Unlike concrete parking lots, asphalt ones contain a special binder that allows them to remain flexible and absorb continuous traffic loads. Over time, elements like water, sunlight, and oxidation cause this binder to deteriorate, which can cause your pavement to fade, become brittle, and develop cracks. Although this damage can grow too severe to save, other times, you can patch up small spots and reseal it to extend its life span. The key is figuring out which method you should take and when to employ it.

When to Repave or Reseal Your Parking Lot

Resealing

About twelve months after you install your parking lot, it must be sealed to protect the asphalt binders and ensure the pavement lasts for decades rather than a few years. This protective coating should then be applied every two to three years as a form of preventative maintenance. However, an inspection of the lot should always be performed beforehand to patch up cracks and determine if the overall quality of the asphalt is in good enough shape to be sealed.

Repaving

Cracks or fissures in your pavement can often be patched, but they’re sometimes too severe and cannot be filled. One of these instances, known as “alligatoring,” is when the asphalt becomes incredibly broken or rutted in a way that resembles the hide of an alligator. This is often caused by cold-weather damage or large vehicles driving on the lot that are heavier than what the asphalt can support.

You want to avoid harming your customers’ vehicles, so it’s best to repave in this situation, which can occur five to six years after installation on an unsealed lot. However, if you choose to seal your asphalt and maintain it accordingly, your parking lot should last 20 years before it needs replacing.

Whether you need a new parking lot installed or an old one repaired, the professional paving contractors at Grey-Ruso Construction in College Point, NY, can help. They are one of the leaders in asphalt paving across New York and New Jersey, and they’ll help make a safe and smooth surface for your clients’ vehicles. For more information about their services, call (718) 358-1836 or visit their website.