When you own or manage large commercial properties, upkeep and maintenance costs are at the top of mind. Pavements such as parking lots, roadways, sidewalks, and ramps require regular maintenance to remain safe and functional for visitors, staff, and customers. Without proper maintenance, unplanned repair costs can quickly add up and disrupt operations.
Pavement is one of the most critical assets for any property, yet it’s often overlooked until problems arise. In this article, we’ll explore how micropaving can extend the life of paved surfaces while minimizing cost and disruption.
Why Pavement Maintenance Costs Continue to Increase
Many businesses feel that pavement maintenance costs continue to climb, and one of the biggest reasons is that routine maintenance and minor repairs are put off, which can lead to serious damage down the road.
The truth is, neglecting those little cracks now only leads to bigger pavement issues later. There's also the fact that heavy traffic and the weather really take a toll on asphalt surfaces. The more cars and harsher conditions, the faster pavement breaks down.
As a property owner or manager of commercial paved surfaces, there's a choice between being reactive and preventative with maintenance. If you wait until something goes wrong, you’re going to end up spending more.
One of the best solutions for businesses is micropaving, providing a durable, long-lasting pavement surface that practically takes care of itself.
What Is Micropaving?
Micropaving, also commonly referred to as microsurfacing, is a pavement maintenance treatment that adds a thin yet durable layer on top of existing asphalt. This application restores pavement color, seals against water intrusion, prevents oxidation and minor surface deterioration, and extends the life of the pavement without requiring a full replacement.
Micropaving can be applied to paved surfaces with minimal wear and damage. Micropaving is more durable and lasting than standard sealcoating services and can significantly decrease the need for ongoing repairs and the time before pavement needs a full resurfacing.
How Micropaving Helps Lower Long-Term Maintenance Costs
Prevents Costly Structural Damage
Micropaving is a highly durable maintenance solution that restores the structural integrity of paved surfaces. It helps seal surface cracks, reducing moisture infiltration and protecting from typical pavement wear.
Extends Pavement Service Life
Micropaving (microsurfacing) is a long-lasting maintenance solution; the application can last up to 8-12 years and decreases the amount of repairs needed.
Micropaving can help add years to existing asphalt pavement that is starting to show signs of accelerated deterioration. Because of this, micropaving maintenance can help delay the need for a full replacement of the parking lot, which can drastically reduce the costs invested into paved surfaces.
Provides Strong ROI
Micropaving (microsurfacing) is a comprehensive maintenance solution that offers numerous benefits and long-term budget predictability. Because micropaving is so durable and lasts so long, it provides commercial businesses and facilities with large paved surfaces with a strong return on investment. Although the upfront cost is higher than traditional sealcoating, it requires less frequent application. Additionally, micropaving helps prevent major repairs and reduces the need for costly pavement fixes.
Minimal Disruption Saves Operational Costs
Another way that micropaving can reduce pavement maintenance costs is with minimal disruption to your business. Micropaving can be applied quickly and efficiently and has faster curing times than standard sealcoating. This means less downtime for your company; parking lots are open and accessible more quickly after application, reducing the inconvenience to your customers and potential lost business.
Ideal Property Types for Micropaving
Micropaving offers an efficient solution for a variety of property types, enhancing both functionality and aesthetics. This method is particularly beneficial for large parking lots and paved areas that require durable and cost-effective surface treatments.
Below are some ideal property types for micropaving:
- Apartment and condo complexes
- Airports and park & rides
- Big-box retailers
- Grocery stores and supermarkets
- Hotels and resorts
- Hospitals and medical campuses
- Industrial and warehouse facilities
- Large retail shopping centers
- Municipal parking lots and roadways
- Office parks and corporate campuses
- Parks and recreational facilities
- Strip malls and retail plazas
- Schools and universities
- Sports complexes and stadium parking
Microsurfacing vs. Sealcoating: What's the Difference
When Micropaving Makes Sense
Micropaving can be a great parking lot maintenance option in many cases, but there are situations where it is more applicable than others. Micropaving is most effective when applied to asphalt surfaces experiencing early-to-mid-stage pavement wear. Repairs like crack filling and pothole patching should be completed before micropaving is applied.
Micropaving is a reliable solution for proactive maintenance plans. It also helps property managers budget and control expenses while protecting their pavement investment.
Questions We Get Asked About Micropaving
How long does micropaving last?
Micropaving can last anywhere from 8-12 years. It can vary depending on age and condition of pavement prior to application, as well as traffic loads, frequency, and climate and weather conditions.
Is micropaving better than sealcoating?
Micropaving and sealcoating are both suitable pavement maintenance options, and which is ideal for your pavement will depend on several factors. For commercial businesses and facilities, micropaving is often the better option due to its quick curing, durability, low maintenance, long-lasting properties, and offers a great return on investment.
Is micropaving more expensive than sealcoating?
Micropaving is more expensive than standard sealcoating; however, it can provide a higher return on investment (ROI) due to its long-lasting application properties, quick curing time, and minimal downtime, which helps minimize revenue loss. Additionally, it reduces the need for repairs such as patching and crack sealing, leading to lower long-term maintenance costs.
Partner With a Pavement Maintenance Professional
When it comes to cost-effective pavement maintenance, micropaving can be a beneficial option for many businesses. However, it is essential to get a proper assessment from a reliable pavement professional to understand your options and determine the most cost-effective solution for your business.
At Doctor Asphalt, we provide complete pavement solutions from new parking lot installations and full resurfacing projects to routine repairs, preventative maintenance, sealcoating, crack filling, and micropaving surface restoration designed to extend pavement life.
Our entire team is committed to providing our clients with easy-to-understand explanations, honest evaluations, budget-conscious options, and realistic maintenance plans.
Schedule a free pavement evaluation to talk to our team about protecting and maintaining your pavement today.
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.
