There are some “business gurus” who argue that value can never be quantified in terms of dollars and cents. They insist that value is simply the perception of the buyer; a vegetarian, for example, would not consider a coupon for 75 percent off on steak to be of much value, but someone who loves steak might be delighted by the same coupon. Thus, for something to have value, it must provide a benefit or be important to you. If your asphalt parking lot is important to your operations, it has value beyond the mere costs of having it constructed. As such, it only follows that effective maintenance to prolong its life should also be of value to you. After all, it is far less expensive and disruptive to maintain your parking lot than it is to replace it.
Getting Your Value Out of Your Asphalt Parking Lot- What to Look For
Know Your Parking Lot
Protection begins with regular inspections of your parking lot. Little problems can be fixed before they turn into big headaches, but you have to know that they exist before you can correct them. Check for clogged drains, cracks or faded color, and if you find them, be proactive about remediation.
Make Your Pavement’s Enemies Your Own
Asphalt pavement has two formidable enemies: water and petrochemicals. Water percolates through breaks in the pavement, such as cracks or potholes, or backs up under pavement edges. However it manages to find its way beneath the pavement, it can reach the base that gives the pavement the strength and flexibility to bear the weight of traffic. Petrochemicals, such as gasoline, grease, oil, power steering fluid and similar products, cause asphalt pavement to deteriorate. Aggressively fight water penetration and petrochemical-induced deterioration through timely repairs and periodic cleaning.
Remove Debris Regularly
Debris on top of your encourages the pooling of water between the pavement and the debris. Debris in gutters or drainage grates can impede the flow of runoff. Since it has already been established that water is one of your pavement’s worst enemies, you no doubt see the problems that debris can cause.
Maintain a Budget Sufficient for Your Needs
When the problem is addressed promptly, repairs are typically economical. Routine maintenance can be even less expensive. If asphalt crack repairs and preventive maintenance has to be skipped because there is no budget, minor problems can turn into costly issues before the next year’s budget is approved. It is always better to budget funds to maintain your parking lot and not need them than to need them and not have them.
Only Work with Qualified Asphalt Professionals
Although it is true that “everyone has to learn,” you do not want to allow amateurs to advise you on your needs or perform the work on your parking lot. B&E Coating Services has the experience to help you provide your parking lot with maximum protection. Our reputation in the asphalt paving industry has been built through our dedication to quality workmanship, safety, customer service and reasonable pricing. We offer an extensive range of services, including residential sealcoating, asphalt paving, parking lot striping, and asphalt repairs, to customers throughout Michigan. Call our Sparta asphalt paving contractors at 989-352-7305 or submit the online contact form to request a free quote.
