As wintertime approaches across New England, as business owners, we know that you have a lot on your mind. If you’re in retail, this is an extremely busy time of the year. Other businesses also see an increase in customers, and supply and demand. Your parking lots are an essential part of your business and should not be overlooked on your upkeep lists. Here at the top mistakes that the experts at Cassidy Paving find during the winter months and leading up to them.
The Most Common Pavement Mistakes
Not Clearing Debris
We know that your to-do list is long, even on an average day. But when prioritizing your tasks as asphalt pavement customers, we suggest putting debris clearing at the top of the list. So much damage can be avoided when you remove the things from piling on your blacktop. When the winter brings the first snow, anything left on your asphalt pavement will cause additional weight to the asphalt causing future issues. It can also make it harder to remove snow with a plow or shovel. This can result in cracks that could have been avoided.
Avoiding Repairs
If you know that your asphalt pavement has some issue areas, avoiding repairing them can cause you more than a headache come springtime. The longer you wait to fix any issues in your parking lot, the more money it will cost you in the long-run. Because your asphalt goes through a freeze and thaw cycle each winter, if you already have cracks and potholes in your pavement this period of cold will only make things worse. Before it becomes too cold, call in a professional to at least patch areas that need attention before the ground becomes frozen and the stays that way for weeks on end.
Ignoring Pooling Water
You may not see cracks or potholes in your asphalt, but if there’s pooling water that seems to stay there for an extended time, you could still have pavement issues. Pooling water is a sign that water on your blacktop is draining appropriately. This can cause a domino effect of issues throughout the winter. Call in a professional as soon as you see this problem. It could be the drainage system or issues with your subbase that is to blame. Those will only be exacerbated during the freeze and thaw cycle.
Waiting to Hire Snow Professionals
Your business will need to continue regardless of the amount of snow this winter brings. We see so many people make the mistake of waiting to hire a professional snow removal company. The best practice is to interview, hire, and sign contracts for snow removal prior to the beginning of the cold season. Waiting until you see snow to hire a contractor can contribute to long wait times and downtime if people cannot get into your store or business.
Work with Us
Cassidy Paving is here to help you prepare your asphalt for the most extreme climate changes year-round. You don’t have to face the harsh winters alone. We offer asphalt pavement repairs and even commercial snow removal services for clients across Massachusetts. Call us at 866-978-9788 today for more information.