If you want your asphalt pavement to have a long, safe life without having to pay for multiple significant repairs, you should be proactive about a fall maintenance plan. Every experienced paving contractor knows that routine maintenance is the cornerstone of a pavement’s longevity. Furthermore, regular maintenance can help enhance the pavement’s aesthetics and safety.
How to Reduce Costs With a Fall Pavement Maintenance Plan
Why Is Fall a Good Time for Pavement Maintenance?
Even in areas with relatively mild winters, it is vital to make sure that your pavement is ready for the onset of cold weather. Many property owners expect to find their pavements unchanged by the winter weather, and they are shocked by the extent of damage that can occur between fall and spring. Unfortunately, many paving services cannot be conducted in cold weather, and the few procedures that can be performed will often provide only a temporary solution.
What Paving Services Should I Schedule for the Fall?
If there are piles of dead leaves, dirt, or other debris on your pavement, you need to have them removed before you call a reputable contractor to conduct an inspection. A thorough inspection can reveal the issues with your specific pavement that should be corrected before winter. However, the most common procedures are asphalt sealcoating, parking lot repair, and drainage corrections.
What Is the Purpose of Asphalt Sealcoating?
Although sealcoating enhances the appearance of asphalt pavements by giving them a smoother finish and refreshing their deep color, sealants are primarily protective measures. Sealcoating improves the natural waterproofing abilities of asphalt, blocks UV rays, and slows the penetration of oil and other chemicals that can damage your pavement. Sealcoating is a surprisingly economical treatment that can often double the life of an asphalt pavement. Because sealants must be applied under specific weather conditions, reputable sealcoating contractors will not attempt to apply a sealant when conditions are not within tolerances. One of the most critical weather conditions is the temperature. Most sealant manufacturers advise that the ground and air temperatures must be above 55 degrees throughout the application and for the next 24 hours. Furthermore, if you have your parking lot sealed, you will also need to restripe it, and this can add another layer of complexity to the project.
What Kind of Parking Lot Repair Is Needed in the Fall?
It is imperative to repair any pavement breaks that could fill with water, including cracks and potholes. Water expands when it freezes, and this expansion will worsen any existing damage. When the ice melts, gravity will pull the water deeper into the pavement; if it freezes again, more damage will be inflicted in the lower layers, including the base layers. Base repairs can be costly, so it is best to take whatever steps to avoid them. You might also want to consider installing an asphalt overlay in the fall if your pavement has extensive damage to its surface.
Why Do Drainage Issues Matter?
Proper drainage is important for several reasons. If water cannot flow freely into catch basins or drains, it can back up under the surrounding pavement’s edges and inflict damage. Water that pools on the surface of your pavement can also freeze, making the area a safety hazard.
The Surface Masters Can Help With Your Pavement Maintenance
We are an experienced, well-respected paving company specializing in parking lots for health care facilities, apartment complexes, HOAs, educational institutions, retailers, and other commercial properties. Our services include crack sealing, sealcoating, asphalt paving, pavement markings, asphalt overlay, asphalt repairs, and concrete work. We have built an exceptional reputation by consistently providing the highest quality work in a cost-effective, professional manner. For a free quote, call 770-250-6392 or complete the online form.
