Springtime Asphalt Maintenance Tips

1. TAKE A GOOD LOOK WITH A VISUAL OVERVIEW INSPECTION

As soon as the harsh weather from the winter season is over, take the time to do thorough visual inspection of your paved areas. Make special attention to make note of any damage – even the smallest of cracks could develop into something more serious. These damages should be rectified as soon as possible as water can seep into these cracks, freeze overnight and upon expansion, deteriorate more of your pavement. Water can also sink under the asphalt and weaken the sub-structure which can cause sinking, potholes and even collapse over time.

For any property, both commercial and residential, these potholes are not only unsightly, but they’re also dangerous – which means you could be putting yourself at risk if they contribute to a fall, accident or injury. Paying out for personal injury damages or damages to a vehicle is way more expensive than having to fix a couple of potholes. Make sure you get any potholes fixed so you don’t end up with a lawsuit on your hands.

2. SEALCOAT REGULARLY

Sealcoating, also known as pavement sealing, is essential. Sealcoating is one of the best ways to help prevent damage to your asphalt paving and keeps it looking it’s best. When it comes to any pavement management plan; Sealcoating is at the top of the list. Sealcoating, in itself, consists of the application of either a coal tar pitch or asphalt cement that is mixed with inert fillers, water emulsifying agents and/or additives. This mixture, applied in thin coats protects off-highway pavement surfaces against oil, gasoline, salt, water and ultraviolet rays. You should try to have sealcoating performed on your asphalt at least every two years. If you haven’t, it’s time to schedule one in while you have dry weather.

3. TOUCH UP YOUR LINE-STRIPING

If the lines on your business’s parking lot are fading, now is the perfect time to re-stripe your lot. A fresh coat of paint will not only make your parking lot look a lot more appealing but it will also help your customers know that you care about their health, safety and well being. A fresh looking parking lot is vital for safety and efficient parking outside businesses. The ADA requires businesses to provide handicap stalls and general parking to certain criteria and standards for parking lots, thereby improving the overall safety for pedestrians, drivers and visitors; as well as enhancing your overall appearance as a business, after all “appearance is everything” and amounts to more sales and revenue flow.

Make sure that all of the following areas are freshly lined and painted so your customers can easily identify them:

• Parking spaces
• Fire lanes
• Handicapped areas
• No parking zones
• Speed bumps
• Loading zones

James Kurpiel of Hackensack offers a complete line of asphalt and parking lot maintenance and repair services. From line striping to patch repair, our team of professionals can remedy any situation you may have.

4. CLEAR/CLEAN UP YOUR EDGING

Grass and weeds often sneak their way through the surface of asphalt and damage it from below. Over time, this weakens it and leaves it more susceptible to cracks and breaks. You can help prevent this by keeping the edges of your asphalt properly weeded and free from any vegetation. You can also consider adding a curb to the edges of your asphalt which will not only improve the aesthetic appearance of your parking lot, but also help reduce the amount of maintenance needed in regard to weeds and grass growth.

Belgian block is one such material that can be utilized to provide an excellent edging along the perimeter of your driveway and/or asphalt areas. If you are considering using pavers for your driveway edging and want to install the most durable material, your choice should be belgian block, also known as cobblestone pavers.

5. MAINTAIN A REGULAR ASPHALT MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

Asphalt cleaning strikes many people as a never-ending waste of time; after all, it will just get dirty again right? What if I told you that it can dramatically extend the life of your blacktop? Parking lots large and small suffer from damage every day that can easily be prevented. Regular cleaning of your asphalt is essential to keeping it in great condition. Be sure to clear any rocks, leaves or dirt from your pavement on a regular basis so it’s clear for your visitors. This will not only make it look more attractive but it will also be a lot safer. Also be sure to clear away any dirt and debris from your drains which will also help extend the life of both the drains and your pavement. Make sure that you’re checking any drains regularly and emptying them to prevent a build-up of water.

19 Orchard St. – Hackensack, N.J. 07601 / Toll Free at 1-800-273-9769 / (201) 342-3170