Commercial properties, including shopping centers, office buildings, and apartment complexes, rely on durable and attractive pavement to provide safe and convenient access to their facilities. Maintaining the pavement on a commercial property is essential to ensure the safety of tenants, employees, and visitors and to protect the property owner’s investment. In this Delaware Valley Paving blog post, we will discuss the importance of a commercial asphalt and concrete maintenance program and provide a detailed guide for creating an effective program.
The Importance of a Commercial Asphalt and Concrete Maintenance Program
Commercial properties require regular maintenance to keep their pavement in good condition. Heavy traffic, exposure to the elements, and wear and tear can cause damage and deterioration over time. Regular maintenance is essential to prevent issues from becoming major problems and to ensure the safety and accessibility of the property.
A comprehensive maintenance program can help to extend the life of the pavement, minimize the need for costly repairs, and enhance the appearance of the property. It is important to develop a maintenance program that is tailored to the specific needs of the property and that addresses all aspects of pavement maintenance, including asphalt and concrete.
Creating an Effective Commercial Asphalt and Concrete Maintenance Program
Creating an effective commercial asphalt and concrete maintenance program involves a range of preventative and corrective measures that are designed to address issues before they become major problems. The program should be tailored to the specific needs of the property and should be regularly reviewed and updated to ensure its effectiveness.
Here are the steps to create an effective commercial asphalt and concrete maintenance program:
- Inspections
Regular inspections are essential to identify and address issues before they become major problems. Inspect the pavement on the property at least twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall. Look for signs of cracking, potholes, or any other damage that needs repair. Pay particular attention to high traffic areas, as these are more susceptible to damage.
During your inspections, you should also check the condition of the pavement markings, including lines, arrows, and symbols. Faded or worn markings can lead to confusion and accidents, so it’s important to keep them in good condition.
- Cleaning
Cleaning the pavement regularly is an essential part of maintaining its durability and appearance. Debris, dirt, and other materials can accumulate on the surface of the pavement, leading to damage and deterioration over time. Use a broom, leaf blower, or pressure washer to remove the dirt and debris.
- Asphalt Maintenance
Asphalt pavement requires regular maintenance to keep it in good condition. Here are some common asphalt maintenance tasks that should be included in your commercial maintenance program:
- Crack sealing: Cracks are one of the most common issues with asphalt pavement. Cracks can occur due to a range of factors, including temperature changes, heavy traffic, and freeze-thaw cycles. If left unaddressed, cracks can lead to more significant damage, such as potholes or base failures. Crack sealing is the process of filling cracks with a sealant to prevent water and debris from entering the crack and causing further damage. Crack sealing should be performed as soon as cracks are identified to prevent them from spreading and causing more significant damage.
- Pothole repair: Potholes are another common issue with asphalt pavement. Potholes can occur due to a range of factors, including freeze-thaw cycles, heavy traffic, and water infiltration. Potholes can be dangerous for pedestrians and vehicles, so it’s essential to address them promptly. Pothole repair involves removing the damaged asphalt and filling the hole with a patching material. The patching material is then compacted to ensure a smooth surface. Pothole repair should be performed as soon as potholes are identified to prevent them from becoming larger and more dangerous.
- Sealcoating: Sealcoating is a protective layer that is applied to the surface of the asphalt to protect it from damage caused by the elements, such as UV rays and water. Sealcoating also helps to restore the color and appearance of the pavement, making it look like new. Sealcoating should be performed every 2-3 years to ensure maximum protection and appearance.
- Asphalt overlay: An asphalt overlay involves placing a new layer of asphalt over the existing pavement. This is typically done when the pavement is significantly deteriorated or damaged. An overlay can help to extend the life of the pavement and restore its appearance. It is important to note that an overlay should only be done if the existing pavement is structurally sound.
- Concrete Maintenance
Concrete pavement requires regular maintenance to keep it in good condition. Here are some common concrete maintenance tasks that should be included in your commercial maintenance program:
- Concrete repair: Concrete can become damaged due to a range of factors, including heavy traffic, freeze-thaw cycles, and exposure to chemicals. Repairing damaged concrete involves removing the damaged area and replacing it with new concrete. It is important to ensure that the new concrete is properly cured before it is opened to traffic.
- Striping and Markings
Maintaining pavement markings, such as lines, arrows, and symbols, is essential to ensure the safety of drivers and pedestrians. Faded or worn markings can lead to confusion and accidents, so it’s important to keep them in good condition. Re-stripe parking lots and other areas as needed to ensure visibility and safety.
- Winter Maintenance
In areas that experience winter weather, it is important to have a plan in place for snow and ice removal. Snow and ice can cause damage to pavement and create hazardous conditions for pedestrians and drivers. Snow removal should be performed promptly to ensure the safety of the property. Use de-icing materials sparingly to avoid damage to the pavement.
- Drainage
Proper drainage is essential to prevent water from accumulating on the pavement, which can lead to damage and deterioration. Check the drainage systems on the property regularly to ensure that they are functioning properly. Remove debris and other materials from drains and catch basins to prevent blockages.
- Regular Maintenance Schedule
Once you have identified the maintenance tasks that are required for your commercial property, it is important to create a regular maintenance schedule. This will help to ensure that all tasks are performed on a regular basis and that issues are addressed promptly. Consider using a commercial pavement maintenance provider who can manage your program for you.
Benefits of a Commercial Asphalt and Concrete Maintenance Program
A commercial asphalt and concrete maintenance program can provide a range of benefits for property owners, including:
- Improved safety: Regular maintenance can help to identify and address issues before they become hazardous to pedestrians and drivers.
- Increased durability: Regular maintenance can extend the life of the pavement and prevent the need for costly repairs.
- Enhanced appearance: Regular maintenance can help to restore the appearance of the pavement and improve the overall aesthetics of the property.
