Taking care of the parking lot is important because it creates a more inviting environment, helps prevent expensive repairs and reduces the risk of injury.
In Utah, we experience all four seasons, from extreme heat in the summer to freezing temperatures in the winter, which can take a toll on parking lots. During the winter, parking lots go through freeze-thaw cycles, as snow or ice melts and seeps into cracks in the asphalt. As temperatures drop at night, the water freezes and expands, causing the asphalt to weaken and crack. The weight and movement of vehicles add stress to the weakened pavement, contributing to potholes and alligator cracking.
Regular maintenance can extend the life of pavement. A parking lot that is not regularly maintained may last only eight to 10 years, compared with up to 25 years for a properly maintained lot. Taking a proactive approach to maintenance helps businesses identify problems early, reduce costly repairs and keep parking areas safe year-round, whether that means cleaning and sealing cracks, patching potholes and deteriorated areas, or repairing broken curbs and uneven sidewalk slabs that create tripping hazards.
Maintaining a parking lot can also save money in the long run, since addressing minor issues early can prevent them from becoming more serious and expensive problems. A $25 crack repair completed today could help prevent a $300 repair in the future. Regular maintenance can also reduce the risk of injuries and potential liability. If a business or property owner knew about a dangerous condition, failed to address it and someone was seriously injured, the owner could be responsible for medical expenses and other damages ranging from a few hundred dollars for a minor incident to thousands for a more serious one. Injuries can also damage a business’s reputation by creating the impression that safety is being neglected.
Roads and sidewalks are important to maintain, but drainage systems should not be overlooked. Drains should be kept clear of debris, and any damage should be repaired, since poorly maintained drainage can result in standing water that damages asphalt by allowing moisture to penetrate the pavement and weaken the base and subbase. Vehicles traveling over that weakened pavement add more pressure, causing cracks and eventually potholes. Puddles can also create hazards for pedestrians because standing water can conceal uneven surfaces, potholes and other tripping hazards, and drivers who do not see potholes and hit them at higher speeds may damage their tires, suspension and steering components.
Safety is one of the most important reasons for maintaining a parking lot because protecting employees, customers and visitors should be a top priority. People regularly drive, park and walk through parking lots, making it important to provide safe entrances and exits. Stop signs, accessible parking signs and speed limit signs should be clearly visible and kept in good condition, and traffic cones or other barriers should be used to prevent pedestrians from entering unsafe areas until repairs can be completed.
Sidewalks should be cleaned regularly and kept clear of trash and debris, since litter can make a business appear poorly maintained and may also create hazards that could lead to injuries. During the winter months, snow should be removed promptly, and salt or other deicing materials should be applied as needed to help prevent slips and falls. Burned-out lights should be replaced to ensure drivers can see pedestrians and pedestrians can clearly see sidewalks, crosswalks and other hazards. A well-lit parking lot can also improve security by increasing visibility and discouraging criminal activity.
Regular inspections should be conducted by a professional to identify cracks, potholes, drainage problems and other hazards. Maintaining a parking lot is an ongoing responsibility that can help protect customers, employees, vehicles and the property itself. A well-maintained parking lot not only improves the appearance of a property but also demonstrates a commitment to safety and proper maintenance.
