Paving an asphalt parking lot represents a major investment in your business. To make sure you get the most value out of that investment, it is important to think about how to design and install your pavement to maximize its life-cycle potential. Here are several things to think through when planning your paving project.
Assess the Site and Existing Surface
Before beginning any new paving project, you should conduct a comprehensive survey of the property. The current condition of the pavement, as well as the soil, drainage, grading, and other factors, should be taken into consideration. New asphalt should not be placed on top of existing damaged pavement or an unstable subgrade, as this can lead to premature failure of the new surface.
Plan Proper Drainage
Water is one of the main reasons why asphalt may be deteriorating. Inadequate drainage can cause water to pool on your parking lot surface or within the asphalt structure, which leads to cracks and potholes. The proper grading and drainage systems should be established before beginning any paving services to ensure that water is directed away from your parking lot.
Consider Traffic and Parking Requirements
Think of the use of the parking lot. A commercial parking lot that will handle constant traffic or that will need to accommodate larger vehicles like delivery trucks and commercial vehicles will need a different type of asphalt base than a parking lot that is used to store passenger vehicles.
Prepare the Base Properly
A robust foundation is the cornerstone of any enduring asphalt parking lot. The base of aggregate must be properly compacted and prepared prior to asphalt installation. Inadequate preparation can lead to differential settlement, cracking, uneven pavement surfaces, and premature failure of the asphalt surface.
Choose the Right Asphalt Thickness
There is no standard thickness of asphalt for parking lots since the right mix depends on the underlying soil, traffic, drainage, and the type of vehicles that will be parked there. A qualified paving contractor can help determine the most suitable pavement structure for your needs.
Plan Parking Lot Layout and Markings
Your parking lot design should maximize the amount of parking space available while allowing for easy traffic flow. You should consider stall size, roadways, entrances and exits, sidewalks, accessible parking, loading zones, parking directions, and pavement markings. Pavement markings can be used to help improve safety and communication in your parking lot.
Consider Accessibility and Local Requirements
Parking lots may require adherence to specific accessibility, drainage, zoning, and municipal regulations. Accessible parking, signs, slopes, walks, and other features should be integrated into the design of the project at the start, rather than being installed later.
Choose an Experienced Asphalt Contractor
The quality of installation significantly affects the longevity of your parking lot. To ensure that your investment is well spent, hire an experienced asphalt paving contractor with a good reputation, the necessary equipment, and sufficient expertise to handle commercial paving jobs. Additionally, ask them about their preparation, materials, timing, and warranty.
Establish a Maintenance Plan
Even the most professional asphalt parking lot installation requires maintenance. Periodic inspections, crack sealing, sealcoating, drainage repair, and an overall maintenance plan can help prevent damage from water, weather, traffic, and more.
Consider the Long-Term Cost
While the first estimate may give the lowest price, it may not necessarily be the best choice. One has to be wary of such pitfalls as cheap materials, insufficient base preparation, and poor installation that may end up being significantly more expensive to fix in the long run. Instead, one should focus on the expected lifespan of the paving, its general maintenance and repair, materials, and overall value for money.
Paying more attention to the characteristics of a well-planned
asphalt parking lot will provide a longer-lasting, aesthetically pleasing surface that will keep the owner satisfied for many years. The proper consideration of the site location and its particular conditions, including drainage, traffic needs, and pavement layout, will allow for the most suitable parking lots to be constructed.
