When you walk out of the office after it has been raining, there shouldn’t be any puddles in your parking lot. If the rain has subsided, it’s going to be understandably wet, but if you take a step and water splashes up, there could be a problem with your asphalt. When asphalt is damaged or improperly constructed water starts to pool, and the likelihood of further damage is increased. The following are three ways to prevent asphalt parking lot puddles.
1. Proper Drainage
When your asphalt contractor installs your parking lot to begin with, proper drainage should be a part of the installation. This is the best way to ensure your asphalt will not become damaged due to water pooling. Asphalt contractors have the training and experience necessary to place drains where they should be placed in order to maximize their effect on the design of the entire lot.
2. Sloped Surfaces
Your asphalt contractor should know this already, but it could be a good idea to discuss the slope of the surface with him or her. The lot itself should have a slope of 1.5-3%, and the shoulders should have a slope of 3-6%. The nice thing about having this slope is the water won’t pool, but it’s so subtle, it won’t be noticeable to anyone who might otherwise find a slope concerning.
3. Careful Parking
Consider who and what you allow to park on your asphalt. Parking lot designs take into consideration how much weight will be placed on the asphalt. Your parking lot has a specified range of weight that it supports. It’s one thing for heavy traffic to drive across the asphalt once in a while, but it’s an entirely different circumstance to have heavy machinery and other heavy vehicles park there on a regular basis. Over time, the asphalt will begin to sink, forming potholes where water will pool.
Have a Professional Help You Out
Ensuring your commercial parking lot is in good shape at all times includes proper design and installation. Be sure your design includes proper drainage and sloped surfaces, and be careful what vehicles you allow to park in your lot. Contact NVM Paving & Concrete by calling 703-423-0471 or emailing us to learn more about asphalt maintenance.
