Colder weather is upon us so it’s time to make sure your asphalt parking lot is properly maintained. Cooper Paving, providers of commercial paving in Annapolis, MD, highlights some parking lot maintenance tips for this winter.

Keep it Clean

On smooth surfaces like concrete and asphalt, you want to make sure they’re clear of any debris. Wet leaves and excessive rainwater pooling can become big hazards once the weather dips below freezing. This leaves you and your company vulnerable to a personal injury lawsuit if a customer were to get hurt in your parking lot.

While you’re clearing up debris, take a hard look at the texture of your lot, too. Is the material super smooth or does it have some good grit and texture to it? A perfectly smooth lot may look good, but can be more dangerous. Consider paving over the lot with a rougher asphalt that has some more texture to it.

Thoroughly Inspect and Repair Any Damage

Before the weather gets too cold, do a thorough inspection of the lot to see if there’s any serious damage. It’s important to make sure that parking lines and markers are clear and easily seen by drivers. It’s also crucial to take a look and make sure there are no large cracks or potholes that are going to be a hazard to both cars and pedestrians.

While you may not think small cracks are a big deal, they let water in, which leads to bigger cracks and potholes forming. If you notice a lot of cracks, reach out and get the cracks filled. This can prevent further money from being spent when they become potholes. Sealcoating is another good option before winter. It helps to protect the asphalt from extreme weather and salt used to de-ice.

Keep Up With Upkeep

At least every 2-3 years you should expect to perform some kind of repair or sealcoating to keep your lot in the best shape possible. If your lot has been installed properly, these small repairs are what help your asphalt lot to last for 20 years or more. It’s a lot easier to do minor repairs and upkeep than it is to completely resurface your parking lot.

Getting Commercial Paving in Annapolis, Maryland

Make sure your parking lot is free of hazards and ready to take on the winter. Call us or contact us online!