One of the biggest headaches for a business or organization is parking lot repair. Used daily by employees, visitors, and clients, it can be a major factor in the experience at a business or organization, but the investment is significant.
So, when should a concrete parking lot be repaired? And, when does a concrete parking lot reach the point that replacement is essential?
In this blog post, we will explore these two questions and some upkeep tips to avoid unnecessary expenses.
5 Major Signs of Needed Parking Lot Repair
The following are the most common indicators that it’s time to repair your parking lot.
Small Cracks
Small cracks in concrete parking lots can be repaired with crack sealing. However, the repair must be done right away. Delaying repairs may worsen the crack’s condition if de-icing salt, oil, or rain water slips into it.
Pooling Water
When pooling water is visible on a concrete parking lot, it signals one of two issues. Issue one; the concrete parking lot suffers drainage issues. Issue two; it suggests that the parking lot is uneven or sloped.
Potholes
The presence of potholes indicates there is either poor drainage or surface flaws on the concrete. A potential cause of potholes includes an imbalance of the concrete mix when too much sand is used. This issue can be patched.
Buckling/Warping
A warped or buckled parking lot appears wavy rather than flat. The waviness is primarily caused by pressure impacted on the surface by heavy-duty trucks. It could also be a sign of a weakened parking lot base. Addressing these issues immediately will prevent further damage.
Water Stains
Water stains on a concrete parking lot indicate damage beneath the surface. The water stains make the concrete susceptible to mildew and mold.
Minor Signs of Needed Parking Lot Repair
While the above conditions are the main signs that your concrete parking lot is due for repairs, additional signs for repairs include the loss of color, uneven appearance, or swelling pavement.
If you see any of the above signs, it indicates time should be spent repairing your concrete parking lot.
4 Major Signs of Needed Parking Lot Replacement
Making the investment to replace your concrete parking lot is a larger undertaking than doing simple repairs. The following are major signs your concrete parking lot needs replacement.
If More than 25% of the Parking Lot Requires Removal
If you’ve made an assessment of your concrete parking lot and determined that more than 25% must go for the repairs, it is more cost effective to replace the whole lot versus the repair cost.
Splits Cover the Parking Lot
Splits are fissures created by liquids when things such as ice, gas, oil, and others that slip into the notches in the concrete, freeze, and expand.
Large Cracks
The differences between the small cracks that can be repaired versus the large cracks are the excessive length, width, or depth.
Excessive Damage from Pooling Water
If there has been excessive damage done to the concrete beneath the pooling water, the section will need to be replaced with the additional of new draining features.
With these signs to guide your investment steps, it is clear of when steps should be taken to repair or replace your concrete parking lot.
3 Maintenance Tips to Decrease Parking Lot Repairs
To take care of your concrete parking lot, a fact to be aware of is that a concrete parking lot can last between 15-20 years with proper care. To capitalize on concrete’s endurance, here are 3 maintenance tips.
Resealing
A concrete parking lot should be resealed every 3-5 years.
Snow
During the first year of having your concrete parking lot, keep your concrete clear of snow.
Salt
After the first year of snows and having your concrete parking lot, use common rock salt to prevent ice. Common rock salt is less harmful to the concrete.
Why Maintenance is Important for Your Concrete Parking Lot
Concrete, like any material, experiences several of environmental factors that cause concrete corrosion such as water seepage, oil leaks, weight-bearing vehicles, and sunlight.
With proper care that involves joint maintenance, surface sealing, and some annual cleaning, you can prolong your concrete parking lot’s longevity, making the maintenance a key part of your business’ plan.
To learn more about repairing or replacing your concrete parking lot, check out Single Source Systems’ concrete flatwork and structural concrete services to see if we are the right concrete repair company for you!
