At first thought of the question, it probably seems like there’s an obvious answer to why asphalt is a good choice for parking lots. But when asked for specifics, you may start drawing a blank as to what they might be. We know, some of you (including our crew, of course) might already know the answer, while some of you are here out of curiosity. Either way, welcome to the EARTHTEK blog - you’ve found the place to learn about asphalt parking lots. 

What Makes Asphalt Good for Parking Lots?

Asphalt parking lots offer businesses, residences, and municipal locations a number of benefits. These go beyond the attractive look of a newly-laid asphalt surface and the quick installation time. Paving your parking lot with asphalt is environmentally friendly, remarkably durable, makes driving easier, and is more economical than using other materials. 

Let’s take a look at what makes asphalt the superior parking lot surfacing material. 

1. Better water management - Water can be problematic for most materials, but asphalt offers excellent protection against this common element. The bitumen in asphalt’s composition makes it easy to direct water with minor elevation differences.
2. More affordable - asphalt is much more affordable than other drivable surface materials. It is easy to obtain the ingredients, and it can be made quickly in large quantities. In addition, it can be ready to drive or walk on the same day.
3. Long-lasting durability - Asphalt has a long-lasting quality that makes it possible to last more than 20 years with the right maintenance. This is a long time for heavy-use areas. Correct maintenance can significantly extend its lifespan.
4. Recyclable - Asphalt is 100 percent recyclable, and new surfaces created from recycled asphalt is actually stronger than new, fresh asphalt. It’s a win-win construction material all around. 

Types of Asphalt Damage

Asphalt deteriorates over time due to weather, traffic, and oxidation. That being said, it’s possible to see structural issues and damage in asphalt parking lots in a handful of ways. Don’t worry, though, EARTHTEK can repair all of these issues: 

1. Cracks - As a result of the stress that asphalt pavement is under, it can crack in a variety of patterns. Overloaded surfaces and underlying problems can cause fatigue cracking, also known as alligator cracking. A stretch mark-like crack can be a result of edge cracking, block cracking, or slippage cracking.
2. Potholes - It's a natural effect of the wear and tear asphalt endures on a daily basis that leads to potholes appearing on its surface.
3. Base Failure - There are a number of reasons why a base may fail, including poor drainage, lack of support, and incorrect installation. In order to repair this type of damage, the entire top layer of the structure must be removed in order to correct the problems with the base layer. This being said, base failure requires more intensive work to repair. 

Asphalt Repair and Maintenance Methods

The EARTHTEK crew has the tools, skills, and experience your parking lot repair job needs to get the job done right and within your schedule. Different types of repair and maintenance are used depending on the level of wear and tear and specific type of damage to your asphalt surfaces. The following are the most common repair and maintenance methods we use: 

• Sealcoating - It is recommended that you seal coat your parking lot once every 3-5 years during the warmer months of the year. As well as preventing water retention, sun damage, vehicle oils, and general wear and tear, sealcoating protects vehicles against wear and tear, you'll also have a lot that looks new.
• Crack Filling - Normally, asphalt cracks are repaired with hot sealants. Water and other harmful elements are prevented from entering your asphalt with this sealant. Note - if your lot has cracks, we urge that you repair them as early as possible. Otherwise, you risk damage to your base layers. 
• Resurfacing - In order to bond the new asphalt to the old asphalt, a tack coat must be applied after the proper preparation has been done. An asphalt layer is applied with hot asphalt, and a roller is then used to compact it.

EARTHTEK takes pride in the repair and maintenance of all our clients. We want you to look forward to working with us again. As such, we offer excellence in all aspects of communication and service. Give us a call today for a free quote.