Asphalt is a generally reliable material, but it can suffer from parking lot breakdown due to extreme weather conditions. Cracking, potholes, and drainage issues are just a few of the problems your parking lot can experience during the winter.
The good news is that with the proper maintenance and repairs, parking lot issues can be avoided. It is important to meet with your facility solutions manager to discuss their plan for assessing the wear and tear of winter on your parking lot in order to avoid costly repairs this spring.
How winter affects your parking lot
It is a major mistake for facility managers to neglect their parking lots, especially during the winter. Harsh conditions such as extreme temperatures, snow accumulation, sleet, and ice can cause deterioration and damage to the asphalt that covers your parking area.
Examples of parking lot breakdowns are:
- Potholes
- Cracks
- Pooling water
- Warping
- Depressions
- Fading
- Erosion
All of the issues above are most prevalent during the winter months. A quality facility solutions manager understands the importance of discovering these issues before they become irrepressible. Experienced providers such as City Wide have offices throughout the United States, so they have experience dealing with both harsh and mild winter seasons.
When should you inspect your parking lot for damage?
The answer to this question is before, during and after winter weather events. It isn’t sufficient to check parking lots for damage once the conditions clear because problems could be too far gone by that time. Inspecting your parking lots throughout winter weather events will allow you to be better prepared to solve any issues as soon as possible.
Create a plan for assessing damage to your parking lot after these winter weather events:
Extreme Temperatures
Fluctuations in temperature and extreme cold cause asphalt to expand and contract. This is how potholes and cracks are formed. These weak spots are made worse by heavy vehicular and foot traffic. Sectioning off these areas prevents further damage.
Ice
Pre-existing cracks grow larger when water fills them and freezes in cold temperatures. Deicing agents also wear down asphalt over time. Both of these issues cause hazardous conditions for people and vehicles. It is important to have a FSM that understands the importance of judicious deicing.
Snow
After heavy snowfall, facilities want to get their parking lots cleared and reopened as soon as possible. It is important to remember that large snow plows cause parking lot breakdowns. Managers should know the problem areas of their parking lot so they can tell plow operators to avoid those areas.
Snow piles will also cause wear and tear to your parking lot. Your FSM should inspect those areas for damage after the snow is gone.
Hiring a FSM to maintain your parking lots
Damaged asphalt needs to be repaired immediately to avoid disaster. Buildings and facilities should hire an FSM who understands the importance of inspecting, maintaining, and repairing parking lots during the winter.
Winter damage to parking lots is more than just an unsightly issue. It can require complete repaving if issues are allowed to linger unchecked. Partnering with City Wide Facility Solutions is cost-effective because their diligence can help you avoid expensive repairs to your parking lot.
