
If you do not invest in the proper parking lot repairs, you might as well end up spending money to fix parking lot pothole problems. Potholes in your parking lot are bound to weaken your structure, creating more frequent asphalt cracks. Not only do cracks in your pavement look unsightly, but they can also reduce the amount of usable parking spots in your garage. There is no need to feel down because the next time you are parked, there is a good chance that the crack will appear again.
However, it is never a bad idea to have your asphalt repaired if you feel it is necessary. You can hire the services of a professional company to get your asphalt repaired or you can do it yourself with a little care and guidance. To make things simple, let’s start with a list of all the possible causes of cracks in your asphalt. It may surprise you that cracks in your parking area can be caused by the following:
Severe windstorms – A powerful storm or gust of wind can really damage your asphalt pavement. This is especially true if you are in a low-lying area where winds are likely to occur. When this happens, the wind will take off your paver stones and cause the surface to crack. Make sure that your driveway is properly protected from such heavy rains.
Traffic – When you have several vehicles that are constantly on the road, it is not unusual for the surface to crack as a result of the added pressure. The cracks in your asphalt pavement can be caused by uneven traffic patterns, curbs, or even streetlights. If this is the case, it is best to call your local city planner or a paving contractor to have these issues fixed. He or she will be able to tell you how to make improvements to improve your traffic pattern.
Traffic flow – Some areas have high levels of traffic. This will result in people zipping through your area without hesitation. This can cause the surface to become unstable when it gets hot out. This will also create an opening for dirt and debris to accumulate in between the paving slabs.
Rain or snow – When the parking area gets soaked with rain or snow, the material can rot off the pavement faster than usual. This can create an opening for more dirt and debris. To enter and cause pothole problems.
Poor quality gravel or stones – There are many different types of gravel or stones in the market and not all of them work effectively when used on asphalt pavements. It is better to choose those that are specifically designed for use on a parking area as opposed to choosing one that has been used many times before.
Oil or gasoline – The most common thing that can cause asphalt pavement to crack is petroleum or gasoline. While these liquids can help seal the surface against water, they also can leave a residue that will cause potholes to form. You should therefore use a vehicle that does not run on petroleum or gasoline if you do not want to create pothole problems.
Cracks and dents – If a hole or dent in the pavement is allowed to continue to grow, this could cause a number of different problems. One such problem is that the surface might become damaged over time.
If the pavement is made from concrete, you may have to resurface the area. This can be done on your own or with the help of a local paving contractor. If you want to call in the professionals, you will be charged slightly more than a homeowner who is working on his or her own.
So when you are planning to call in the professionals for your parking lot repair, make sure you check out a few things first. These tips should help you make the right choice.