Hammond Port Authority
March 5, 2023
Commercial Parking Lot Maintenance: Asphalt Crack Sealing
May 16, 2023Maximizing the Lifespan of Your Asphalt: Expert Maintenance Tips and Techniques
Proper maintenance is essential to keep an asphalt surface in good condition and extend its lifespan. Here are some tips from Site Services for maintaining pavement:
Sealcoating: Keeping your paved lot in great condition
As your asphalt ages, it can become brittle, causing stones to come loose and cracks to form. Sealcoating helps to slow down this damage and strengthens the asphalt surface, reducing normal deterioration and extending the lifespan of your lot.
Sealcoating your new asphalt surface within a year to 18 months of paving can greatly extend its service life. However, it’s important to allow your new asphalt surface to cure for 90 days prior to applying sealer. Depending on the condition of the asphalt and the amount of traffic it receives, asphalt surfaces should be re-sealed every 2-3 years.
Cracksealing: Keep the water out of openings in your asphalt
To maintain your asphalt surface and slow down the cracking process, it’s recommended to get on a cracksealing schedule. A professional asphalt maintenance company can work with you to add a schedule to your maintenance plan. In general, it’s recommended to seal cracks every other year, and new cracks may develop each winter in Indiana, requiring additional filling.
Repair Potholes and “Alligatored” Sections
In some cases, your asphalt surface may have areas that are severely cracked, known as “shattered” or “alligatored” areas. At this point, the asphalt has lost its structural integrity, and if the area is isolated, it’s recommended to cut it out and patch as it’s likely to lead to potholes. However, if the whole parking lot is in this condition, it may be time for milling and resurfacing.
General Inspection: Looking for New Surface Problems
Re-striping: Appearance
Properly maintaining your asphalt pavement can help protect your investment, increase your property’s value, and prolong the lifespan of your parking lot. The team at Site Services would be happy to help you assess any damage and recommend the best course of action to ensure your pavement remains safe and functional.
