Asphalt 101: Covering the Basics
When keeping up with property maintenance of commercial buildings, most people pay attention to exterior paint and interior furnishings. Did you know the asphalt in driveways and parking lots is just as important? No matter how beautiful a building looks inside and out, if there are potholes on the way in or in the parking spaces, you could decrease your ability to attract customers or tenants. Here are some basics to keep in mind.
Pros and Cons of Asphalt
Asphalt is not the only paving option, but it is one of the most popular. Asphalt driveways and parking lots look more aesthetically-pleasing than alternatives, such as gravel or concrete. Asphalt is also cheaper to install than concrete, though costs may fluctuate with oil prices.
It does require a little more maintenance work. However, this is less expensive than paying for the services necessary to keep concrete looking its best. Asphalt is most suitable to colder climates as it softens when exposed to extremely high temperatures for long periods of time.
Increasing the Lifespan
Investing in the proactive maintenance of your asphalt driveway, parking lot, or deck keeps it in great condition. Ideally, you should reseal it every three to five years. The more traffic you get, the more often you should consider resealing.
By years five to seven, you may need to do some patching work. Your contractor may also recommend resurfacing to combat poor weather conditions or heavy traffic. Finally, create proper drainage as heavy rains and running water can damage asphalt over time.
Finding the Right Contractor
Many contractors claim to know how to pave commercial driveways, parking lots, and decks. However, you should also be sure that they are experienced, licensed, bonded, and insured. If they do a poor job, you could find yourself looking for a new contractor company to handle repairs or a complete do-over within a season or two.
Rely on the proven experts. Contact NVM Paving & Concrete by calling 703-423-0471 or sending us an email today!
