Asphalt is a top choice for many commercial parking lots as it is long-lasting and durable. However, wear and tear still happen over time. In an area like Indiana, where the weather is constantly changing, the colder months can wreak havoc on even the most well-kept lots. We have put together a step-by-step plan for how small business owners can repair their asphalt parking lot this spring, if needed.
Cleaning
If you notice your lot has cracks and holes when the snow starts to melt that might be a nuisance to your customers or even damage their vehicles, it is possible for you to do some minor maintenance yourself. Start by cleaning the asphalt, removing dirt and debris from the surface. Grab a broom as your first line of defense, brushing away everything you gather. It is best to use a broom that has stiff bristles to get inside any cracks that have developed.
To get a more in-depth cleaning, you may want to use a pressure washer. If you opt for a pressure wash, you can apply laundry detergent or pressure washing detergent to the pavement prior to using the hose. This will help remove stains and further loosen any dirt that has gathered. Move the pressure washer toward one direction only to get the best results and avoid spreading the debris around more.
Fill Cracks and Holes
Once you have thoroughly washed the area, begin patching the cracks and holes. You will need to gather a propane torch and asphalt patching material from your local hardware store before getting started. Once you have everything you need, wait for a sunny day with clear weather and no rain.
You can then apply the patching material to the holes and cracks you want to repair. You will need to melt it with a blowtorch to fill in the cracks well. You can also use a hammer to drive the material further down into the surface of the asphalt. Heat the section and repeat this process until the patched area is level with the other parts of the parking lot. If you notice small cracks in the asphalt, you may want to widen them a bit before performing repairs, as it can be challenging to fill hairline fractures.
Apply Sealcoat
Applying a sealcoat is important because it provides an extra layer of protection to your asphalt parking lot. Not only does it prevent cracks and holes, but it can also prevent stains from salt and grease. With the safety of your customers and their vehicles in mind, sealcoating is a smart idea.
Again, the first step is buying the materials and waiting for a day with clear weather. You might also want to trim the grass and shrubs near the edge of your lot so that it does not get coated in the sealant. It is important that you take this third step on a day when the temperatures are warmer. The ideal conditions for sealcoating are between 50- and 85-degrees Fahrenheit to promote proper curing.
Once you are ready to begin, pour the sealer on the parking lot, moving from one side to the other. You will want to pour a strip that is about 6 inches thick. Take a broom and spread the material in a thin layer, covering the entire area. Then begin again with another 6-inch strip until the entire lot is covered. If needed, you can add more of the sealant to certain areas to cover everything. Do this quickly to ensure that all the strips are blended in an even layer. The sealcoat will work best if you apply two thin layers rather than one thick layer, so be sure to keep this in mind.
Fix It Yourself
Repairing asphalt parking lots isn’t too challenging once you know what to do. If you take your time cleaning, filling cracks, and applying the sealcoat, you will have your lot looking good as new and ready for your customers to navigate quickly and easily. The more you take care of your parking lot throughout the year, the better chance you have of preventing larger issues from arising.
If you need help with your repairs or have a large-scale issue to take care of, give Sipes Asphalt and Concrete a call! The Sipes Asphalt and Concrete team is made up of licensed, bonded, and insured specialists skilled at completing commercial paving, asphalt repair , sealcoating, crack filling, pavement striping, and road base projects for businessowners throughout the Central Indiana area.
