As a property manager, your to-do list is never-ending. Parking lot maintenance may seem like an easy task to set aside, but a parking lot is not separate from your property; it should be viewed as the true 'front door' to your property. If tenants, customers or visitors are already complaining about the condition of your paved surfaces, you've already waited too long, but taking corrective action today can ensure your parking lot remains safe and welcoming.
While parking lot potholes are some of the more obvious problems, there are several other functional parking lot problems that can cost you significantly if they go ignored. In this article, we're highlighting 6 common parking lot problems you won't want to ignore as a property manager.
6 Pavement Problems Property Managers Shouldn't Ignore
1.) Compliance Violations
One of the most significant parking lot and commercial pavement issues is faded line stripping, missing handicap signage and unclear markings, which can result in ADA compliance violations. Compliance isn't an optional matter, and ignoring this critical problem can lead to expensive lawsuits.
Regular pavement maintenance and routine striping updates ensure that parking lots and parking ramps meet current federal and state compliance codes to help visitors safely navigate your paved area and keep your business protected from potential lawsuits.
2.) Faded Lines and Markings
Similarly to meeting ADA compliance is having clear parking lot line striping, walkways, directional arrows and loading zones. Poorly marked parking lots can lead to drivers intentionally or mistakenly ignoring lanes, driving through parking spaces or going the wrong way down aisles. This can all lead to poor traffic flow and major complications, such as fender benders or even pedestrian accidents, on your property.
Regularly evaluate the layout of your pavement to ensure the design is working for your space and business, and restripe when necessary to promote clear and safe traffic.
Learn more about The Importance Of Line Striping
3.) Standing Water
Depressions and low spots in your parking lot where water accumulates and sits after rain is another common pavement problem that should not be dismissed. Parking lot puddles may not seem like a big deal, but pooled water degrades the asphalt binder, leading to further damage and premature pavement failure.
In the wintertime (especially in Wisconsin and Minnesota), depressions with standing water freeze and can be a significant slipping hazard for pedestrians. Correcting low spots and potholes with infrared patching or leveling to correct the grading can correct this common issue.
Why Your Parking Lot Keeps Flooding
4.) Chemical and Oil Spills
Another pavement problem that seems so common it's easy to ignore is oil stains and chemical spills in your parking lot. With cars coming and going each and every day, this is unavoidable, but it's one that should be dealt with routinely. The dark, slick oil, gas and chemical spills left behind where vehicles park are not only an eyesore; they can literally dissolve the asphalt binder that holds the materials together and can lead to your smooth, solid surface crumbling into loose gravel.
Regular asphalt maintenance, including proper cleaning and regular sealcoating, helps to protect the surface and prevent premature damage from the elements and spills.
5.) Failing Catching Basins
Catch basins are designed to sit relatively flush with your pavement, and your parking lot should be sloped slightly so water flows towards the drain. Catch basins collect water and other dirt and debris and separate the two for proper disposal. Properly working and maintained catch basins are critical for proper water drainage in commercial parking lots, but they are susceptible to damage and should be inspected regularly.
If catch basins are not routinely cleaned out, it can prevent water from flowing, and when water pools in the area, it can damage the pavement around the area, causing deterioration of the surrounding asphalt. If excessive damage occurs, it can be necessary to adjust, repair and rebuild the catch basins before the surrounding asphalt collapses.
6.) Uneven Pavement and Potholes
Pavement rutting, unlevel transitions between parking lot and walking areas, potholes, deep depressions and crumbling asphalt are all serious issues that need to be repaired. These types of pavement issues create risks for pedestrian slips, trips, and falls, while potholes in parking lots also significantly contribute to vehicle damage, both of which are key concerns in property liability lawsuits.
Repairs to damaged and deteriorating asphalt pavement are essential to a safe commercial parking lot and protecting your business and property from costly parking lot reconstruction or legal fees.
How to Build a Multi-Year Asphalt Maintenance Plan
Keep Your Lot Safe and Your Property Looking Its Best
Not sure whether asphalt, concrete, or a combination of both is the best fit for your property? The pavement experts at Doctor Asphalt can evaluate your site, traffic patterns, and long-term maintenance goals to recommend the right solution.
From new parking lot installations to repairs and replacements, our professional team delivers cost-effective paving solutions designed for your business.
Reach out today to talk to one of our pavement experts, schedule an assessment of your pavement or get a free estimate.
Doctor Asphalt delivers high-quality asphalt paving and maintenance solutions designed for the unique demands of the local climate. With a strong reputation for reliability and expertise, we provide premium services that enhance the safety and longevity of commercial and residential properties. Serving Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Texas, with nationwide capabilities for multi-property clients, we ensure durable, professional results that keep your pavement in top condition.
