Lot Resurfacing
Your parking lot represents a considerable investment as well as an essential part of your commercial property. A safe, functional, and appealing parking lot can make a big difference when customers are deciding where to park and which businesses to visit. Routine maintenance is the key to keeping your parking lot in great shape year after year. For an asphalt lot, regular parking lot resurfacing is one important part of this.
If your parking lot has a stable foundation but notable damage and wear, resurfacing can help restore it to its former glory without the full cost of replacing the entire installation. Our team at U.S. Pave is dedicated to helping you get the longest possible life span from your parking lot.
What Is Parking Lot Resurfacing?
Parking lot resurfacing is the process of applying a new layer of asphalt over an existing asphalt surface. Resurfacing addresses numerous issues, including cracks, potholes, and sunken valleys in the lot. This is a multistep process that gives your entire parking lot a thorough once-over. While you can use spot repairs and patches to address small short-term problems, parking lot resurfacing is a comprehensive long-term solution that refreshes your entire lot.
The Benefits of Parking Lot Resurfacing
Parking lot resurfacing offers a wealth of benefits for your lot. After you’ve resurfaced the lot, you’ll enjoy a fresh, smooth surface that’s free from valleys, drainage issues, expansive spiderwebs of cracks, and hazardous pot holes. This improves the aesthetic and functionality of the lot, both of which are important for drawing traffic to your location.
Finding adequate parking is vitally important to Americans. On average, Americans spend 17 hours just looking for parking every year. According to INRIX Research, 63% of U.S. drivers will avoid driving to a particular destination due to parking challenges. Nearly two-thirds of drivers experience stress over finding a parking spot, and over a third have abandoned a trip entirely due to parking problems. This means that inadequate parking or a poorly maintained lot can cost your business and have a measurable impact on your bottom line.
Resurfacing your parking lot gives it a like-new look without the expense of replacing the lot entirely. Periodically resurfacing the lot will increase its durability and extend the life span of your asphalt. You can typically expect an asphalt parking lot to last anywhere from 20 to 30 years. Providing the right maintenance, such as the occasional resurfacing, is key to getting that final decade of use from your parking lot installation.
Resurfacing your parking lot addresses several issues at once and ensures that your lot is safe and functional for all users. Faded lines can lead to a disorganized lot with improperly used space and chaotic driving patterns. Potholes and cracks present trip hazards for customers and employees. Resurfacing fills in any hazards and includes a complete restriping when the project is finished, so all your lines are newly painted and easy to see.
What To Expect From Parking Lot Resurfacing
You must remove everything from your parking lot in order to resurface it. This includes wheelchair ramps, construction cones, and shopping cart racks. We will also clean the lot to remove any additional debris and make sure the work area is clean and well prepped.
Once the area is clear, we can begin the process of resurfacing. First, we will carefully inspect the lot to identify any problem areas. If you have sinkage that creates puddles or “birdbaths” in your lot, we may need to inject asphalt in these locations first to smooth the area. We will address potholes and cracks as well, cleaning away debris and properly repairing these areas.
Once we’ve addressed any major problem areas, we can resurface the entire lot, applying a single layer of fresh asphalt over your existing installation. This gives you a flat, smooth, clean surface. Finally, we can help you with restriping, curb installation, and other finishing touches that will make your parking lot fully functional.
Is Parking Lot Resurfacing the Right Solution?
Your parking lot is a good candidate for resurfacing if:
- The foundation is still strong.
- At least 75% of the lot is still intact.
- You have notable problems with potholes, cracks, and puddles.
- Your parking lot has oil stains, chemical stains, bleached areas, or notable fading.
If your parking lot is well maintained, you may only need to resurface it once in its lifetime, after about 15 years of use. However, if your parking lot sees a lot of use, heavy vehicles, or hazardous weather, you should consider resurfacing it sooner. There’s no hard and fast rule as to when you need to resurface the lot. Concerns such as damage, stains, and discoloration will let you know it’s time to think about this job.
Alternatives to Parking Lot Resurfacing
Parking lot resurfacing is just one of the many solutions that you can pursue for parking lot issues. If you’re only dealing with a single problem, it may be better to address that issue individually than to approach a full resurfacing. For example, restriping the lot will address faded lines, and spot repairs for cracks and potholes are more affordable than resurfacing if you only have a few minor issues to address. Routine sealcoating will enhance the overall appearance of your lot and provide added protection that’s adequate for lots without major damage.
If your parking lot is too heavily damaged, parking lot resurfacing may not be possible. You must have a solid foundation to apply the new coat of asphalt to. If the foundation of the parking lot is compromised, you may need to repave the surface entirely. This is a more extensive and time-consuming repair, but a fresh installation will last longer than a resurfacing.
Contact U.S. Pave To Discuss Resurfacing Your Lot
U.S. Pave can assess the condition of your parking lot and provide the best solution to meet your needs and budget. Call us today to schedule an estimate for a parking lot overlay or other maintenance and repairs at (954) 210-7481 or simply contact us online.
