How Often Should a Parking Lot Be Inspected for Maintenance?
Asphalt Parking Lot Maintenance & Inspections
At Tolliver & Curl, we know how important it is to keep your parking lot in top condition. Your parking lot is one of the first things people notice when they visit your property. Unfortunately, parking lots can develop cracks, potholes, and faded lines over time from weather damage, heavy traffic, or general wear and tear.
That’s why regular inspections are so important. By inspecting your parking lot on a regular basis, you can catch small issues early before they turn into bigger, more expensive problems. Tolliver & Curl can help you protect your investment with regular inspections and professional parking lot maintenance, keeping your property in great shape all year long. But you might be asking—how often should my parking lot be inspected?
The Factors That Influence How Many Inspections Are Needed
Traffic
One of the biggest factors is the amount of traffic your parking lot experiences. A busy commercial lot with constant vehicle movement will take on more wear and tear than a smaller, residential lot with lighter use.
Weather Conditions
Here in Columbus, Ohio, we experience a full range of weather conditions—from hot summers to freezing winters. Temperature fluctuations, snow, and ice can all take a toll on your asphalt, leading to cracks and other types of damage.
Type of Pavement
Finally, the type of pavement and how well it was installed can also affect how often you should schedule inspections. High-quality asphalt paving might require fewer inspections, but that doesn’t mean it should be overlooked. Regular upkeep ensures that any issues are caught early, no matter how durable the material might be.
How Many Parking Lot Inspections Should You Schedule Every Year?
Every parking lot is different, and so is the recommended number of inspections. The answer depends on whether you have a commercial parking lot, a residential parking lot, or an industrial parking lot:
High-Traffic Commercial Lots
For high-traffic commercial lots, we recommend scheduling inspections at least twice a year. These lots are under constant pressure from vehicles, which can accelerate wear and tear. A spring inspection is ideal so that we can fix any damage that happened over the winter, while a fall inspection can prepare your parking lot for the colder months ahead.
Residential Parking Lots
Residential parking lots typically see less traffic, so they might only need to be inspected once a year. However, it’s still important to stay on top of minor issues. Even a small crack can grow quickly, leading to bigger problems down the road.
Industrial Parking Lots
Industrial parking lots, especially those that have heavy machinery or trucks, need to be inspected more often due to the extra strain placed on the asphalt. For these lots, we recommend quarterly inspections to make sure that any damage is caught and repaired before it affects your business.
Issues We Can Identify and Fix During Inspections
Cracking
One of the most common issues we handle is cracking. Weather changes, heavy traffic, or natural wear and tear can all cause cracks to form in your pavement. If caught early, minor cracks can be sealed with crack fillings, preventing water from penetrating the surface and causing further damage. If left unchecked, these cracks can expand, leading to bigger and more expensive issues.
Potholes
Potholes are another common problem, especially in high-traffic areas. These can form when water seeps into cracks, freezes, and expands, breaking apart the asphalt. Small potholes can be patched, but larger ones may require more extensive repairs to make sure the surface remains smooth and safe.
Faded Striping & Signage
Faded striping and signage are also a typical issue, especially in older parking lots. Clear, visible lines are important because they guide traffic and keep pedestrians safe. Repainting these lines and signage keeps your parking lot safe and attractive.
Drainage Problems
We also look for drainage issues during our inspections. Poor drainage can lead to standing water, which not only damages your asphalt but can also create a slipping hazard. If you notice water pooling in certain areas, it’s important to handle it quickly by clearing drains, adjusting the slope of the pavement, or installing a better drainage system.
Edge Damage
Finally, we also look for damage to your parking lot’s edges, where the asphalt meets your curbs, sidewalks, or landscaping. These areas can develop cracks or gaps that can expand into the main surface of your parking lot. Simple repairs with asphalt or concrete can keep these areas intact and prevent further damage.
By being aware of these common issues and addressing them as soon as you see them, you can keep your parking lot safe and avoid costly repairs down the line. Regular inspections and repairs keep your parking lot in the best condition possible.
How Regular Inspections Can Save You Money in the Long Run
Investing in regular parking lot inspections might seem like an added expense, but it’s one that can actually save you a lot of money over time. By catching problems early, you can avoid the high costs of major repairs or even complete resurfacing.
Fix Minor Issues to Avoid Major Issues
When minor issues like small cracks, fading pavement markings, or worn sealcoating are addressed quickly, they’re much cheaper to fix than when they grow into bigger problems. For example, sealing a crack as soon as it appears is far less expensive than dealing with the damage that can occur if water gets into the asphalt and causes it to break apart.
Expand The Lifespan of Your Asphalt
Regular inspections also help extend the life of your parking lot. The longer your asphalt stays in good condition, the less often you’ll need to budget for major renovations or replacements. A well-maintained parking lot can last years longer than a neglected one, giving you more value for your initial investment in the asphalt.
Avoid Legal Fees
A well-kept parking lot also reduces the likelihood of accidents or injuries, which could lead to liability issues and legal fees. By keeping your parking lot safe for your customers, employees, or tenants, you’re not just protecting your property—you’re also protecting your bottom line.
Regular inspections and asphalt maintenance aren’t just about keeping your parking lot looking good; they’re a smart financial decision. By staying on top of small issues, you can prevent them from escalating into expensive repairs.
Creating a Parking Lot Maintenance Schedule
In the long run, a well-maintained parking lot isn’t just an asset to your facility; it reflects your commitment to safety, appearance, and overall customer experience. By scheduling routine inspections, you can keep your pavement in excellent shape, avoiding costly repairs and extending your parking lot’s lifespan.
A good management plan starts with understanding the specific needs of your parking lot—think about the factors we mentioned before, like traffic volume, weather conditions, and the type of asphalt. Also consider your parking lot’s purpose—do you have a commercial, residential, or industrial parking lot? We recommend commercial lots be inspected twice a year, residential parking lots be inspected once a year, and industrial lots be inspected quarterly.
Contact Tolliver & Curl today to learn more about our maintenance services. We can help you schedule an inspection and give you more detailed recommendations.
Contact Tolliver & Curl for Asphalt Parking Lot Inspections & Repairs Today
Experienced Professionals, High-Quality Equipment
Partnering with Tolliver & Curl can make your life easier. We’ll help you create a maintenance schedule, carry out thorough inspections, and provide the repairs you need to keep your parking lot in top shape. Regular maintenance saves you money and keeps everyone who uses your parking lot safe.
Don’t wait for small issues to turn into big problems. Contact Tolliver & Curl today to schedule an inspection or repairs. Let’s keep your parking lot safe, beautiful, and durable for years to come.