Parking Lot Resurfacing – A Cost-Effective Alternative to Replacing Your Lot

Over time, resurfacing your parking lot can restore its look and make it safer for guests to park there. However, if your blacktop is severely damaged, you may need to consider replacing it instead.

Resurfacing is effective for various issues, including cracks and surface distortion. It also includes redrawing parking lines and markings. Visit https://www.pavementsolutionstx.com/ to learn more.

A parking lot is subject to daily wear and tear from vehicle traffic, heavy machinery and the local weather. This constant stress can cause the surface to deteriorate and lose its shine over time. Parking lot resurfacing involves adding a layer of new asphalt over the existing surface to restore its appearance and protect the infrastructure beneath it. Resurfacing is a cost-effective option to improve the condition of your lot without having to replace it entirely and can extend its lifespan by 8-15 years.

Before resurfacing your parking lot, it is important to repair any cracks or holes in the current surface. This will prevent further damage to the structure and ensure that the resurfacing material adheres well afterward. In addition, filling potholes and leveling uneven areas will improve safety for pedestrians and vehicles. If the parking lot is too damaged for resurfacing, it may require complete replacement instead.

Cracks in the pavement are the most common sign of aging and should be repaired as soon as possible to prevent further deterioration and costly repairs. Cracks that are left untreated will widen, creating ruts that are dangerous for drivers and damaging to the structure. A cracked lot also looks unsightly and can decrease curb appeal. A professional can use crack filler to repair small to medium-sized cracks in your parking lot and extend its lifespan.

Pooling water is another common issue that should be addressed immediately to prevent further deterioration and expensive repairs. This puddle of moisture erodes the aggregate underneath, causing weak spots that spread quickly. This can lead to collapsed edges and a crumbling surface that is both unsightly and unsafe for drivers and pedestrians.

If the surface of your parking lot is light grey or appears faded, this is a sign of oxidation. It is caused when the bitumen in the asphalt evaporates due to sunlight exposure, leaving the surface dry and brittle. A professional can use an infrared asphalt heater to reform the surface and restore its black color and protective layer.

Experience and specialization play a key role when selecting a contractor for your parking lot resurfacing project. A reputable company will have a proven track record of successful projects. Their experts will have a thorough understanding of the materials and techniques needed for this type of project, and they will be up-to-date on the latest advancements in the industry.

Filling Potholes

When the asphalt surface of a parking lot is full of potholes, it can be a serious safety issue. These holes cause vehicle tires to lose traction and are a common source of injury for pedestrians as well. This is why addressing these issues quickly is essential. If left unattended, a pothole can grow in size and depth, leading to expensive repairs.

If a pothole is large enough to require full-depth repair, the first step is to remove any debris or dirt that could hinder the adhesion of patching materials. Once this is complete, the hole can be filled with either a hot mix or cold patch. The best option is a hot patch as this will last longer than a cold mix and will be more durable. However, this requires a special piece of equipment that is typically only available to professional paving companies as it involves heating the patching material to a temperature that will give the finished product a long life.

For small cracks and potholes, a tack coat is applied to ensure that the new layer adheres correctly to the existing surface. After this, small aggregates and sand are laid to provide strength and stability to the final layer of asphalt. Once this is completed, the surface is smoothed out by a roller truck.

Lastly, any structures such as wheel chair ramps, concrete speed bumps, and utility company lines are removed from the area to be resurfaced. This gives the contractor a blank canvas to work with and ensures that the resurfacing will be aesthetically pleasing as well as functional.

It is important to note that resurfacing and milling are different from replacing an entire parking lot. While resurfacing is a cost-effective option, there are times when a lot needs to be replaced entirely. This is usually when surface cracks are a problem throughout the lot and need to be addressed at a deeper level, or when depressions, such as ruts, develop from poor compaction of the base layers or moisture damage. When these problems are present, complete resurfacing will be necessary to ensure the lot is safe for customers and visitors and that it looks clean and professional.

Leveling Uneven Areas

Aside from being unattractive, uneven parking lot surfaces can create tripping and slip-and-fall hazards for pedestrians. This is especially true for senior citizens who may be less aware of changes in elevation and can suffer serious injuries. Leveling these areas is one of the key purposes of a good parking lot resurfacing project.

Over time, pressure from vehicles and weather can cause asphalt to warp and create uneven surfaces. Resurfacing the parking lot restores these surfaces to their original condition and helps keep pedestrians safe.

Depending on the type of pavement used, the resurfacing process can be accomplished using asphalt or concrete. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages, so this decision is often made based on a parking lot’s location, maintenance requirements, and expected lifespan.

The resurfacing process begins with applying an adhesive layer, called a tack coat, to the surface. This layer helps to bind the new surface to the existing pavement, making it much more durable. Then, large rollers can begin to lay down the new asphalt layer. It is important that the new surface be laid evenly, and this requires a great deal of skill and precision.

Once the resurfacing is complete, it is vital that the surface is kept moist for 24 to 48 hours to ensure that it will stay strong and stable over time. After this period, the resurfaced surface can be allowed to handle foot traffic, but it should not be subjected to vehicle use until at least a day has passed.

Over time, exposure to sunlight and rain can cause the striping in your parking lot to fade, creating a safety hazard for pedestrians. Redrawing these markings is another aspect of a quality parking lot resurfacing project.

A regular inspection and maintenance program is the best way to prevent issues in your parking lot before they become a major problem. This will allow you to make timely repairs and help to reduce the cost of maintenance over time.

Preparing the Surface

Resurfacing involves applying a layer of new asphalt on top of the existing lot surface. It helps improve the appearance of the parking lot, and it also helps extend its lifespan by masking the existing layers that are beginning to deteriorate. During resurfacing, cracks, potholes, and uneven areas are filled and leveled before a new layer of blacktop is laid. Once the repairs and milling process are complete, a roller truck smoothes out the newly-applied asphalt.

Aside from regular inspections, proactive maintenance like crack sealing and drainage improvements help to prevent damage to the underlying pavement and keep it looking its best for longer. However, if your lot is showing signs of significant wear and tear, it’s important to contact professional asphalt services as soon as possible. This way, they can repair any issues before they become worse and save you the cost of full repaving in the future.

In addition to the steps mentioned above, resurfacing projects typically include additional work such as removing and replacing any damaged or loose debris from the lot, and filling holes or gaps in the foundation. If the underlying pavement is in very poor condition, it may require additional milling to even out rough patches or uneven surfaces.

Once the surface preparation is done, the next step is to pour and spread the resurfacing material evenly over the concrete lot. The resurfacer is then used to create a non-slip, attractive texture that’s safe for vehicles and pedestrians alike. It is important to note that the quality of the resurfacing materials and how well they are applied will play a large role in the durability and aesthetics of the finished product.

Resurfacing a parking lot is a time-consuming project that requires extensive use of heavy equipment. It’s therefore critical to plan the project thoroughly in advance. Efficient project management practices include establishing clear timelines, obtaining all necessary permits, and coordinating with stakeholders to ensure that the project runs smoothly.

The right asphalt services can restore your parking lot to its former glory and add value to your property. Contact us today to discuss your options for resurfacing your commercial or residential parking lot.