Rainstorms shouldn’t turn your parking lot into a mini lake. But when water lingers long after the skies clear, it’s a sign something’s off.
When Your Parking Lot Turns Into a Puddle
Standing water in your commercial parking lot or roadways isn’t just an eyesore, it can cause your pavement to break down prematurely, create safety hazards, and hurt your property’s curb appeal. In this article, we’ll look at what causes flooding, how to prevent it, and what you can do to fix it for good.
What Causes Parking Lot Flooding?
Why does flooding happen, anyways?
There are several reasons why flooding occurs in parking lots. Some of the most common causes of parking lot flooding include:
- Poor drainage design or clogged catch basins.
- Uneven grading or worn pavement surfaces.
- Blocked or undersized storm drains.
- Excessive runoff from nearby landscaping or roofs.
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Signs Your Parking Lot Has Drainage Problems
So, what should you watch out for?
One of the most telling signs is the presence of persistent puddles or areas where water accumulates after rainfall. These areas in your lot not only become a risk for people and vehicles but they can also indicate underlying drainage issues.
Another thing to keep an eye out for are cracks, dips, or soft spots that may develop over time, as these can be a result of water eroding the pavement's base material which leads to problematic structural damage. Lastly, asphalt erosion or water pooling near curbs is another critical sign. This can happen when the existing drainage system is ineffective or blocked, which can lead to more significant repairs if not addressed promptly.
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How Standing Water Damages Your Pavement
Puddles and standing water in your parking lot can cause significant issues and impact the integrity of your pavement over time. Understanding how it damages your surfaces can help you take preventive measures.
Asphalt Integrity
Flooding in your parking lot accelerates asphalt deterioration and contributes to pothole formation. When water collects on the surface, it seeps into cracks and weakens the asphalt, making it more vulnerable to the effects of temperature changes and heavy traffic. This accelerated damage reduces the quality of your pavement and can lead to costly repairs.
Subbase Weakening
But not only that, standing water also weakens the subbase of the pavement, ultimately shortening its lifespan. The constant moisture can erode the foundation beneath the asphalt, leading to instability and increased risk of structural failure. All of this means more frequent repairs and can lead to the need for complete resurfacing much sooner than expected.
Liability Risks
Another problem with water accumulations is that they create slip or liability risks for both pedestrians and drivers. Wet surfaces and potholes can lead to slips and falls, or vehicle damage, increasing potential legal liabilities for property owners.
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What You Can Do to Fix (or Prevent) Flooding
As we've established, improper drainage and standing water in your business's parking lot or commercial driveways cause long-term damage, but there are things that can be done to help mitigate these issues and correct the problem. Professional commercial paving contractors will take several steps, including parking lot drainage repair, to correct existing flooding and prevent future issues.
Some of these pavement solutions include:
- Installing new drainage solutions.
- Resurfacing or overlaying damaged pavement.
- Adding permeable pavement or drainage channels.
- Regular cleaning and inspection of drains and catch basins.
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Why Professional Evaluation Matters
Unfortunately, some companies fail to address the underlying issues that cause problems like poor drainage. Hiring a trusted, professional asphalt paving contractor with a proven track record ensures a thorough evaluation is completed and that any problems are corrected with long-term solutions, not just temporary band-aids that lead to recurring issues such as flooding, cracking, and deterioration.
At Doctor Asphalt, our expert team of pavement professionals performs a thorough inspection of every project to assess things like proper grading and drainage and make recommendations for lasting solutions.
Protect Your Pavement and Your Property with Doctor Asphalt
When it comes to maintaining your commercial property, your parking lot is often overlooked, but it's crucial to prioritize repairs and maintenance measures. Regular inspections and timely pavement repairs can save you from facing costly damages down the line. Don’t wait for problems to arise; take action now to protect your investment and keep your parking lot safe for drivers and pedestrians alike.
Contact our team at Doctor Asphalt to schedule a professional inspection to evaluate your parking lot drainage and discuss maintenance options to ensure your pavement is in the best shape possible.
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.
