Are you planning to have a new asphalt parking lot installed? This can be a great investment for any business, however, if you have never paved a parking lot before, you must know the dos and don’ts in advance.
Remember to Wait
When your asphalt parking lot is new, you should not allow any cars on the surface for at least 24 hours. You will want to wait even longer if you choose to pave your parking lot in the summer. The asphalt has a lot of oil and it will take time for it to dry and harden. If it’s hot, it may dry even slower.
Continue Upkeep and Maintenance
Upkeep and maintenance are crucial to the longevity of your parking lot. To maintain your lot and to avoid flaking at the bevel edge, consider using sifted topsoil and seed. Some soils will cause a reaction with the asphalt that leads to flaking. If this happens, don’t worry, it is not a structural problem.
Also, you will want to make sure that you keep up with regular maintenance and repair. Make sure that your asphalt does not have cracks or puddling. You can have an asphalt contractor inspect your pavement to ensure that it is healthy each year.
Do Not Sealcoat At First
You do not need to sealcoat right away. Some products may have additives that may crack your new asphalt. While you do need to have your parking lot sealcoated, you should do this once every two to three years. Focus on repairing any cracks each year instead.
Before you begin your new asphalt paving project, you need to be aware of what you should and shouldn’t do. This could make the difference between a parking lot that lasts a long time and one that winds up damaged relatively quickly. For commercial parking lot installation or repair, contact Asphalt Surfacing by calling 408-673-4719 or emailing us today!
