Do you take pride in your parking lot? Or do you hope no one notices?
Good parking lot maintenance is vital for any business hoping to succeed. After all, people won't feel comfortable visiting your establishment if your parking lot is full of potholes or slime, nor will they want to visit your restaurant if it's dirty outside.
This means you have to make sure to avoid all the most common parking lot maintenance mistakes every step of the way. Sound difficult? Don't worry, we've got you covered. Here's a list of what to steer clear of when it comes to keeping your lot in great condition.
- Cutting Corners
While it may seem like a cost-saving measure at the moment, these cost-cutting techniques often lead to inferior performance over time. Without proper care and resources, cleaning parking lots can become damaged and unsafe. It's important to always prioritize quality when performing maintenance and repairs, as these efforts will only extend the lifespan of the parking lot.
In addition, it's important to always read the manufacturer's instructions prior to repairs or maintenance. Failure to do so can have dire consequences, such as using the wrong supplies or causing damage to the asphalt.
- Too Much Sealcoating
The excess sealant builds up and can create ridges on the pavement surface. This increases the risk of trips and falls, as well as wider cracks that can form in the asphalt. Thus, it's important to avoid going overboard with parking lot seal coating. A good rule of thumb is to seal the coat once every three years.
Keeping up with regular seal coating but refraining from too much of it could go a long way in avoiding any unnecessary problems and costs associated with parking lots. Additionally, proper maintenance like filling in cracks and treating oil and grease spots can help maximize the lifespan of your parking lot, regardless of whether you seal coat often or not.
- Ignoring Observation and Maintenance
Ignoring observation is one of the greatest parking lot maintenance mistakes property managers often make. The parking lot is often the first thing a visitor to commercial property notices. Regular observation and maintenance of the parking lot help ensure that any potential problems can be quickly identified and rectified before further damage or an accident occurs.
To avoid making this mistake, ensure parking lot inspection and maintenance are scheduled on a regular basis throughout the year. Also, be sure to pay close attention to common signs that a parking lot needs repair such as loose paving stones, water pooling, soil on pavement, and any other irregularities.
- Poor Sweeping Technique
Finally, some parking lot managers fail to use the right sweeping technique. For example, sweeping too fast or not using the right equipment can result in areas being missed or only partially being cleaned. Make sure that your street sweepers are using the proper techniques and equipment to ensure a thorough cleaning.
Watch Out For These Parking Lot Maintenance Mistakes
Parking lot maintenance mistakes should be taken seriously, as a neglected lot can be dangerous. Keeping up with pressure washing, pothole repair, regular inspections, and drain clearing is key to creating and maintaining a safe and enjoyable lot. If you need help, look to a professional parking lot maintenance service for assistance.
Don't let one small mistake increase your parking lot's cost of maintenance. Take the proactive approach to park lot routine maintenance today!
If you found our article helpful, feel free to browse around the rest of this section. We have a ton of great content for you to dive into!
55 
