Commercial Asphalt Maintenance: Protecting Your Investment Year-Round

A properly maintained asphalt surface is the key to a successful business. Commercial asphalt is used in all types of buildings including strip malls, office parks, and industrial facilities. A well-maintained commercial asphalt pavement increases curb appeal, reduces liability, saves money in the long term, and allows vehicles and pedestrians to access the property safely. In this comprehensive guide, we will discuss commercial asphalt maintenance practices to prolong the life of your pavement.

Routine Inspections: Catching Problems Early

Inspecting your asphalt is the first step in prolonging the life of any commercial asphalt surface. Whether it is commercial lots, asphalt driveways, or walkways, they are subject to high-traffic usage, the elements, and the heavy weight of delivery trucks and other equipment. As time goes on, small problems can occur that, left unchecked, grow into bigger, more costly issues.

Regular inspections of your asphalt should be performed at least twice a year in the spring and fall seasons. Check for cracks, potholes, standing water, oil stains, or other signs of wear and tear, especially in high-traffic areas, such as entrances and exits. Catching these issues early on and scheduling a repair before the entire surface is affected can save you time and money in the long run.

If you notice drainage issues like water collecting in certain areas, that could be a sign of grading or structural issues under the asphalt, which should be professionally assessed.

Crack Sealing and Pothole Repairs

Cracks are one of the earliest visible signs of asphalt aging and deterioration. In commercial settings, cracks are created by fluctuating temperatures, UV rays and heavy vehicle loads. If they aren’t sealed, water will penetrate and weaken the sub-base, worsening deterioration. In cold-weather climates, freeze-thaw cycles will expand cracks and turn them into potholes.

Crack sealing is one of the most effective forms of preventative maintenance for commercial asphalt pavement. It extends pavement life by sealing cracks with a flexible, rubberized material that prevents water from penetrating below the surface. Crack sealing is also a much more cost-effective way to maintain asphalt than repaving large sections of a parking lot later.

If potholes do form, it is crucial to get them filled as soon as possible. They create both vehicle and pedestrian safety hazards and allow water to penetrate the lower layers of the pavement. Pothole patching should be done with high-quality materials and compacted adequately for a long-lasting repair.

Regular Sealcoating for Surface Protection

Sealcoating is a critical maintenance step that protects commercial asphalt from oxidation, water, oil, and chemical spills. Over time, UV rays break down the binding agents in asphalt, making it brittle and prone to cracking. Sealcoating provides a protective layer that extends pavement life and enhances the lot’s overall appearance.

For commercial properties, sealcoating is typically recommended every two to three years, depending on traffic levels and environmental exposure. This process not only helps preserve the surface’s structural integrity but also gives it a fresh, dark finish that enhances its visual appeal.

It’s essential to perform sealcoating during dry, warm weather to ensure proper curing. Business owners should also plan around minimal traffic times to ensure the surface has adequate time to set before reopening to vehicles.

Proper Drainage and Water Management

Water can be one of the worst things for asphalt. A poorly drained commercial pavement, even one that was otherwise well-built, will degrade and fail prematurely. Pooling water seeps into the surface and erodes the sub-base. Cracks and potholes will form over time as the pavement’s structure weakens. Commercial properties need to be graded so that all water runs toward a catch basin or drainage channel.

Good drainage is critical for pavement health over the long-term. Standing water, or areas of a parking lot where water pools, can indicate that your grading is off or that drains are clogged. Try to remedy these issues as soon as possible.

You may also want to consider installing features like trench drains in problem areas or replacing part of your pavement with permeable surfaces. If you live in an area that has regular, intense storms, you might need more drainage support to avoid flash flooding damage.

Professional Maintenance Planning and Long-Term Budgeting

The best way to care for asphalt pavement at a commercial property is to implement a long-term maintenance plan. Rather than waiting for problems to occur, business owners and property managers can work with a reputable paving contractor to adopt a preventive approach to asphalt care.

Typically, a professional maintenance plan will include scheduled inspections, crack sealing, pothole repair, sealcoating, and resurfacing as necessary. The contractor will also maintain records of past work, which can be used to more easily predict future work and budget needs.

Preventative maintenance is an investment that not only makes your pavement last longer, but can also decrease liability for accidents, prevent disruptions in operations, and help your business stay looking its best. On average, regular maintenance can extend the lifespan of commercial asphalt pavement by 10 to 15 years, resulting in significant savings over time.

Working with seasoned professionals also means that all work will meet local codes, ADA compliance standards, and environmental regulations. Hiring a qualified contractor means your pavement isn’t just lasting longer, but is safe and up to code.

Conclusion

Commercial asphalt pavement maintenance is an important consideration, both practically and financially. Routine inspection and maintenance, such as crack sealing, patching potholes, sealcoating, and water management, can extend the lifespan of the pavement and minimize the expensive repairs down the road.

Commercial asphalt that is maintained is ready to handle the high traffic and daily wear and tear. Well-maintained asphalt can also make your commercial property look better, and it can help with your company’s reputation. Retail centers, office parks, industrial centers, and more can all benefit from pavement maintenance as a small, consistent investment that supports your business in the long term.

The experts at Productive Asphalt provide commercial pavement maintenance services in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. If your commercial asphalt needs maintenance —from routine care to complete resurfacing —we’re here to help. Contact us today for your free consultation, including a custom maintenance plan, for your commercial property.