As temperatures drop and icy conditions become the new normal, winter is extremely harsh on businesses, especially when maintaining a functioning, safe, and aesthetically pleasing parking lot. Because freezing precipitation puts excessive pressure on asphalt, it can quickly lead to deep cracks and large-scale repair projects. While winter can become daunting for many business owners, there are several preventative measures you can take to minimize future repair costs. Our team at Encore Pavement, an expert concrete company in Wichita, Kansas, has detailed the steps you should take to winterize your parking lot effectively. Learn more below!
Inspect and Clean Your Lot
Before you can perform any repairs, it is important to thoroughly inspect your current parking lot and note any areas of significant damage. Our experts recommend a thorough inspection to assess the current vulnerability to winter moisture and freeze-thaw cycles. Ponding water areas, open cracks, depressions, and openings along edges can allow water to penetrate the base and freeze. If your area has already experienced snow this season, make sure to keep your parking lot clear to avoid creating tripping hazards or other hidden obstacles!
Repair Potholes
The most essential steps in winterizing your parking lot are centered around pothole repairs and crack sealing. It is important to repair any potholes before winter arrives. This will not only stop trapped water from forming large pieces of ice, but it will extend the overall lifespan of your parking lot, providing you a greater return on investment in the future. Because it is more challenging to repair potholes in freezing temperatures, our team at Encore Pavement, a leading concrete company in Wichita, recommends consulting with a professional asphalt paving and concrete company to make a plan and perform all necessary repairs.
Perform Crack Sealing and Sealcoating Services
Crack sealing and sealcoating will help keep your parking lot smooth, functional, and protected from regular winter wear and tear. Crack sealing is the most cost-effective method when it comes to preventing your asphalt from additional damage. Due to rapid fluctuations in temperature, larger cracks will have more internal movement, making it necessary to fill the cracks with an elastic material that hardens to prevent water from penetrating. Additionally, sealcoating helps maintain the lifespan of your parking lot as it prevents surface oxidation, protects from salt and other chemicals, and maintains flexibility in your asphalt to prevent excessive cracking. At Encore Pavement, we have been testing different sealcoating products for more than a decade and have many quality control procedures in place to ensure we are offering the number one product on the market at all times!
Check Your Drainage System
If you notice areas of water pooling around your parking lot, contact an experienced asphalt and concrete company as soon as possible! Drainage system failures can lead to serious hazards during the winter months as backed-up water can freeze over your parking lot, creating an extremely unsafe environment for business visitors. To ensure minimal risks during the winter, it is best to inspect your drainage system throughout the year and address any serious problems before the temperatures drop.
