Asphalt is one of the most versatile materials when it comes to modern road, driveway, and parking lot construction. According to Kiddle, about 85% of asphalt that's used is used for roads. A lot of the remaining asphalt is used for parking lots and driveways. If you're not sure if it's time to invest in parking lot paving, look for these eight warning signs.
1. Cracks
Cracks are a common problem with asphalt, but they might not seem like a big deal. Most people don't worry when they see a few small cracks in an asphalt driveway or parking lot, but those minor cracks can eventually grow and cause serious damage. If you hired an asphalt paving company recently and your asphalt is starting to crack, it may be time to have it repaired and sealed.
2. Warping
From parking lots to driveways, paved surfaces should be mostly level with a slight grade for drainage. Unfortunately, asphalt parking lots and driveways can start to warp over time, which leads to uneven spots in your parking lot or driveway. These uneven spots can make for a rough ride and poor drainage, but a bit of warping isn't typically a big deal. If your asphalt parking lot or driveway is starting to warp, have a parking lot paving company check it out.
3. Potholes
Potholes are a common problem with any paved surface, but the last thing you want is a parking lot or driveway filled with hazardous potholes. Hiring a parking lot paving company is a good way to avoid potholes, but you may need to call back for repairs if you notice potholes forming after you invest in brand-new asphalt. Make sure you fix potholes as soon as possible to avoid damaging your vehicle.
4. Standing Water
All paved surfaces are installed with a minor slope, which helps encourage drainage to prevent water damage. If your asphalt parking lot or driveway isn't draining properly and you notice pools of standing water, you might need to have it repaved to make sure you have enough of a slope to prevent flooding and water damage.
5. Crumbling
Asphalt usually lasts a long time, but it depends on the amount of traffic. If you have a busy parking lot or driveway, it can start to degrade in a matter of years. You might notice the asphalt starting to crumble, which might not seem like a big deal when it's only affecting the edge of the surface. Over time, the rest of your asphalt driveway or parking lot can start to crumble away, which is a definite sign that you need to hire a parking lot paving company.
6. Lack of Maintenance
Like many things, your asphalt parking lot lasts a lot longer if you take good care of it. Having your parking lot inspected and seal-coated on a regular basis can help you avoid expensive damage that may even lead to you having to repave. You can extend the life of asphalt surfaces by keeping them clean, but you should also hire a parking lot paving company to seal-coat your asphalt parking lot every couple of years. If proper maintenance hasn't been scheduled in a long time, it probably makes more sense to replace the parking lot.
7. A Noisy Ride
Everyone loves the almost-silent sound of driving on new asphalt, but that sound doesn't last forever. When you notice a significant change in ride quality on your asphalt parking lot or driveway, it may be time to hire a parking lot paving company. You shouldn't expect a complete lack of noise from asphalt surfaces, but they shouldn't be especially noisy or bumpy either.
8. Age
At a certain point, it's a good idea to repave asphalt surfaces simply because of their age. As a rule of thumb, asphalt usually lasts anywhere from 10 to 20 years, according to The Spruce. Keep in mind that this estimated lifespan can vary quite a bit depending on traffic, weather, and other factors. If your asphalt parking lot is decades old, it's probably time to have it replaced.
Asphalt is one of the most popular choices when it comes to parking lots and driveways, and there's a good reason for that. Asphalt looks and feels great as long as you take care of it. Are you looking for a parking lot paving company to refresh your asphalt parking lot? Contact A-One Asphalt Paving to get a quote today.
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