How To Keep Your Parking Lot Functional During The Winter Months
Parking lot upkeep can be difficult during those cold winter months when the weather wreaks havoc on your pavement. Built-up snow and ice can easily put your customers’ safety at risk and damage your asphalt. Proper asphalt maintenance and preparation will help ensure your parking lot remains fully operational and damage-free.
At NYS Enterprises we recommend taking the following steps to prepare for winter:
Comprehensive Inspection
Well before winter begins you will want to do a comprehensive inspection of your parking lot. Take inventory of what needs to be fixed and be sure to check for cracks, potholes, drainage issues, and any other damages. It is beneficial to do an inspection like this during the summer, as repaving and sealing can only be done above a certain temperature.
Develop a Winter Plan
The next step is to develop a plan. Do you need serious asphalt repaving? Drainage issues that need fixing? What are you going to do if your lot fills up with snow? These are the questions that you will need to sort out before winter.
Using an asphalt paving company that specializes in winter maintenance will ensure you are prepared for whatever problems may arise. You don’t want to be left stuck in a bind when winter comes around.
5 Tips For Keeping Your Parking Lot Functional During the Winter Months
So what can you do as a business owner to prepare your parking lot for the upcoming season?
Here are some tips on how to keep your parking lot operational during the cold winter months:
Seal Cracks and Potholes
Cracks and potholes develop naturally in your concrete over time. However, when water gets inside those cracks or potholes it expands or contracts depending on the temperatures, meaning sitting water will freeze and expand causing further cracking and enlarged potholes. Make sure to seal all your cracks and potholes well before the winter season begins as asphalt paving can only be done during the spring and summer.
Snow removal
Have a sudden storm and now your parking lot is full of snow? Snow removal is key when it comes to protecting your concrete and the safety of your employees and patrons. To keep your parking lot safe it is best to clear snow as soon as possible. If left for too long piles of snow can cause structural damage to your parking lot – and not to mention stops people from visiting your business!
De-icing
Ice is a serious safety hazard. Not only does it jeopardize the safety of parking lot users, but it puts serious strain on your concrete. De-icing is a job best left for the professionals as it requires certain equipment and de-icing agents. Reduce the risk of injuries and liabilities by keeping your parking lot ice-free this winter.
Proper drainage
Without proper drainage, you run the risk of standing or backed up water freezing over your asphalt. This can result in serious safety concerns for your drivers using your lot. Make sure your property’s drainage system is working properly before the temperatures start dropping.
Regular cleaning and clearing
With snow, ice, storms, and cold weather comes large amounts of debris that can build up and impair the functioning of your lot. Not to mention any existing debris or clutter can become trapped under snow and ice, even getting pulled into your drainage system.
Prepare for Winter with NYS Enterprises
Remember that regular asphalt maintenance is the key to protecting your parking lot and concrete surfaces. Our team of experts will help keep your parking lot safe and usable during the winter months; whether it’s snow removal, de-icing, or pothole repair we can handle the job.
Let NYS Enterprises take the hassle and stress out of gearing up for the winter.
Contact NYS Enterprises
Contact NYS today to learn more about our commercial asphalt services in the Seattle area.
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