Have you recently invested in paving your business’s parking lot? If so, there’s nothing quite as nice to look at – or drive over – like a freshly paved surface. Newly laid asphalt looks amazing and can help give your business an upscale, modern, and fresh look.
However, if you want to keep that freshly paved look, you must invest in proper maintenance. Doing this means that the surface will likely last for 15 to 30 years or more.
It’s clear that asphalt is one of the most reliable and valuable paving materials available today. Use the tips below to ensure it remains looking great.
Give the Surface Time to Cure
You can begin driving on an asphalt surface as soon as it is dry. This usually takes about 24 hours after it is put in place.
While this is true, the surface won’t reach its maximum resistance to damage or strength until it has completely cured. This process takes approximately one year.
Even though the surface is functional while it is curing, it’s a good idea to take some precautions to avoid extensive use and abuse. This is going to pay off in the long run.
For the initial 12 months after having your new asphalt parking lot poured, be sure to do the following:
- Monitor and restrict the weight of vehicles using it
- Make sure excessive vehicles aren’t parked on the surface at the same time
- Request that drives slow down and drive sensibly
Clean Up Fuel and Oil Spills Right Away
There aren’t too many things that can cause serious harm to your asphalt surface. However, if a fuel or oil spill occurs and is not cleaned up immediately, it may cause irreparable damage.
Gasoline and oil break down the chemicals that hold asphalt together. The worst part of this is that this happens quickly and weakens the structure of your newly paved surface. As the asphalt surface is penetrated, it causes raveling and other issues.
As time passes, major problems will arise, and extensive repairs will be needed. Handling issues as they occur can prevent this.
Slow Down
Speed is another natural enemy of asphalt. This is especially true for freshly laid asphalt.
Make sure you drive over a newly paved surface slowly and install signs asking other users to do the same. This is going to help you avoid scarring or scuffing the asphalt. When you move slowly, you can prevent damage from occurring.
Remove Ice and Snow
Asphalt does not do well with water while it is curing. That’s mainly due to the porous surface.
In the winter, the pores in asphalt can allow water to move in. If water gets into these pores and freezes, it will expand, building up pressure under the surface. As time passes, this causes potholes and cracks to form. Removing snow and ice can help prevent this issue.
Call the Professionals for Help
If you want to ensure your asphalt surface continues looking amazing for years to come, be sure you invest in proper maintenance. If you can’t handle the maintenance yourself, consider hiring professionals.