Potholes are a common problem in asphalt parking lots. Generally, potholes can be a nuisance for drivers, but they can also cause serious damage to vehicles. When a car hits a pothole, it can cause the tire to rupture or the suspension to break.
It is important to repair potholes as soon as they are detected. The best way to do this is to fill the hole with asphalt patching material and compact it with a tamper. This will ensure the pothole is properly filled and prevent it from getting larger.
How Do Parking Lot Potholes Form?
Parking lot potholes are a common nuisance and can form for various reasons. Potholes can occur in areas with freezing temperatures when water seeps into cracks in the asphalt and then expands as it freezes. This process weakens the asphalt and creates a depression on the surface. Potholes can also form when heavy vehicles repeatedly drive over an area, causing the ground to compact.
This compression makes it more likely for cracks to form; over time, these cracks will grow larger and deeper, eventually leading to a pothole. In addition, tree roots can also cause parking lot potholes by putting pressure on the asphalt and forcing it to crack.
These are common factors that lead to potholes on your driveway path. We shall discuss the right way for parking lot potholes repairs on asphalt pavements. Let’s delve in!
Step1: Clear Your Parking Lot of Debris & Contaminants
The first step in repairing a pothole is clearing the area around the hole of debris or contaminants. You will need a broom or blower to remove the area’s loose dirt, leaves, and pebbles. You should also use a garden hose to remove standing water from the pothole. This will ensure the repair material will adhere properly to the asphalt. Once the area is cleaned, you can proceed to the next step.
Step 2: Measure the Pothole
After the area around the pothole is cleaned, you will need to measure the hole to determine how much repair material you need. You will need to use a tape measure to ascertain the length and width of the pothole.
Step 3: Cut Out the Damaged Asphalt
Once you have measured the pothole, you must cut the damaged asphalt from around the hole. You need to use a chisel and hammer or asphalt cutter to do this. You should ensure that you cut out an area slightly larger than the pothole. It will give you excess material to work with when filling the hole.
Step 4: Clean Out the Pothole
After you have cut out the damaged asphalt, you will need to clean out the pothole itself. To clean the pothole, use a wire brush or a power washer to remove any loose dirt or debris from the bottom of the hole. Once the pothole is clean, you can proceed to the next step.
Step 5: Fill the Pothole with Repair Material
Once the pothole is clean, you must fill it with asphalt repair material. There are a variety of different materials that you can use for this, but we recommend using a cold asphalt patch. This material is easy to work with and will set quickly, making it ideal for repairs. To fill the pothole, you should pour the repair material into the hole and tamp it down with a tamper or your hands.
Step 6: Compact the Repair Material
After filling the pothole, you will need to compact the repair material to ensure that it sets properly. You can use a tamper or a hand roller to compact the material. Once the repair material is compacted, you can leave it to set for 24 hours before using the parking lot again.
Following these steps will ensure you have repaired your potholes the correct way. The next step is to prevent potholes from forming again. Here are different ways to prevent potholes from forming on your asphalt parking lot.
Sealcoat Your Parking Lot as Needed
One way to prevent potholes from forming is to seal coat your parking lot. Sealcoating creates a protective barrier on the surface of the asphalt, which helps to fill in cracks and prevent water from seeping into the pavement. This process also helps extend your parking lot’s lifespan and makes it easier to repair any damage. While seal coating is not a guaranteed solution to potholes, it is an effective preventive measure that can help to keep your parking lot in good condition.
Ensure Proper Drainage
Another way to prevent potholes is to ensure proper drainage. If water is allowed to pool on the pavement’s surface, it will eventually seep into cracks and crevices. As the water freezes and expands, it will cause the asphalt to deform and ultimately form a pothole. To avoid this problem, it is important to ensure that your parking lot drains properly. This can be accomplished by installing gutters and drains around the lot’s perimeter and ensuring that the pavement slopes away from buildings and other structures.
Fix Cracks Immediately They Form
Final Words
The experts from CSG Sealcoating, Tampa say that cracks in asphalt are inevitable. They form over time as a result of weathering and the natural expansion and contraction of the ground. However, if left unrepaired, these cracks will quickly turn into potholes. By sealing the cracks, you will help to prevent water from seeping into the asphalt and causing further damage. Second, you should regularly check for areas of weakness or settling and take steps to repair them. One of the best ways is to have a professional asphalt contractor regularly inspect your parking lot and make any necessary repairs.
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