Running a business in Lakewood means you know your commercial property's asphalt is not just pavement. It is often the first impression customers get of your business. This asphalt needs to be safe as well as functional as well as look good. Our weather here in the Pacific Northwest, with all that rain and those temperature swings, really puts Commercial Asphalt to the test. You have to be proactive if you want to extend its life and avoid costly headaches down the road in Lakewood.
Extend Your Commercial Asphalt Lifespan: It Is All About Proactive Care
Think of your Commercial Asphalt in Lakewood like any other important investment in your business. It needs regular upkeep. A well-installed Commercial Asphalt surface in Lakewood can last 15-20 years with proper maintenance. Without this maintenance, you are looking at premature failure and bigger repair bills for your Commercial Asphalt.
Sealcoating: Your First Line of Defense for Commercial Asphalt
One of the best things you can do for your Commercial Asphalt is to sealcoat your asphalt regularly. This is not just about making your Commercial Asphalt look good. It is a protective barrier for your Commercial Asphalt. Sealcoating shields your pavement from the sun's harsh UV rays. These rays can break down the asphalt binder and make it brittle. Sealcoating also protects against water as well as oil as well as gasoline as well as other chemicals that can soften and damage the Commercial Asphalt surface. For commercial properties in Lakewood, Oasis Asphalt Inc. typically recommends Sealcoating every two to three years. This depends on how much traffic you get and the environmental conditions for your Commercial Asphalt.
Crack Sealing: Stop Water Damage in Its Tracks for Commercial Asphalt
Cracks are inevitable in Commercial Asphalt. Ignoring these cracks is a recipe for disaster, especially with our consistent rainfall in Lakewood. Water is Commercial Asphalt's biggest enemy. When water gets into cracks in your Commercial Asphalt, it weakens the sub-base. In addition, if temperatures drop, that water freezes as well as expands as well as makes the cracks even bigger. This freeze-thaw cycle is common in our Lakewood region. It leads directly to potholes in Commercial Asphalt. Sealing those cracks promptly prevents water from seeping in and undermining your Commercial Asphalt's foundation.
Drainage: The Important Hero for Commercial Asphalt
Proper drainage is very important here in Western Washington for Commercial Asphalt. Standing water on your Commercial Asphalt parking lot or access road will accelerate deterioration. This leads to cracks as well as heaving as well as potholes. Make sure your lot is graded correctly to direct water away from the Commercial Asphalt pavement and towards drains. Keep catch basins and drains clear of debris. If you have standing water on your Commercial Asphalt, you have a problem that needs fixing quickly. This is a common issue Oasis Asphalt Inc. sees around areas like the International District in Lakewood where older lots might not have had the best drainage design for their Commercial Asphalt.
What Regular Commercial Asphalt Maintenance Looks Like
Beyond Sealcoating and Crack Sealing, here is what you should be doing regularly for your Commercial Asphalt:
- Regular Inspections: Walk your property frequently. Look for any new cracks as well as potholes as well as areas where water is pooling on your Commercial Asphalt. Early detection is important to preventing small issues from becoming big, expensive ones for your Commercial Asphalt.
- Keep it Clean: Sweep away dirt as well as leaves as well as other debris from your Commercial Asphalt. This prevents organic matter from holding moisture against the asphalt. It also stops dirt from getting into and widening small cracks in your Commercial Asphalt. If you have oil or chemical spills on your Commercial Asphalt, clean them up quickly. These spills can soften the asphalt.
- Manage Heavy Loads: If you have areas with heavy truck traffic or delivery vehicles on your Commercial Asphalt, consider limiting how long they sit in one spot. Constant heavy loads can cause depressions or accelerate wear on your Commercial Asphalt.
Warning Signs of Commercial Asphalt Problems
Your Commercial Asphalt will tell you when it is in trouble. Here are some red flags for your Commercial Asphalt in Lakewood:
- Cracks: Any cracks wider than a quarter-inch, or extensive networks of cracks (often called