In the realm of property improvement and maintenance, parking lots, sidewalks, and driveways are often afterthoughts or pushed down on the priority list when evaluating property improvement and maintenance projects. While attention gravitates towards enhancing building amenities and interior spaces – perceived to gain the attention of tenants, visitors, and employees, the significance of well-maintained paved areas cannot be understated. These surfaces serve as the initial impressions visitors encounter, holding immense sway over a property’s curb appeal and safety standards.
Neglecting the upkeep of parking lots and walkways not only detracts from aesthetics but also poses substantial liability risks. Cracks, uneven surfaces, potholes, and broken asphalt or concrete can be trip and fall hazards, jeopardizing the safety of pedestrians and the integrity of vehicles.
Alternatively, well-built and well-maintained paved areas can last 25 to 30 years or more, depending on where and how these areas are used. These areas endure many elemental and conditional exposures such as winter deicer, lawn fertilizer, freeze-thaw cycles, poor drainage, and heavy loads that can contribute to the damage of asphalt and concrete surfaces. Crafting a comprehensive maintenance plan tailored to asphalt and concrete surfaces is imperative.
On average, $1 of preventive maintenance can save $3-$5 of future replacement costs. Regular inspections should be conducted on all paved surfaces, checking for cracks, scaling, pitting, spalling, potholes, fading paint, or pooling water. If your property is experiencing any of these issues you should contact a professional contractor to preform a thorough inspection and build a future maintenance plan.
Consider the following rules of thumb for your asphalt and concrete maintenance plan.
For asphalt surfaces:
- Every six months: Conduct a visual inspection of the pavement.
- Annually: Crack fill and repair potholes.
- Every two to five years: Apply fresh sealcoating.
- Every five years: Repair any areas that show signs of structural failure.
- Every 10 to 15 years: Apply a corrective overlay or resurface the pavement.
For concrete surfaces:
- Every six months: Conduct a visual inspection of the pavement.
- 30 days after concrete is installed: Have concrete driveways and sidewalks sealed with a penetrating concrete sealer.
- Every fall season: Have concrete driveways and sidewalks sealed with a penetrating concrete sealer.
At DCPS, we specialize in delivering top-tier asphalt and concrete services, coupled with comprehensive multi-year maintenance plans. Our seasoned asphalt and concrete professionals stand ready to assess and safeguard your property’s paved areas, ensuring longevity, safety, and curb appeal. Contact DCPS today to schedule a free property assessment.
