When it comes to parking lot maintenance, cracks, potholes, and even tarnished striping are all serious problems that need to be addressed regularly. After all, a poorly maintained parking lot can create safety hazards, attract vandalism, and generally create a bad impression for nearly any kind of business or property.

If you own a business, there are many reasons why you should consider parking lot maintenance, and in this informative blog, we’ll discuss them all! Follow along as we dive into the most common reasons why you should consider getting your lot repaired so that you can rest easy knowing you’re doing everything you need to keep it in the best shape possible.

The Six Most Common Reasons for Parking Lot Repair

1. Potholes

Potholes are holes or depressions in a roadway caused by the deterioration of the pavement due to the effects of weather or traffic. They often form when water seeps into cracks in the pavement, freezes, and expands, pushing the pavement up and creating a void.

Wondering how paving companies fix potholes?

At Lone Star Paving (that’s us), we generally repair potholes by following the same straightforward process. First, we’ll clean the area and remove any debris. Then, we’ll fill it with a cold asphalt patch material, which is tamped down firmly and then covered with a layer of gravel. Finally, the area will then be sealed with an asphalt sealer to prevent further deterioration.

2. Cracks

Cracks can also form in parking lots over time. Usually caused by temperature changes, cracks can become larger and more dangerous if left unchecked. They can also create a tripping hazard for pedestrians, which could lead to liability issues.

At Lone Star Paving, we typically repair parking lot cracks with a crack sealant. First, we’ll clean and dry the crack, then apply a rubberized crack sealant, and use a blow torch or heater to ensure the sealant properly bonds to the asphalt. Finally, we’ll use a special squeegee or brush to spread the sealant and ensure that it is level with the asphalt.

Did you know there are different types of cracks that can be found in parking lots? That’s right. There are many different types of cracks (otherwise known as “pavement failures”) that should be repaired if you’re a parking lot owner. Here’s a quick guide to a few of them:

Slippage cracks form when the asphalt layers have not adhered correctly—typically shortly after your parking lot has been paved.
Joint reflection cracks occur when the joints are strained.
Edge cracks are common in driveways and parking lots, and are caused when there is insufficient drainage or heavy traffic.
Block cracks occur when the asphalt's binder cannot contract or expand to accommodate changes in temperature. This is especially common given Austin’s high summer heat.
Alligator cracks—which look like alligator skin—are the last thing you want for your parking lot, and can occur for a wide variety of reasons including ground movement, erosion, thin pavement, poor sub-grade quality, or exceeding the weight limits of your parking lot.

3. Oil Spills

Oil spills are a common reason to consider parking lot repair, as oil spills can easily cause vehicles to lose traction and slip and slide, creating a dangerous situation. Additionally, oil spills can attract dirt and debris which can further damage your lot.

If you schedule a parking lot repair with a local paving contractor, they’ll typically clean up the oil spill by removing the spilled oil, typically with an absorbent material like sawdust, clay, cat litter, or sand. They’ll then clean the area with a pressure washer, repair any damaged surfaces (such as by filling in any cracks or holes) and seal the surface with a sealant to prevent further damage.

4. Poor Drainage

Many asphalt problems are caused by moisture and other sources of water lingering on your lot, causing damage. That’s why poor drainage is another common problem that needs to be addressed, as it can quickly lead to flooding, potholes, and other issues that can degrade your lot. Proper drainage vents or pipes can give the water somewhere to move, so it doesn’t linger on your lot and create issues.

5. Broken Joints

Poorly constructed joints are a common problem that can quickly degrade the quality of your lot if not addressed, as alligator cracks and potholes can develop as a result. Sealing may be able to restore the strength of the joints provided they haven’t been under much strain for long.

At Lone Star, we typically repair broken joints in parking lots by grinding out the broken section of the joint, cleaning the area, and then filling in the joint with a hot asphalt patching compound. The patching compound is then leveled, tamped, and sealed with a hot asphalt sealer—which helps to ensure the sealant bonds properly and the joint is secure.

6. Faded Paint

Faded paint can make the parking lot look unprofessional and run down—and make it difficult to navigate while driving. That’s why parking lot restriping—the process of repainting lines and symbols on a parking lot surface—is important, for many more reasons than one.

Restriping not only helps ensure that traffic moves through the lot in an organized and safe manner but keeps people from accidentally parking in a restricted area. It also helps to clearly mark off handicapped parking spaces, fire lanes, and other designated areas—ensuring that your lot is ADA compliant.

Schedule Your Parking Lot Repair in Austin Today!

As this post has pointed out, there are a wide variety of things that need to be addressed to keep your parking lot in good condition. If you need to repair any one of them, give us a call today!

At Lone Star Paving, our team of professional paving contractors have the experience and expertise to tackle any job and make sure it’s done right the first time. We also offer competitive rates and fast turnaround times, so you can rest assured that your parking lot is in good hands.