Asphalt Parking Lot Repair Tips for Spring

asphalt parking lot repair

4 Asphalt Repairs Your Parking Lot May Need this Spring

Northern Virginia winters can be unpredictable to say the least. But every year we have at least a few, if not several bouts of freeze/thaw weather with snow, ice and/or water that can weaken your asphalt parking lots. Once the weather clears in the spring, it’s important for property managers to know what to look for when they inspect their properties’ parking lots and roadways. The faster winter damage is repaired, the less expensive and time-consuming it will be, which will create less inconvenience for your business, customers, residents, patrons, etc. If you see any of these 4 signs of winter damage to your asphalt, contact Espina Paving right away for an evaluation and free repair estimate: (703) 491-9100.

Asphalt Parking Lot Repairs

1. Crack Filling

If there were any small cracks that you didn’t notice in the fall, it’s possible that they’re bigger now. Over the winter, water can seep into small cracks in the asphalt. During bad weather, that water can freeze, thaw, freeze, thaw, freeze and etc.—a process that can weaken and expand small cracks into bigger ones that can become potholes without prompt repairs. Take note of any cracks at all – small, medium, large or alligator-sized! It will be important to have these repaired, filled or sealed as soon as possible to keep them from expanding and to maintain the asphalt’s strength and durability.

2. Pothole Repair

Holes, like cracks, are no good for your asphalt parking lots or roads. They won’t get any smaller or disappear without fixing, particularly if you have busy traffic in these areas. Notice any areas where the top asphalt layer has small holes, divots or spaces where water collects, as these will need to be fixed to prevent larger potholes from forming in the future. The smaller the hole, the cheaper and easier it is to repair than a big, gaping pothole. So, act quickly and schedule a consultation before they get any bigger.

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3. Smoothing Out Swelling or Depressions

A well-installed parking lot or roadway will be smooth, even and flat. It should provide a smooth, non-bumpy ride for anyone parking or driving through. Do a visual walk-around inspection to notice any puddles that indicate depressions or any swelling areas that may indicate an area where water infiltrated, froze and caused the pavement to swell (frost heaves). These areas are of particular concern for future cracks and potholes. Drainage may need to be inspected and improved. After walking through, try driving through areas and notice how well the pavement performs. Is it smooth or are there noticeable bumps and dips?

4. Notice any Dull Spots, Scrapes or Snow-Plow Damage?

After any big winter storm, we’re very grateful for the snow-removal crews that keep life and business going, even during bad weather. But even the best snow-removal crews can have mishaps. Be sure to note any areas with excessive snowplow scraping or debris. Keeping to your parking lots’ regular sealcoating schedule can help alleviate these issues, and patch repairs can also be made when necessary.

If you’re a property manager, don’t forget your annual post-winter parking lot and road inspections to make sure everything is safe and in good repair. And if you do find problems, the faster you get them fixed, the better. If you have any questions or concerns about any of your paved areas , just contact Espina Paving today to have one of our professional commercial paving experts come out and take a look: (703) 491-9100.

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Commercial and Municipal Paving Contractor Serving VA, MD, DC Since 1976

Jose Roubin

About the author

With Espina Paving being a family business, I have been exposed to the construction industry my whole life. I graduated college on a Friday, and was building roads on Monday. Having served many functions within the company, I am currently overseeing our day to day operations.

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