Your pavement is a workhorse and supports everything you do. However, any pavement can develop eyesores and problems. Whether you have asphalt or concrete, a driveway or a parking lot, there are solutions to keeping your pavement in working order.
Oil Stains
The Problem:
Whether it was a little leak from a customer’s car or some car work gone wrong, oil stains happen. Unfortunately, this asphalt problem can become serious. If left alone, you may even need to replace all or part of your pavement.
The Fix:
First, you should determine if the oil stain has already permanently damaged your pavement. You’ll need a screwdriver for this test. All you need to do is poke the pavement eyesore with the screwdriver. If the tool sinks into the spot, you will need replacement pavement.
If the screwdriver does not sink, you just need some degreaser. Using a biodegradable degreaser is typically safer for everyone involved. First, sweep the area with a stiff broom and blot up any liquids. Then apply the degreaser and let it sit for a minute. Then wipe away the stain.
Faded Lines
The Problem:
The parking lines on your property are no longer prominent. You may notice customers parking outside of designated areas or driving over lines. This fading is typically due to elemental wear and tear, which is inevitable. Typically, parking lines need reapplication every two years.
It’s also possible that your parking lot lines appear faded because you recently did some sealcoating. Sealcoating evenly applies the product over the entire area, including the lines.
The Fix:
Regardless of the reason, you need new parking lines to fix this pavement problem. You can apply new lines manually. You can also buy a small line striping machine. The small investment will provide perfect lines for decades to come.
Oxidization
The Problem:
Your once shiny black asphalt has a problem. It’s gone gray! This process is called oxidization and it refers to the asphalt losing its moisture. This process happens due to the sun and elements that your asphalt exists under every day.
The Fix:
Before your asphalt goes entirely gray, you may notice some other pavement problems. Items like cracks or vegetation need removal if you want your driveway to last as long as possible.
The more permanent solution is to sealcoat your asphalt problem. Sealcoating products add a fresh layer of oils, tar, and other necessary components to your pavement problem. As this gets absorbed, the color should go back to what you expect, and your pavement will be better protected.
Broken Parking Stops
The Problem:
You installed parking stops for safety in your lot a few years ago. During your recent parking lot assessment, you noticed a few broken ones were causing a pavement eyesore. Whether it was the elements or the car bumpers, your parking stops are chipped and cracked.
The Fix:
If you’re using concrete parking stops, these pavement eyesores can be repaired. You will need as much of the material that has broken off as possible. You can then use concrete bonding agents to restore the functionality.
Alternatively, some contractors promise to return concrete parking stops to their original glory. This service is usually easier and more cost-effective than ordering new parking stops.
Tree Roots
The Problem:
Trees add property value, aesthetic appeal, and shade wherever you plant them. However, trees keep growing for years and years. That means their root system keeps expanding too, and now it’s hit your parking lot.
You’re now seeing pavement eyesores around the edge of your parking lot, near the medians, or on the fringes of your driveway. You can see where the tree roots are growing as it breaks your asphalt.
The Fix:
There are several options available to you. You can remove the damaged pavement and examine the problem tree roots. If they are small, you can cut them back and place a physical root barrier to prevent the problem from happening again.
If the tree roots are large, you should not cut them yourself. Instead, enlist an arborist to identify which tree the roots belong to and make suggestions on how to relocate these roots without killing the tree.
In this case, chemical solutions are likely to affect the trees long term adversely.
Fix Your Asphalt Problems and Protect Your Pavement
If you have asphalt problems whether you have a driveway or a parking lot, we can help you diagnose and offer solutions to get them fixed. Take this 7 question asphalt assessment or give us a call toll-free at 1-866-399-5562 to talk to our asphalt experts.
