Parking lots are an essential component of any commercial property, providing a safe and convenient area for customers to park their vehicles while they shop at your business. Over time, parking lots can deteriorate due to environmental factors such as sunlight, surface water, oil leakage, and repeated contact with heavy vehicles. Whether you’re just starting a restaurant or have operated your business for several years, maintaining your parking lot is important to preserve an attractive appearance and safe parking for customers. Discover the basic elements of parking lot maintenance, and the tasks you must complete to ensure customers have a clean and secure location to park.
Shop All Parking Lot Signs & PostsWhat Is Parking Lot Maintenance?
Parking lot maintenance is upkeep intended to extend the lifespan of a parking area. Maintaining a functional parking lot involves repairing problems as they arise, as well as completing regular cleaning. Undergoing regular parking lot maintenance will keep your parking area visually appealing and ensure that the vicinity is safe for customers and their vehicles.
Parking Lot Repairs
Parking lot repairs involve fixing damage to your parking lot that can threaten the safety of customers and their vehicles. Over time, asphalt ages, which can result in cracks and potholes. Your parking lot may be further harmed by water damage and oxidation, leading to an unappealing and unsafe parking area. Ensure your parking area is fully repaired and maintained by addressing some of the most common problems parking lots face:
1. Water Damage
Over time, water seeps into pavement through cracks, causing significant damage. Even more damage can occur if water freezes and expands, leading to further cracking and deterioration. To help prevent water damage ensure that water drains are clear of any debris they may prevent drainage. You may also want to install extra drains to siphon out excess water.
2. Cracks
Cracks occur due to the natural aging process, heavy traffic, and freeze-thaw cycles. If not repaired quickly, cracks expand and lead to more damage to your parking lot. To repair cracks apply specialized crack fillers and sealants to the affected area.
3. Potholes
Potholes form when water seeps into the pavement and weakens the underlying layers. Repairing potholes is one of the more difficult forms of parking lot maintenance, as you may need to apply extensive repairs for a complete fix. To ensure a pothole is completely repaired remove the damaged area, compact the sub-base, and apply new asphalt or concrete.
4. Uneven Depressions
Uneven depressions form due to poor parking lot planning and heavy-vehicle traffic. These depressions collect water, creating a breeding ground for pests like mosquitos and causing further damage to the pavement. To repair uneven depressions, the affected area is typically milled or stripped, and new asphalt or concrete is applied to level the surface.
5. Oxidation
Oxidation is a natural process that occurs over time and causes the parking lot surface to fade and lose its original color. This not only affects the aesthetic appeal of the parking lot but also makes it more susceptible to other forms of damage, such as water infiltration. To restore the appearance and protect the pavement, a sealcoat can be applied. Sealcoating creates a protective layer that helps prevent oxidation, UV damage, and water penetration.
Parking Lot Cleaning
Keeping your parking lot clean and well-maintained is essential for creating a positive impression on your customers and ensuring their safety. Regular parking lot cleaning not only enhances the appearance of your business but also helps to prevent accidents and maintain the longevity of your parking lot. Make the most out of your parking lot by undergoing regular maintenance and cleaning such as:
Clearing Debris
Debris such as leaves, trash, and dirt can accumulate and not only makes your parking lot look unkempt but also poses a safety hazard. Fallen leaves and trash can become slippery when wet, increasing the risk of slips and falls. Additionally, debris can clog drains, leading to water pooling and potential damage to the parking lot surface. Regularly scheduling debris clearing as part of your parking lot maintenance routine will help keep your lot clean and safe for both pedestrians and vehicles.
Snow Removal
During the winter months, snow and ice create hazardous conditions in your parking lot, making it difficult for customers to access your business safely. Proper snow removal is crucial to ensure the uninterrupted flow of traffic and reduce the risk of accidents. Investing in snow removal equipment and supplies, such as snow blowers and ice melt, will enable you to efficiently and effectively remove snow from your parking lot. It is important to prepare for winter weather and have a plan in place for snow removal, including designated areas for snow storage and a clear schedule for when and how snow will be removed.
Sweeping
Regular sweeping of your parking lot is essential to remove dirt, dust, and other small debris that can accumulate over time. Using a reliable parking lot sweeper or a push broom with stiff bristles will effectively remove dirt and debris from the surface. Pay particular attention to corners, edges, and areas around landscaping features or structures, as these are often prone to debris buildup. Regular sweeping, along with debris clearing, should be included in your parking lot maintenance routine to ensure a clean and well-maintained parking lot.
Parking Lot Maintenance Costs
Maintaining a well-kept parking lot is essential for businesses to create a positive first impression and ensure the safety of their customers and employees. However, it's important to understand the various costs associated with parking lot maintenance to effectively budget for these expenses. Consider the following costs when preparing to undergo parking lot maintenance:
- Repainting - Repainting parking lines is necessary to ensure proper parking space allocation, traffic flow, and compliance with ADA regulations. Although the cost varies depending on factors such as the quality of paint and the complexity of the parking lines, repainting services usually cost between $0.15 and $0.25 per square foot.
- Resealing - Resealing a parking lot is an important maintenance task that helps protect the asphalt surface from the damaging effects of sunlight, water, and chemicals. On average, businesses can expect to spend between $0.15 and $0.25 per square foot for resealing services.
- Sweeping & Cleaning - Regular sweeping and cleaning of a parking lot is crucial for maintaining its appearance and preventing the buildup of debris, leaves, and trash. The cost of professional parking lot sweeping services typically ranges from $50 to $150 per sweep, depending on the size of the lot and the frequency of service.
Parts of a Parking Lot
By understanding the various parts of a parking lot, businesses can effectively maintain and optimize their parking facilities. Quality parking lots usually include a variety of areas, signs, and features that make the parking experience as convenient as possible for customers. Discover the main areas you should focus on when planning your parking lot maintenance:
- Flow Control - Flow control refers to the organization and management of traffic flow within the parking lot. This includes the design and layout of the parking spaces, as well as the installation of directional signage and pavement markings.
- Safety Features - Safety features are items designed to reduce the threat of vehicle accidents occurring in a parking lot. Some examples of parking lot safety features include speed bumps, traffic signs, and reflective pavement markings. Some examples of parking lot safety features include speed bumps, traffic signs, and reflective pavement markings.
- ADA Compliance - ADA compliance involves providing accessible parking spaces and features for individuals with disabilities. This includes the installation of designated handicap-accessible parking spaces as well as accessible routes and curb ramps to provide easy access for individuals with disabilities.
- Walkways - Walkways should be well-maintained and clearly marked to provide safe and convenient pedestrian access. Properly designed and maintained walkways help to prevent accidents and ensure that customers can safely navigate the parking lot on foot.
What Makes a Good Parking Lot?
Whether it's a retail store, restaurant, or office building, a well-designed and well-maintained parking lot can enhance the overall experience for both customers and employees. There are several qualities that make a great parking lot, all of which revolve around safe and convenient parking for customers. Discover the features your parking lot needs to have in order to best serve your customers:
- Efficiency - A well-organized layout and design can maximize the number of parking spaces available, ensuring that customers and employees can easily find a spot to park their vehicles.
- Safety - Parking lots should prioritize the safety of their users by implementing proper lighting, clear signage, and well-defined pedestrian walkways. As an owner of a commercial parking lot, you must reduce the risk of accidents and collisions as much as possible.
- Proximity - Good parking lots should be conveniently located near the entrance of the establishment, minimizing the distance customers must travel from their vehicles to the building. The convenience of a close parking lot can significantly impact customer satisfaction and can even influence their decision to visit a particular establishment.
- Aesthetic - A well-maintained parking lot with clean lines, fresh paint, and properly maintained landscaping can enhance the overall appearance of a property. A visually appealing parking lot signals to customers that the business cares about its image and attention to detail, which can positively influence their perception of the establishment as a whole.
As a business owner, taking care of your parking lot is an essential aspect of maintaining a professional image and ensuring the safety of your customers and employees. From cleaning and sweeping to seal coating and striping, there are various parking lot maintenance tasks that you should consider for your business. Inspecting your parking lot regularly and addressing any issues promptly, avoids potential hazards and liability concerns. By prioritizing parking lot maintenance, you can create a positive first impression for your business and ultimately increase customer satisfaction.
