The lifespan of parking lot pavement depends on a variety of factors. This includes how well and how frequently it is maintained, weather conditions, and the amount of traffic in the parking lot.
While properly paved parking lots last about 20-30 years, it is important to be able to recognize when it should be repaved. If the parking lot experiences heavy traffic or is subject to harsh weather conditions, you should conduct routine maintenance to make your pavement last.
What to look for:
- Potholes
Potholes are depressions in the surface of your pavement and can be any size, However, large potholes can cause vehicle damage or personal injury to someone walking through the parking lot. In Rhode Island specifically, potholes are most commonly found in late winter and early spring.
- Cracks
Cracked pavement can be a result of aging, water damage, or poor paving jobs. These cracks open the door for even more water damage within your parking lot and should be repaired in a timely manner.
- Rutting
Rutting occurs when vehicle traffic occurs in the same area over and over again, wearing away at the pavement beneath it. Here, the pavement turns into a deformed path.
- Raveling
Raveling is when pavement loosens and begins to move around. High traffic in these areas will result in an increased amount of movement and loose pavement.
Bottom Line
The most common signs of pavement damage are potholes, cracks, rutting, and raveling. Knowing what to look for in your pavement will help you determine next steps to restoring or re-paving your parking lot.
It is important to monitor your parking lot for any signs of damage in order to maintain the appearance and functionality of your property and to ensure the safety of the people and vehicles in the lot. For more information on asphalt paving or to request a free quote, visit https://www.jperrypaving.com/.