As the fall season comes to an end, many of us are preparing for winter’s cold, wet weather. Some winter preparations are second-nature, like servicing your heater, sealing windows, or winterizing a car. Yet, many business owners neglect to take the proper precautions to protect their parking lots from harsh winter weather.
Luckily, there are several things you can do to protect your parking lot from winter’s icy cold grip. A comprehensive maintenance plan can save your parking lot and add years to its life expectancy. Here are some steps you can take to prepare your lot for winter:
Keep it Clean
One of the easiest things you can do to help extend your parking lot’s life is to keep it clean. During the spring, summer, and fall months, leaves and debris often accumulate along curbs and drain areas. It is essential to continually clean these areas to prevent the build-up of water. Any standing water will be subjected to the freeze-thaw cycle, adding stress to the structure of your parking lot. Finally make sure to keep leaves and debris from blocking drains and clumping along curbs.
Remove Weeds and Vegetation
As any business owner knows, weeds in your parking lot can be both unsightly and costly. To avoid any mishaps, remember to regularly remove weeds and vegetation that may be growing along curbs or small cracks in the lot. If left undisturbed, weeds will contribute to the deterioration of your parking lot. This will become more evident in the winter months, as dormant vegetation retains moisture and is subject to the freeze-thaw cycle. The expansion and contraction will turn small cracks into large ones very quickly.
Repair Cracks
Depending on how many months you have until winter arrives, you can use filler to repair any cracks in your parking lot. A properly applied crack filler will become an expansion joint allowing your lot to better withstand the freeze-thaw cycle. For best results, consult with a professional service like Superior Seal Coating, one of the premier commercial crack repair companies in Chester County, PA.
Choose a Snow Removal Business
It is best to decide on a plow service before you need them. Nothing can be worse than trying to find someone to plow your parking lot in the middle of a snowstorm.
Make sure the snow removal business you choose to maintain your parking lot is reputable and centered around your needs. They should be able to accommodate your snow removal schedule and inform you of the actions they will need to take to plow the parking lot properly. Their equipment should be in good condition, and their plows should be equipped with rubber snow deflectors to prevent asphalt damage.
Summer Sealcoating and Repair
Sealcoating should be done in the summer months, along with restriping of the entire parking lot. Always remember to paint all lines and designations after repair to make sure your lot is compliant with local laws and regulations. Superior Seal Coating is a parking lot line striping contractor servicing Delaware County, Pa, and the surrounding areas, and can assist you with these services.
Your parking lot is a central component to the success of your business. If left neglected, it can become both a legal and economical burden. By preparing for the winter and maintaining a year-long maintenance plan, you can extend the life of your parking lot.
Superior Seal Coating has been servicing the region for over 15 years. With our experience and resources, we offer a superior service to our clients. For more information, contact us today!