3 Things That Can Damage Your Asphalt

Asphalt can be found on many commercial properties. Any business that needs to provide a parking area for customers and employees will probably have an asphalt parking lot. Commercial pavement can see significantly more use than a residential paved area.

To properly care for your commercial pavement, you need to understand some of the factors that can contribute to the deterioration of your asphalt over time.

1. The Environment 

Commercial pavement is exposed to the elements at all times. Environmental factors like rain, sunlight, and temperature fluctuations can cause damage to your asphalt. Rain can pool on the surface of the asphalt and contribute to the formation of cracks. Water that doesn't drain away from your commercial paving can pool right below the pavement's surface. This creates dangerous and unsightly potholes.

Sunlight can dry out your commercial pavement. Temperature fluctuations cause the asphalt to expand and contract. This can lead to the development of cracks in your asphalt's surface. Regular maintenance is required to ensure the environment doesn't render your commercial asphalt useless.

2. Traffic

A lot more vehicles travel over commercial pavement than residential asphalt. Many of the vehicles that move across commercial roadways and parking lots are heavy. These large vehicles, along with the high level of routine traffic, can wear down the surface of your asphalt over time. Regular resurfacing will help you avoid any damage that might be caused by the high number of vehicles that travel across commercial pavement each day.

3. Chemicals

The vehicles that are parked on your commercial asphalt could become a source of damage over time. Many vehicles leak fluids that contain chemicals which are harmful to asphalt. Engine oil, transmission fluid, and coolant are just a few of the liquids found inside a vehicle's engine bay. These chemicals can be corrosive when they sit on the surface of your pavement for an extended period of time.

Not only will chemicals cause your asphalt to weaken, but they can also stain your pavement and create an unsightly parking area. A reputable paving company will be able to clean and seal your parking lot to ensure that chemicals never cause significant structural damage to the asphalt in your parking areas.

When you understand some of the factors that can contribute to asphalt failure, you can be proactive in scheduling preventative maintenance to preserve the integrity of your commercial paving. Contact an experienced paving contractor to help you care for your parking lot in the future.