After your Lakeland parking lot paving has been installed, it can be very tempting to leave it as is. After all, it is quite solid and sturdy, so it seems like it can weather any kind of damage. Keep in mind that while quality asphalt pavement is designed to be sturdy and reliable, it can be prone to certain types of damage caused by specific factors.

As a property owner, it is your responsibility to look after your pavement and keep it safe from these damage factors. To help you out, find out how you can fight off some of these common causes of Lakeland parking lot paving damage.

Standing water

Standing water is one of the most common causes of damage to any parking lot. It might not seem like much, but if left unattended, standing water can break down the binder that holds the asphalt together and get into cracks found on the pavement surface.

Over time, these cracks can widen as a result of the water, which can result in more cracking and eventually, pothole formation. The best way to keep water off of the surface of your pavement is by making sure that your pavement’s drainage system is kept in good condition.

In addition to that, you should make sure to have seal coating done for your parking lot regularly. Seal coating is the application of sealant on the surface of your pavement, which adds a layer of protection to your pavement. This helps protect your pavement against damage factors like standing water, chemicals like oil and gasoline, as well as the sun’s UV rays.

Excessive weight

When you have your parking lot installed, one of the first things that the pavement contractor will ask you is about the estimated weight load that you think your pavement will be dealing with.

If your estimation is off, then you can expect your pavement to see a lot of damage quickly. The heavier the expected weight, the thicker your pavement will be built in order to accommodate it. If it is too thin, then your pavement will definitely be damaged quickly.

Neglect

Neglect is one of the most common reasons why a Lakeland parking lot paving gets damaged, so by taking the time to learn about what causes damage to your asphalt pavement, you are already ahead of the curve. Make sure to have a yearly maintenance plan for your parking lot so that you can keep your pavement in good condition for a long time.