Are you the owner of a business and considering paving a parking lot for your business? A paved parking lot can increase your property value, make parking much easier for customers, and overall make your property look better. Before you begin to look for a contractor to come to your site and begin the process of pouring asphalt, you should know a few things about paving a parking lot.
As Asphalt experts we will explain everything you need to know about paving a parking lot.
What is the process of paving a parking lot?
The first step of the process is a consultation with paving experts. A paving parking lot professional will need to have a conversation about your location, the needs you have, and discuss logistics to get a proper understanding of exactly what your new lot will require.
The next step is an on-site survey in which the proposed area will be looked over and measured so that a design can be crafted that will efficiently use the space.
Grading and leveling the site location will be the next step. This is important for proper drainage and done before installing a base layer of gravel. Once the gravel is layered, it will be compacted to make sure the ground is stable and ready for the asphalt to be poured.
Next is the moment that you’ve likely imagined in your head. A team of paving contractors will pour a high quality asphalt layer on the location. The asphalt layer is at least a couple inches thick and will over time cure into a hard, sturdy, but flexible surface.
The final steps of paving a parking lot are painting down the lanes and other appropriate parking lot markings. During this phase the parking contractors will also install any concrete curbs, walkways, speed bumps, and more.
That’s the entire process! At this point your new parking lot is completed and you and your customers can park cars on it.
Qualities of an excellent Parking Lot Pavement Job
There’s a few qualities and characteristics that you should be aware of when thinking about installing a new paved parking lot. Keep these in mind when you’re talking with a qualified contractor.
Proper Drainage
Have you ever been in a parking lot that turned into a miniature pond during the rainy season? The reason for this is that it didn’t have a good drainage system with it. The water pools up in low spots and has nowhere to go. Parking lots that don’t drain weren’t constructed properly.
Make sure that part of the discussion with the contractor revolves around drainage. You want to make sure that they’re going to be implementing a drainage system that will prevent standing water. Standing water on a paved parking lot is not only a nuisance to walk through, but it can do long term damage to your parking lot. Keep your parking lot in top shape for a long time by installing a drainage system.
Solid Gravel Base Layer
A parking lot that doesn’t have a solid gravel base won’t last long. One of the most important parts of a paved parking lot is a gravel foundation that’s installed properly. The gravel base will help give the parking lot asphalt the strength it needs to not buckle or break under the weight of car traffic. An asphalt expert will make sure that the gravel is layered thick enough and with precision to ensure your parking lot lasts for years to come.
The Details Are Important
A new paved parking lot should not only be functional, but look good too. Skilled contractors can use tools to make sure that your new paved parking lot is level and that all the edges are sharp. At Elite Asphalt we can assure you that we take the time to make sure our finished product is not only built to last, but that it looks great too. We want you to be proud of your new parking lot.
How long will a paved parking lot last?
There are many factors that determine how long a paved parking lot can last. Factors that contribute to the wear and tear of a parking lot include: weather, amount of traffic, whether it’s maintained, etc. Generally speaking, a parking lot that is constructed properly and with the right materials can last 30 years. With proper and regular maintenance, a paved parking lot can last up to 20 to 30 years! All this to say – make sure to keep up with ongoing maintenance. It can keep your lot looking good for a long time.
How do you maintain a paved parking lot?
There are many maintenance procedures and routines that can be done to ensure that your paved parking lot lasts a long time.
Some paved parking lot maintenance includes:
- Pothole repair
- Minor repairs to damaged areas
- Asphalt crack repair and filling
- Asphalt sealcoating
- Asphalt patching
- Stabilization
- Ensuring the drainage system continues to work properly
- Keeping the lot clean from debris and dirt.
What’s asphalt sealcoating? Sealcoating is an incredibly effective way of protecting your paved parking lot from water, traffic, and weather. It’s a maintenance technique that can extend the life of your parking lot and is highly recommended. By using high-quality sealants you can extend its life and save you money in the long run by not having to relay the surface.
Keep the lot clean from debris and dirt? You read that correctly. The first line of defense to keeping your paved parking lot safe and damage free is keeping it clean. By sweeping your parking lot you can remove debris, dirt, and oil that can damage the integrity and health of your lot. Parking lot sweeps are a cost-effective way to secure a long life for your parking lot surface.
While some of these maintenance tasks can be done by yourself, many of them will require a professional who can come up with a proper maintenance plan.
Want to make sure that your paved parking lot lasts for a long time? Contact Elite Asphalt – we’re professionals who want to save you money and see your paved lot last.
How long does paving a parking lot take?
There are many factors that go into determining how long it will take to pave a parking lot. Here’s a few of the factors that will decide how long it will take to install.
Weather
In the right temperature and weather conditions a new asphalt paved parking lot can cure and be ready to be used within 24 hours. With this said, paving a new parking lot cannot happen if it’s raining or snowing. It also can’t be done if it’s too cold. Colder temperatures will slow down or cause the asphalt to not cure properly.
Site Characteristics
Is there an existing parking lot that needs to be removed? Is the site location level or requires serious work to become level? Sometimes the most time consuming part of installing a new paved parking lot is the excavation or replacement of a previous parking lot. It can also take time for workers to level portions of the site out and stabilize the ground before the actual paving takes place.
Size of the Job
Lastly, a factor that must be considered is the size of the lot. It’s common sense that a larger parking lot will require more work hours to complete than a smaller one.
If the factors are favorable it can take a solid paving contractor and his team as little as 24 hours before the parking lot is installed and ready to be used. With this said – it is generally recommended to schedule paving around the holidays or weekends so there is no delay in operations.
More Questions You Have About Paving A Parking Lot
How much does a paved parking lot cost? Installation of a paved parking lot can cost anywhere between $2.50 to $5 per square foot. The pricing will depend on a number of factors including the cost of local materials and labor prices. The expertise of the contractor is also a factor that can raise the cost.
How thick should asphalt be for a paved parking lot? Generally a parking lot that will receive light traffic will have a minimum of 2 inches of asphalt. A paved parking lot that will be used often and in an environment with varied weather can be anywhere from 4 to 6 inches thick.
Are parking lots made of asphalt? Not all parking lots are made of asphalt. They can be made from concrete and other materials too. Generally parking lots are made with asphalt to keep costs low. Asphalt also allows for a quicker installation time.
Can you install a new paved parking lot over an old one? You can, but it’s not always recommended. At the beginning of the process the contractor will need to assess the old parking lot to ensure it’s stable, flat and will continue to last for years to come.
Attention to Detail for Your Paving Services
One size does not fit all when it comes to paved parking lot installation. That’s why Elite Asphalt LLC takes the time to assess your property and discuss your needs and goals with you. We want to make sure that you get the right parking lot or driveway options, not just the fastest or most expensive solutions. We’ll work with you to identify exactly what you need when it comes to sealing maintenance, chip seal driveway installation, or parking lot striping, and then we’ll work carefully to implement those services precisely.
It’s that attention to detail that can make a huge difference in your overall satisfaction with the result, so our paving contractors make sure to go above and beyond to take great care of you and your property.
Ready to learn more about what Elite Asphalt LLC can do for you? Contact us now for a free estimate or to find out more about our asphalt paving company.
