Business owners are often looking for ways to save money so they can maximize their profits. This might mean cutting costs in certain departments. So it is no surprise that many consider repairs instead of relaying the parking lot when they notice issues such as cracks or holes. But is this a good idea? Should the parking lot be repaired or replaced?
Are Repairs a Good Idea?
According to the folk at Parking Lot Pros, there may be times when parking lot repairs are a good idea. For example, small cracks or holes can be easily repaired and be enough to have the lot looking good again. If repair work is minor then it makes sense to choose this option, especially in terms of cost and convenience. After all, it can be very disruptive to replace an entire parking lot. However, sometimes it is necessary.
When a Full Replacement Makes Sense
If the parking lot is in a bad state, repairs, and patching may not be a good idea. In fact, you might spend time and money having repair work done only to find that the issues return very quickly. Sometimes, repairs just aren’t enough.
A parking lot that was laid more than 20 years ago will be reaching the end of its useful lifespan anyway, so repair work would likely not prove very cost-effective. Remember, asphalt parking lots in particular are usually only expected to last for 20-25 years. During this time, they will have been exposed to UV light, wear and tear, and quite a bit of water, so it is natural to see issues such as cracking and potholes. Patching up these problems probably won’t lengthen the life of the parking lot.
If the parking lot is full of large cracks, then it could be that it was not installed correctly in the first place, and settling underneath has caused it to weaken and lose its integrity. Over time, heavy traffic could have led to shifts in the asphalt, causing cracks.
Cracks are also caused by liquid penetration of the asphalt. If you never had the parking lot seal coated, it is likely that water and chemicals have seeped into it and caused damage. Cracks commonly appear during and after the winter because the water that has seeped into the asphalt has frozen and expanded.
How to Look After Your Parking Lot
If you do need to have the parking lot fully replaced, you can take steps to make sure that it lasts for a long time. For starters, ensure that you hire a reputable company to do the installation. Poor installation of a parking lot can affect its longevity.
Now might also be the time to think about redesigning the parking lot, particularly if drainage issues were to blame for the deterioration of the lot in the first place.
When the lot has been resurfaced, wait the recommended time before having it seal coated. Seal coating helps to protect materials such as asphalt and concrete and can prevent problems like cracks. It is worth noting that seal coating should be reapplied every two to three years to maximize the life of the parking lot.
Conclusion
While it may be cheaper to repair a parking lot than have it replaced, it may not make sense to do so. If your parking lot is quite old or if it has extensive cracks and damage, a full replacement may be necessary. If you do get your parking lot replaced, be sure to take care of it as this will prolong its life.
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