Most business parking lots and pavements have remained empty as COVID-19 has continued to ravage Orange County. However, the COVID-19 mass immunization rollout has brought a breath of fresh air in the county even as the number of hospital-grade COVID-19 cases continues to drop. 

Many business owners are expecting to reopen their businesses after months of closure or limited operations. The question on every business owner and manager's mind should be how ready their parking lot is for reopening to pedestrians and vehicle traffic. 

How Asphalt Repair Benefits Your Business

There is much more to parking lot maintenance than aesthetics. A well-maintained pavement communicates to your clients and customers that you care about their wellbeing, which can positively impact your business. 

On the other hand, a poorly maintained pavement can be hazardous to pedestrians and vehicles. In case a pedestrian trips and falls or a car is damaged as a result of faulty asphalt pavement, you could be looking at lawsuits for injuries and damages, which can be costly. 

This post highlights some of the signs to look out for when determining if your establishment's pavement or parking lot needs asphalt repair. 

1. Alligator Cracks

As the name implies, alligator cracks resemble the cracks on the skin of a reptile. They are also referred to as fatigue cracking and are usually shallow. They indicate a structural failure in your pavement's foundation that causes it to cave in and crack under pressure.

If you notice cracks developing on your pavement, the general rule is to apply a sealant to prevent further damage. However, the only sure way of correcting alligator cracks in the long-term is digging down and fixing the problems with the base. You will need to contract a reliable asphalt contractor to help you with the asphalt repair.

2. Potholes

Potholes result from the contraction and expansion of water that finds its way into the ground underneath the pavement. The contraction and expansion of the trapped moisture create weak spots on the asphalt's surface, causing it to chip under pressure, creating small potholes. 

When left in disrepair, potholes can become large and cause accidents that result in lawsuits. It would be best to fix potholes early before they cause problems. Enlist the services of a reliable asphalt contractor to have your pavement potholes fixed.

3. Pooling Water

Pooling water refers to puddles that can remain on your pavement for days. The primary cause is improper leveling during your asphalt cap installation. Puddles may appear harmless, but they can be destructive on your pavement. If the water seeps through a crack into the base of the pavement, it can potentially destabilize it, resulting in other pavement problems.

If you notice pooling on your establishment's pavement, have it sealed as soon as possible. Consulting a reputable asphalt contractor to determine the root cause can be a good idea. Your contractor may recommend raising the affected area with a layer of hot asphalt mix or digging it out to fix the underlying problem.

4. Faded Color

A faded color is usually an indicator that your pavement is getting old. Older pavements are more susceptible to damage because they are typically brittle. The brittleness results from extended exposure to direct sunlight and other natural elements such as rain and cold weather. In some cases, seal-coating can be enough to extend your asphalt pavement's lifespan. Or, your contractor could recommend replacing it altogether.

5. Crumbling Edges

If your parking lot is not protected on the edges by curbs or concrete gutters, you may notice signs of crumbling around the edges. When left in disrepair, the edges can break apart and creating debris hazardous to users that requires asphalt repair. Your asphalt repair contractor will need to remove the chipped edges and replace them afresh to restore crumbling edges. It is advisable to install curbs or concrete gutters on the edges to avoid future chipping.

6. Block Cracking

Block cracking is identifiable by large interconnected, mostly rectangular-shaped crack patterns. It is usually a result of asphalt shrinkage occasioned by temperature changes.  This cracking is not load-associated and is common in older asphalt pavements that are typically brittle. In new asphalt installations, block cracking indicates a poor binder choice or a problem with the asphalt manufacturing process. If the cracks are minor, a sealant would be ideal for asphalt repair. However, larger cracks that are more than half an inch across will require replacing the asphalt layer altogether.

7. Undermining

Sometimes installations underneath your parking lot, such as pipes, can crumble or crack under pressure, undermining the ground surface's stability above them. When the strength of the ground beneath your asphalt layer is compromised, it causes the pavement's surface to cave in under pressure, resulting in parking lot problems. To fix the undermining issues, your contractor will have to dig down to the problem area to fix it and then replace the damaged asphalt base.

8. Buckled Asphalt

Also known as wrapping, buckled asphalt is mainly a result of heavy vehicle use. Depending on your pavement's strength, it would be best to have a designated parking or driving area for heavy trucks to avoid further damage. Where the damage is minimal, touching-up with an extra asphalt layer to raise the sunken spot will do. However, extensive damage will require the complete replacement of your asphalt base in the affected area.

9. Sinkage

Sinkage occurs when the compacted stone base holding up your asphalt pavements begins to erode. It can be a result of improperly installed drainage systems and soil erosion. In many instances, sinkage indicates that your establishment's premises could be depositing water close to your pavement, compromising its base's integrity. Addressing your premises' drainage issues can be an excellent step towards addressing the problem. Once you have the draining problem resolved, you can have the affected spots repaired to eliminate pooling problems.

If your establishment is experiencing one or a combination of the signs mentioned above, you should consider having a reliable Orange County asphalt contractor help you assess the situation. Parking lot maintenance can make your establishment look appealing, which is good for business. Besides, it can save you money in legal costs from potential lawsuits for injuries and vehicle damage linked to your damaged pavement or parking lot. 

Are you considering repairing your asphalt pavement or parking lot in the southern California area? Empire Parking Services is your best option. Whether your pavement or parking lot is asphalt or concrete, we will fix it for you and exceed your expectations. Contact us at 714-633-0300 to have our asphalt division assist you with your next parking lot maintenance-related project.