Busy parking lots are often difficult to deal with for two key reasons: 1) the constant activity exacerbates pavement deterioration, and 2) restoring asphalt amidst all this activity can seem like an impossible task. So, while it’s inevitable that you’ll have to invest in periodic parking lot repairs, determining the proper approach and timing for such projects is an uphill battle – that is, unless you’re well-prepared for the potential challenges at hand. Common problems associated with pavement repair projects include temperamental weather, interference with personnel and operations, unexpected issues that require further repair work, and more.
Here are some ways to overcome all the challenges you may face when implementing pavement repair in your busy commercial parking lot.
How to Overcome Asphalt Repair Challenges for Parking Lots
Stay Flexible
Following this advice is easier said than done. After all, it’s hard enough finding the right dates to hire commercial paving services in the first place. Should something occur that’s out of your control, however (e.g., an extreme weather event, on-site accident, etc.), you’ll have to put the project on hold for a certain amount of time. If your schedule is too rigid, you might have to wait a long time before you can tackle these important repairs again. Therefore, it’s always best to give yourself a larger window of time than necessary to account for these unexpected occurrences. The more flexible you are, the better.
Offer Off-Site Parking
Every commercial parking lot repair project is different. In some instances, contractors will only actively work on one section of your lot at a time, leaving the rest of the space available for vehicles and foot traffic. Other times, however, your entire parking lot will be out of commission for the project’s duration. If you schedule these services while your business is temporarily shut down, this interference shouldn’t pose a major problem. If, on the other hand, your business remains open during parking lot repairs, you’ll need to make sure your people can still park and access your property despite this interruption. Offering this temporary parking might require coordinating with nearby businesses or your local government.
Keep Occupants Informed
Anyone who uses your business’ parking lot on a regular basis must be kept in the loop if you’re planning a commercial paving project. Otherwise, your employees, customers, and guests will likely end up confused and frustrated. Send out multiple memos in advance of the project and post clear signage around your property to direct traffic and warn drivers and pedestrians to not enter the worksite – this will reduce the likelihood of accidents and injuries.
Work with an Experienced Commercial Paving Company
Some of the challenges associated with pavement repair projects are inevitable – others are entirely avoidable. Mitigating these avoidable challenges largely depends on hiring a competent and reputable parking lot repair service. Experienced paving companies will have a deep understanding of what can go wrong during parking lot repair and how to change course if necessary. Conversely, an inexperienced contractor might make mistakes that prolong the project’s duration and wind up costing you more in the end. Do your business, your employees, and your customers a favor by working with a contractor you can trust.
Keep Up with Commercial Parking Lot Maintenance
As mentioned earlier, there’s no getting around the need for parking lot repair. That said, there are many ways to limit the frequency with which these repairs are required. Put simply, properly maintaining your busy commercial parking lot (e.g., regular cleaning, inspection, line striping, etc.) will slow down the weathering process, reducing the number and severity of problems scattered throughout your asphalt. And if you don’t have to worry about repairing your pavement all that often, you also won’t have to worry about the various challenges mentioned here.
Concerned about how to best approach parking lot repairs at your busy New England facility? Cassidy Paving is here to help. Call us today at 866-978-9788 for a free estimate on your next asphalt repair project.
