As a commercial property owner, you must navigate through a myriad of issues. Finding good tenants and negotiating leases, upkeep on buildings and a changing economic climate are all top concerns. A few cracks in the pavement of an asphalt parking lot, or even a lot in disrepair, might not be on the top of your to-do list. It’s time to reconsider.
Your parking lot is the first impression of your business.
“You don’t get a second chance to make a good first impression.” You’ve heard this quote before, and it is true. According to research, within the first 7 seconds, people form 11 impressions of you or your business. This is known as the 7/11 rule.
Anyone who owns a car utilizes numerous parking lots throughout the year. Think about your reaction when you turn into a lot filled with potholes and cracks. Do you feel highly about the establishment? Probably not. Now imagine how your tenants feel. Do you think they are proud of their shopping center or apartment complex? Again, probably not.
On the other hand, a well-maintained parking lot tells customers the owners care about their property. Current tenants are happier to lease from you, and you are more likely to attract new clients.
Can you get by with just a few repairs?
Whether your parking lot needs to be repaired, resurfaced or replaced depends on several factors:
- How old is the parking lot?
- Is the foundation damaged?
- When was the last time it was resurfaced?
- Are you regularly having the asphalt sealed?
Industry experts agree that most asphalt parking lots should be replaced every 20-30 years. While replacing is more expensive than resurfacing, it may be more cost effective in the long run. If a foundation is damaged by weather, heavy traffic wear and tear or was poorly installed in the first place, resurfacing will temporarily improve the appearance, but is only a short-term fix. The same ugly damages will reappear, quickly causing the need to prematurely resurface again and again.
Resurfacing is when a new top-layer of asphalt is laid down over the old one after cracks and potholes have been repaired. A well-done job can add another 8-15 years to the life of your parking lot, especially when regular maintenance is performed.
Regular maintenance includes repairing cracks with crackfill and asphalt to minimize their potential to increase in size. Patching potholes with an overlay patch, or in some cases, removing and replacing the affected area, is also necessary to prevent future damage. Asphalt surfaces are recommended to be sealed every 3-4 years to keep water from penetrating the asphalt and causing harm to the foundation.
How do you decide what is best for your property?
Your first step is to find a licensed and bonded contractor with the ability to evaluate the condition of your parking lot and help you make an informed decision on the proper course of action.
One such reputable contractor is The Asphalt Jungle, a complete asphalt paving company serving the Los Angeles, Ventura and Santa Barbara counties for over 40 years. They have built their reputation by providing superior workmanship, outstanding service and competitive pricing. Family-owned, they have the experience to get the job done right.
Don’t let a bad first impression hurt your business. Contact The Asphalt Jungle today at (310) 457-5229 for expert advice and a free estimate.
