Any commercial property has a number of maintenance and property upkeep tasks that they have to take care of regularly. Commercial pavement is typically a crucial part of this list. Whether your commercial property utilizes asphalt or concrete, it will need regular maintenance. When the time comes to repair or replace that pavement, you’ll need a solid plan so that the project goes smoothly without interrupting business.
Depending on what kind of commercial property you have, scheduling a pavement project can be tricky. Dealing with various schedules and traffic can make projects difficult to schedule, not to mention the weather. However, unkept pavement can make matters worse. Driveways and parking lots typically need maintenance, as do patios and pathways. Commercial pavement comes in many forms, including:
- Driveways
- Turnarounds
- Parking lots
- Paths
- Walkways
- Porches
- Patios
- Loading docks
- Trucking terminals
- Garage floors
- Recreational structures
To best schedule your next commercial pavement project, continue reading to learn about all the considerations. Then, contact an experienced pavement company to help you with the work.
Reasons for Commerical Pavement Projects
The decision often has to be made between repairing or replacing your concrete or asphalt pavement. Commercial pavement projects come in many forms, a few of which are listed below. To determine what needs to be done to the pavement on your property, it’s essential to work with experienced paving professionals.
New Pavement Installation
New businesses will often have pavement needs that need to be addressed before they can open. Whether you need a commercial parking lot or a restaurant patio, Richfield Blacktop can help. Install new pavement right away, so you don’t have to worry about liability issues with dirt and construction holes left on your property.
Resurfacing
Most asphalt parking lots will last around 15-20 years before they need to be resurfaced. Resurfacing involves removing one layer of asphalt and replacing it with a new layer. This pavement project will prolong the life of your asphalt.
Repairs
Some commercial pavement areas will need repairs, which could include:
- Patching
- Relining
- Potholes
- Networks of cracks
- Alligator cracks
- Block cracks
- Uneven surfaces
- Faded lines and stripes
- Pooling water
Doing these repairs in a timely manner will help your pavement in the long run, especially if you plan to resurface in the future. If you keep up with regular pavement maintenance, you won’t have to worry about resurfacing for many years.
Preventative Maintenance
Further maintenance will help the life of your pavement. You’ll want to maintain proper drainage systems in your parking area and protect edges with parking locks. Other pavement areas might need regular maintenance as well. It’s best to keep a list of items that should be done monthly or annually, so nothing gets forgotten.
Best Time for Paving Projects
There are two critical factors to consider when scheduling your commercial paving project: weather and traffic. To ensure a successful concrete installation, the temperature has to be right. Along with the weather, you’ll want to choose a time that won’t disrupt your business. Customers and staff will appreciate the new pavement work, but not if the project inconveniences them.
Traffic Is Slow
Because commercial properties are often bustling hubs, it can be hard to schedule pavement projects because traffic gets interrupted and the work may block off access to buildings. However, dealing with uneven pavement or large cracks can be an even bigger problem. Many commercial properties and institutions utilize pavement areas, including:
- Malls and shopping centers
- Grocery stores
- Auto dealerships
- College campuses
- Parking garages
- Churches
- Fast-food drive-thrus
- Bank drive-thrus
- Libraries
- Government facilities
- Shipping terminals
- Warehouses and manufacturing facilities
- Office parks
- Restaurants and bars
The wide variety of commercial properties means varying schedules and business needs that have to be accounted for. No matter what industry you operate in, try to plan your pavement project for times of slow foot or vehicle traffic. With fewer people and vehicles in the way, the project can get done faster.
Weather Is Good
Winter is not the best time to plan pavement work unless you live in a place with warm weather year-round. The temperature will play a vital role in scheduling your paving project, especially for anyone in Minnesota and other colder states. Fall is the best time of year, thanks to the warm days and cooler nights. Plus, the humidity has typically left by the time September arrives.
If you’re able to, have pavement work done in the fall. The optimal curing temperature will positively influence your pavement’s durability and overall lifespan, which will make a difference for you down the line.
Questions to Ask Before Work Begins
Once you’ve decided to pave your commercial lot, it’s crucial to ask the right questions before work begins. The first step is determining exactly what kind of pavement work needs to be done – whether it’s a simple repair or a new pavement project. Next, you’ll have to decide on timing. Finally, schedule the work with a pro pavement team.
Here are a few questions you can ask to determine what kind of work needs to be done:
- Are there any areas of pavement that accumulate more standing water than others?
- Have you noticed any draining issues after a rainstorm?
- Does your current parking lot suit your needs?
- Are there enough spaces for vehicles and precise lines to mark the spots?
- Do people often speed, causing a need for speedbumps or other traffic features?
If you have these or other issues, schedule your pavement project right away.
Planning Your Commercial Paving Project
Taking into account the schedule, weather, and project scope will help you schedule your paving project successfully. The better the weather, the higher the quality pavement you will have. Plus, ensuring the pavement project doesn’t get in the way of business or daily operations at your commercial property is crucial.
When you consider what work will be done and the timeline, you’ll have a better idea of when you should schedule the pavement project at your commercial property. With routine maintenance and care, your asphalt or concrete project will last much longer. For all of your commercial pavement needs, whether repairing or installing new pavement, contact Richfield Blacktop today.
