Commercial lots see a lot of traffic. Wear from use and damaging weather conditions may happen sooner than expected. As a business owner, it’s your responsibility to keep up the condition of your parking lot. Asking a professional paving contractor for an assessment will help you decide between repairing and replacing asphalt when it shows signs of age and wear. 

When You Should Repair

Repairing a lot will be cheaper than replacing it altogether. It may not be the right move in the long term, however, if you end up paying for frequent repairs and coatings. If less than 25% of your asphalt shows damage, if the foundation is unaffected and cracks and depressions are shallow, then patching and resurfacing should be considered.

Consider repairing any asphalt pavement that’s less than 20 years old if cracks are less than a quarter-inch wide. A paving contractor will evaluate lot damage and give you a qualified estimate for how long repairs will last. 

When You Should Replace 

If your parking lot is over 20 years old, most paving contractors will advise you to replace it. Asphalt wears down from weather, ultraviolet (UV) rays, and traffic. When the damage is extensive —affecting more than 25% of the surface area—resurfacing may not be sufficient to provide extra years of use. Although the cost of asphalt replacement will be more in the near term, it may be more economical to spring for replacement than endure a future of recurring repair expenses.

Carl Burns-Hotshot Asphalt of Union, MO, specializes in reliable, expert commercial and residential paving. Get quality driveway and parking lot installation that not only looks good but also lasts. They also offer an array of protective services, from pressure washing to seal coating, serving residents and business in a wide radius around Greater St. Louis. To get a free estimate, call (636) 584-7283, or visit this paving contractor online to see a gallery of their work.