As part of your commercial property, parking lots and other asphalt areas represent a huge investment worthy of faithful maintenance and protection. To be a good steward of these essential surfaces, you need to comprehend the value of asphalt drainage.
What Is Asphalt Drainage?
Simply put, asphalt drainage is the rate and extent that water runs off the surface. When a parking lot or road drains well, water quickly flows from the pavement to a grassy edge, concrete curb or catch basin. Moisture does not pool in corners, cracks, depressions or other spots.
The Benefits of Proper Drainage
If water quickly runs off the surface, you can often avoid many problems that reduce the longevity of your asphalt, such as exterior cracking and pitting, as well as structural damage below the pavement. Great drainage also improves the appearance and safety of your parking lots. Nobody likes to traipse through puddles or slip on damp pavement.
The Price of Poor Drainage
Nothing can trigger more negative consequences to your asphalt than inadequate drainage. Sunlight, water and even oxygen compromise the bonding qualities of asphalt and weaken it. Wetness, dirt and other particles invade small fissures in the easily broken surface, and the cumulative weight of vehicles adds to the destruction. With time, larger cracks occur, causing damage all the way down to the foundation.
Assessing and Improving Drainage
Puddles and other spots of water are obvious tip-offs of drainage problems. If it hasn’t rained in a while, look for depressions or low areas where dirt and debris collect and be alert for stains left behind by pooling water. Most parking lots should have a one percent slope to keep the water streaming away from the asphalt. Professional pavers can help evaluate the slope and repair indentations and breaks that have already occurred.
Whether you’re responsible for one or two parking lots or multiple asphalt surfaces, make sure to protect these valuable assets. Call NVM Paving & Concrete today at (703) 372-9335 to get expert advice on assessing and improving your asphalt drainage.
