As the leaves fall, the temperature drops and the days grow shorter, it’s time for parking lot owners to start thinking about their autumn maintenance routine. Your pavement surface needs extra care and attention in the fall months to make sure that it is strong and sustainable enough to withstand the harsh winter conditions. To help you prepare for the cooler months, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of autumn maintenance tips to protect your pavement. Read on to learn more!
1. Watch for standing water
Standing water is one of the most significant problems that parking lot owners face during the autumn months. As the leaves fall, they can clog up storm drains and block water runoff, leading to large pools of water puddling on your pavement. Standing water can weaken your pavement’s foundation, creating cracks and potholes, which are both costly to repair. Regularly check your parking lot for standing water and promptly remove or address it.
2. Clean it up
An accumulation of fallen leaves, branches, dirt and debris can clog your parking lot’s drainage systems and cause even more damage to your pavement. That’s why it’s important to sweep your parking lot regularly with a high-powered blower. It’s equally crucial to clear your lot from other debris, like loose rocks and gravel. Regular cleaning can help prolong the lifespan of your pavement.
3. Address oil and chemical spills
Oil and chemical spills are more likely to happen during the autumn months as more vehicles are on the roads. These spills can cause serious damage to the pavement, leading to cracks and potholes. Promptly address these spills by cleaning up the area as quickly as possible. Consider keeping an oil spill kit on-site, and if you can’t clean it yourself, call in professional help.
4. Fix pavement damage ahead of cooler months
If you have any existing pavement damage, now is the time to fix it. The cooler months are likely to worsen any existing damage. Potholes can form from the constant temperature changes, and cracks become more significant in colder temperatures. Investing in these repairs now can help you save money in the long run.
5. Seal cracks and fix potholes
Seal any cracks and fissures in your pavement before winter hits. It may seem like a small issue, but left unattended, these small damages will become larger as colder months roll in.
6. Sealcoat before winter months arrive
If you haven’t sealed your pavement yet, it’s crucial to do so before the colder months arrive. By applying a sealcoat, you can extend your pavement’s lifespan, protect it from UV rays and prevent water from penetrating the surface. Late summer and early autumn are the ideal times to apply the coat, providing ample time for curing.
7. Have pavement professionally inspected for damage and water penetration
Your parking lot pavement may have dozens of issues you can’t see. Damages can include anything from cracks to surface defects. This is where a professional inspection comes in handy. The pros have experience identifying issues you might have never noticed. Experienced professionals can prevent minor issues from snowballing into significant structural damage.
Through adopting a routine of autumn maintenance for your pavement, you can prolong the life of your lot or paved area and reduce risks of accidents. Fall cleaning, fixing existing damages, sealing your surface and having your pavement inspected for damage and cracks are all straightforward, easy steps to take. However, investing in your pavement is time-consuming and requires cooperation and a manageable budget. If you need help with this, rely on the experts at Weaver Construction. With experience dating back decades, we can make your parking lot look brand new and be ready for the winter months. Remember, staying on top of your pavement maintenance will ultimately save you time and money, and it all starts with seasonal maintenance.
