There are nearly 35.7 million vehicles registered in Canada as of 2019.
Consider how many cars drive in and out of your business's parking lot daily.
How is the state of your parking lot? Is it filled with cracks or other signs of damage? A poorly maintained parking lot can reflect negatively on your place of business.
To learn more, check out this article about how often to pave a parking lot.
When to Pave a Parking Lot
Generally, an asphalt parking lot will last about 20 years. However, the answer also depends on how well you maintain the parking lot and other conditions.
For instance, the harsh winter weather in Ottawa will take its toll on a parking lot. The average snowfall in Ottawa is 44 centimetres for December, 39 cm in January, and 47 cm in February.
Here are some common signs that you may need to repair or pave your parking lot.
Cracks
Cracks will form over time on a parking lot from the weight of vehicles, extreme weather conditions like snow and rain, and other wear and tear. You should seal cracks before they get worse.
If you don't seal cracks, water and other elements can seep through the cracks and cause them to get bigger.
However, widespread webs of cracking may need more extensive repair like a new asphalt pavement.
Potholes
Cracks in a parking lot can lead to potholes. When water gets in the cracks and freezes, it expands the cracks and wears away at the asphalt, resulting in a pothole.
Potholes are not only annoying, they can be dangerous. They can cause car damage and tire damage.
If your business's parking lot has potholes, you'll want to get a professional paving company to repair those potholes right away.
Warped Asphalt
Another sign you need to pave your parking lot is if the asphalt is warped. Warping occurs from the stress of heavy vehicles.
Warping makes the parking lot look wavy and uneven. Warping may also indicate that there are problems with the parking lot base.
Fading and Discolouration
Your parking lot's appearance might also need an update if you notice the parking lines are faded and hard to see. You want customers to clearly see where the parking lines are.
The asphalt might also look faded or discoloured from the sun. You might also notice discolouration from chemical stains. These stains can damage the surface of the asphalt.
Contact the Pros for Parking Lot Paving
By addressing any of the above issues, you can extend the life of your parking lot. However, if your parking lot asphalt is 20 years or older, or if it's experiencing significant damage, it might be time for new paving.
You can contact a professional paving company to assess the state of your parking lot.
For your commercial parking lot services in Ottawa, contact Alvi Paving Ltd. We provide commercial services including parking lot construction, repair, expansion, line painting, and more. Contact us today for a free estimate.