If you’re responsible for maintaining your property’s parking lots and pavement, drainage issues might be costing you more than you realize. Even small puddles that linger or improper runoff can lead to cracks, potholes, and worse, premature asphalt failure. This all results in what could have been routine repairs turning into expensive projects.
In this article, the asphalt experts at Doctor Asphalt share need-to-know insights so you can understand how water impacts asphalt and take proactive steps to protect your investment, extend the life of your pavement, and avoid costly surprises down the line.
Key Takeaways:
Poor Drainage Impact:
Standing water accelerates asphalt damage, which increases repair costs.
Common Signs:
Look for standing water, puddles, cracks and potholes to identify drainage issues.
Causes of Issues:
Low spots, clogged drains, and poor grading can lead to drainage problems.
Cost Implications:
Higher costs due to frequent repairs and shortened asphalt lifespan caused by drainage issues.
Regular Inspections and Preventive Measures:
Commercial lots require regular inspections and routine maintenance to ensure proper drainage and avoid costly repairs.
How Do Drainage Issues Increase Asphalt Repair Costs?
Poor drainage is one of the biggest hidden factors that can drive up asphalt repair costs. Standing water and improper runoff are some of the main culprits for accelerated cracking, potholes, and even pavement failure, all of which lead to more frequent repairs and significantly higher expenses.
Why Proper Drainage Matters for Asphalt Longevity
Believe it or not, water is the number one enemy of asphalt. Standing water, in particular, can cause significant deterioration over time. This is why proper drainage is essential for the longevity of your parking lots and other pavement investments.
How important is proper drainage for asphalt longevity? Asphalt Magazine puts it best: “The three most important details to look at when designing a pavement to last: drainage, drainage and drainage. Adequate drainage of the pavement structure is considered to be the most important element in ensuring long-term pavement performance.”
Source: Asphalt Magazine
Common Drainage Issues That Damage Asphalt
So, what are the potential issues that are causing the drainage issues anyway? There are a handful that could be the culprit, but if you're dealing with standing water in your commercial parking lot, chances are you have one or multiple of these to blame.
Some of the most common drainage issues we see include:
- Low spots or depressions
- Clogged or improperly placed drains
- Poor slope or grading
- Erosion around and under pavement
Find out more about Why Your Parking Lot Keeps Flooding
How Drainage Problems Increase Repair Costs
Drainage issues don’t just wear down asphalt—they accelerate the damage, forcing repairs far sooner than expected. Different types of drainage issues lead to different types of repairs, and each comes with its own price tag.
Here’s a quick breakdown of how common drainage problems translate into added costs:
| Drainage Problem | Resulting Damage | Repair Needed | Cost Impact |
|
Standing water |
Surface cracks and potholes |
Patching, or mill & overlay |
More frequent and recurring repair costs |
|
Poor grading |
Water pooling in low spots |
Correction to grading and resurfacing |
High upfront costs, prevents repeat repairs |
|
Clogged or broken drains |
Water infiltration causing damage to base layers |
Base repair or repaving |
One of the most expensive types of repair |
|
Failed edge drainage |
Crumling edges |
Edge mill & patch |
Moderate costs that increase if drainage is not fixed first |
|
Freeze-thaw water |
Widespread cracking |
Full-depth crack repair |
Major cost if left untreated |
As you can see, most drainage-related issues compound over time, meaning the longer water stays where it shouldn’t, the more extensive and expensive the repairs become.
Plan Preventive Measures to Avoid Costly Repairs
One of the best things you can do to avoid costly repairs and ensure that your pavement investment has proper drainage is to make a preventive maintenance plan. Getting regular inspections and maintenance recommendations from a reliable and professional pavement contractor that specializes in commercial properties can provide recommendations for long-term planning. Their regular inspections and ongoing maintenance plan recommendations will help ensure that you have proper drainage and that your pavement receives the ongoing longevity solutions like crack filling, sealing and repairs that it needs to last.
Related: How to Budget For Asphalt Maintenance For Your Facility
Frequently Asked Questions About Pavement Drainage
How do I know if my asphalt has drainage problems?
The sure tell sign that your asphalt has drainage problems is seeing puddles and standing water after rainfall. This indicates that water is not flowing properly. Other signs include damage from poor drainage, such as potholes, raveling and ruts, and grooves in your pavement.
Can small drainage fixes prevent major repairs?
Yes, fixing drainage issues can help prevent the need for more extensive pavement repairs or replacement.
How often should commercial parking lots be inspected?
You should have your commercial parking lot inspected twice a year which includes evaluating for proper drainage. Best practice is to have a pavement professional assess your paved surface in the spring and the fall.
How Doctor Asphalt Helps Manage Drainage-Related Asphalt Repairs
Doctor Asphalt is your go-to full-service paving contractor for maintaining proper drainage in your parking lot. Our team is committed to delivering tailored solutions that keep your paved surfaces in impeccable condition. Our pavement pros will perform a thorough site evaluation and make recommendations to ensure effective water management to protect your asphalt from potential damage.
We not only specialize in installing and upgrading essential drainage systems to protect your pavement, we also offer proactive maintenance plans to help you catch and correct issues early, saving you both time and money in the long run.
Schedule your free assessment with Doctor Asphalt today, and protect the long-term performance of your pavement.
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.
