Making Your Front Porch More Inviting

Asphalt is a common pavement option used in commercial applications, especially in parking lots and walkways. Not only is it a budget-friendly choice, but it's also quite durable. Still, to avoid the need for extensive repairs and restoration, there are some common asphalt care and maintenance mistakes that need to be avoided.

Letting Asphalt Become Oxidized

Oxidation is asphalt's worst enemy; specifically, this refers to a reaction that occurs when asphalt goes unprotected against the sun's harmful UVA/UVB rays and oxygen. When this happens, the binding material in the asphalt can gradually break down, which makes it more prone to damage such as crumbling and cracking. The best way to avoid this is to have your asphalt seal-coated after it is initially poured, and again in a few years.

Ignoring Load Weight Limits

Most commercial asphalt is durable enough for regular wear and tear from vehicles such as sedans, SUVs, pick-up trucks, and even some larger vehicles. However, asphalt is not strong enough to withstand repeated weight from large semi-trucks, garbage trucks, and other heavy vehicles. If you're considering asphalt for a commercial business where larger vehicles frequent, it's a good idea to install at least one traditional concrete parking or loading area near the building for these purposes.

Overlooking Routine Maintenance

A little bit of care goes a long way when it comes to asphalt. In addition to seal-coating your asphalt as needed, it's also important to be on the lookout for cracks and crumbling. The sooner you have these patched or repaired, the less likely they're spread, and the more money you'll save in long-term maintenance and repairs. Oil stains should also be removed promptly, as oil can break down any seal-coat currently protecting the asphalt itself.

Being Careless With Sprinkler Systems

Last but not least, be careful where you have any commercial irrigation systems set up around your business. If possible, direct sprinklers so they're not spraying directly onto the asphalt. This will help to protect your asphalt from moisture penetration and thus potholes or other damage. While it's obviously not possible to keep the pavement dry all the time, you can save a lot of wear and tear by keeping sprinklers faced away from the asphalt.

By avoiding these common asphalt maintenance mistakes, you can make the most of your pavement, keep it looking its best, and avoid costly repairs, restoration, and replacement costs as well. For more tips or to repair issues, contact a commercial pavement restoration company.