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Understanding the Prolonged Effects of Storm Damage on Your Parking Lot
The peak of hurricane season is officially upon us. That means your facility could be at risk of being exposed to a wide variety of hurricane and tropical storm impacts. From high winds to heavy rain, the threat of hurricane season to your facility is a very real and present danger. Your concern might initially be focused on your building(s), but what about your parking lot? If your facility is located in an area routinely affected by hurricanes, tropical storms, or heavy rain, it is important to understand the prolonged effects of storm damage. In this blog, we’ll break down those effects, as well as the steps you can take to mitigate them!
Prolonged Effects
Structural Damage
Potholes and Cracks: Heavy rain seeps through existing cracks and other surface damage, causing those issues to worsen over time.
- Subsurface Damage: The same water that seeps through existing cracks/potholes can cause damage to the base layers of your lot, compromising its structural integrity.
- Erosion: High winds and heavy rain can wear away the surface of your parking lot, leading to uneven surfaces and other potential safety hazards.
Drainage Issues
- Clogged Drains: High winds and heavy rain can cause debris to clog drainage systems, leading to pooling water on the surface of your parking lot that will eventually seep through the cracks and surface fissures of your parking lot.
- Standing Water: A poorly maintained drainage system can lead to standing/pooling water building up in your lot, causing damage to the surface and presenting potential safety hazards.
Surface Degradation
- Surface Wear: Prolonged exposure to rain can cause the surface of your parking lot to wear away. Similar to erosion but involves the breaking of particles in the asphalt as opposed to moving and reshaping them.
- Loss of Sealant: Heavy rain can wash away sealants used to protect your parking lot, making it more susceptible to damage.
PaveConnect Can Help You Put a Maintenance Plan Together for Your Parking Lot!
Safety Hazards
- Slip and Fall Risks: Wet surfaces and pooled/standing water from heavy rainfall can increase the risk of accidents for visitors to your facility.
- Vehicle Damage: Potholes and uneven surfaces that arise as a result of storm damage can cause severe damage to vehicles that cross your lot, potentially leading to liability issues.
Economic Impacts
- Increased Maintenance and Repair Costs: You may find a price increase for your regular maintenance and repair costs depending on the severity of damage to your parking lot.
- Reduced Lifespan: The overall lifespan of your lot can be reduced, leading to a potential repave much sooner than normal.
What You Can Do
- Schedule Regular Inspections: Schedule inspections to stay on top of the state and condition of your parking lot. Being in the know about your facility is the first step in properly maintaining it.
- Routine Maintenance: By conducting preventative maintenance on your parking lot, you can mitigate or prevent many of these issues from occurring entirely.
- Conduct Repairs: Repair what needs it and let the first two steps handle the rest. By scheduling inspections and conducting maintenance, you can prolong the lifespan of your parking lot, eliminating the need for repairs.
If you’re looking to extend the life of your parking lot and keep it safe from the dangers of prolonged storm damage, consider contacting the team at PaveConnect for all of your pavement-related needs! One phone call connects you with superior service aimed at keeping your parking lot looking fresh and in top form. Reach out via our website or call today at (877) 942-5613!
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