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The parking lot is often the first interaction customers and other visitors have with a business. Too often, the lot makes a poor first impression—especially when the pavement is covered in ankle-deep rainwater. Use the following introduction to the causes and prevention of parking lot puddles to help you avoid this issue.

What Causes Parking Lot Puddles?

Puddles form on your lot for numerous reasons. Indentations in the pavement due to heavy trucks and equipment collect rainwater. Water collection worsens puddles further since moisture continuously seeps into the asphalt. When temperatures drop, that moisture freezes and expands, cracking the blacktop and allowing future liquid to enter. This cycle continues until potholes form, which leads to larger and deeper parking lot puddles. 

pavement in Cookeville, TNA lot might also get standing water if it doesn’t have a steep enough grade. A slope of 1% to 5% is recommended to encourage proper drainage and help water flow off the pavement. If your blacktop seems to be in top shape, the drainage vents or pipes could be clogged. When water has nowhere to go, it will collect on your lot, damaging the ground’s surface.

Why Do Puddles Matter?

Puddles lead to asphalt deterioration since they hold water against the pavement, giving the liquid time to seep inside. This leads to asphalt erosion and a worsening puddle problem. Poorly maintained parking lots can cause disgruntled visitors if they are constantly getting wet when making their way to a building’s entrance. This can lead to poor customer service perception and a bad business reputation.

Puddles can also hide the real depth of potholes. This can increase a business owner’s liability because of the risk of trip and fall accidents and vehicle damage.

How Do You Prevent Parking Lot Puddles?

Make sure all drains are accessible by removing trash, leaves, and other debris from on or around the grates. Consider having the lot resurfaced to provide the necessary slope to encourage drainage.

Sealcoating prevents the asphalt from absorbing water and eroding quickly. It also prevents damage caused by ultraviolet radiation from the sun that further speeds up pavement deterioration.

 

For expert pavement treatment to rid a parking lot of puddles, turn to the professionals at Bennett Paving LLC in Cookeville, TN. This experienced and affordable paving company has served Putnam County since 1970. They specialize in parking lot resurfacing, asphalt sealing, and asphalt repair. Learn more about their services online, or call (931) 858-4596 to schedule a consultation.

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