Suppose you are a business owner or property manager in the Nashville area. In this case, you know that the condition of your parking lot can have a massive impact on how customers perceive you and your business. A space covered with potholes, cracks, or other asphalt damage can easily give customers a negative impression of your business, putting frugal customers off from coming back for more.
That’s why if you want to keep your customers and employees happy, it’s essential you keep your parking lot in excellent condition by opting for expert parking lot repair services.
In this blog post, we will be breaking down common parking lot maintenance mistakes made by owners and property managers, why parking lot repair for businesses is vital in the Nashville area, and all asphalt repair services that can be done for you as well as some benefits — so keep reading if you’re ready to transform your parking lot!
What Are Some Common Asphalt Parking Lot Maintenance Mistakes Business Owners/Property Managers Make?
It’s typical to call a parking lot repair provider or attempt repairs yourself. The following is common parking lot maintenance mistakes business owners and property managers make, which is why we put together this “secret” list of avoidable mishaps your competitors are making, so you can stay ahead of them.
Attempting Repairs Yourself
You may ask, “what do I do if I see any damage on my parking lot”? If you see any potholes, immediately place an orange cone or steel plate over them to protect patrons and avoid future damage. Then call a hot asphalt patching contractor whose job is to use a hot mix asphalt from a material provider since it’s more durable.
Cracks in your parking lot are another service that should be handled by a professional. Crack filling is necessary to keep water and debris from undermining your parking lot’s foundation. Small cracks in your asphalt, if left unattended, can quickly grow larger and cost you additional money to fix.
Choosing the Contractor Based Solely on Price
Now, you know the first action to take when you discover potholes. However, before you meet with contractors, determine your asphalt repair budget for the year. This will allow contractors to produce quotes that suit your needs and will enable you to evaluate prices fairly.
Being forthright about your budget will save you the hassle of contacting several contractors and scribbling through a series of quotes like other new facility managers. You may have the patience, but 49% of your customers do not remember; that “a stitch in time saves nine.”
It would be best if you focused on finding a contractor you can rely on.
Consider the following extra tips while comparing contractors:
- Find one that offers a variety of asphalt repair services. In addition to providing replacement and repairs, a reputable asphalt contractor should be able to offer crack filling, seal coating, and other maintenance services. If a contractor only provides one service, they may push their preferred solution, even if it is not the best one.
- Schedule a face-to-face meeting with the contractor to discuss the repair needs for your parking lot. Asking specific inquiries to get a sense of your desired project scope is a vital sign that an asphalt contractor is interested in tailoring their approach to your specific needs.
Sealcoating Your Parking Lot Too Often
It is best to seal coat parking lots every three to five years.
A freshly seal coated parking lot revitalizes the appearance of a restaurant, but oversealing can lead to cracking and peeling, which are ugly and costly to fix.
Besides beautifying your lot, sealcoating protects it from rain, chemicals, ultraviolet radiation, and debris.
Weather extremes may have caused more significant wear and tear on your parking lot than in average years, depending on your location. If you’re unsure whether or not your parking lot needs to be repaired or sealed, consider the following questions when you do an audit:
- What kinds of repairs do you need this year?
- What will happen if you delay the maintenance of the parking lot?
- Which contractors have you used before? Were you happy with their work?
- Do you need to fix any new cracks or holes?
- When is the best time for me to have maintenance done?
Not Having a Maintenance Plan
You can carry out parking lot audits during the winter and early spring. Sealcoating or professional repair work can also be done at this time. It’s also a great time to get quotations from paving contractors because they’re less busy and more likely to reply immediately to your questions. However, if you wait until your state’s weather constantly rises over 55 degrees before calling a sealcoating contractor, it may be more difficult for them to accommodate your schedule.
What Are the Most Common Asphalt Repair Procedures for Nashville businesses?
Hot Asphalt repair isn’t a DIY project; it may be challenging to self-assess your asphalt yourself. It’s always advisable to contact the services of Gaddes Strategic’s asphalt repair for services to inspect your asphalt pavement for damages.
But for more inclusive and informed decision-making, here’s a brief overview of our multiple asphalt repair procedures.
Parking Lot Resurfacing & Restoration
Parking lot resurfacing and restoration are essential to any business’s parking lot maintenance. Although it costs more upfront than patching, the long-term benefits are worth the more significant expense. Asphalt resurfacing involves removing and replacing the existing surface layer with fresh asphalt. This brings a new, sleek look to any parking lot while rejuvenating deteriorated surfaces, improving the overall appearance, and extending the life expectancy of the lot. This greatly enhances the customer experience by providing a safe and welcoming environment and reduces long-term expenses associated with future repairs or early replacement.
On the other hand, if a business’s budget does not allow for large-scale restoration projects, regular preventative maintenance such as sealcoating can help with minimal upkeep costs. Sealcoating acts as a protective barrier over the existing asphalt surface, creating a smooth layer of protection that can significantly extend the life cycle while protecting against further damage from environmental effects such as oxidation and harsh temperatures.
Regardless of which strategies are chosen to maintain a business’s parking lot, a repair plan would only be complete by addressing patching and pothole repairs.
Hot Asphalt Patching & Pothole Repairs
Potholes and cracks not only look unappealing but can be a danger to any vehicle that passes through an unevenly paved lot. That is why patching and pothole repairs are essential for any parking lot or roadway.
It should be done as soon as possible, not just for the area’s aesthetics but also to prevent further damage from occurring due to moisture resulting from various causes. Filling potholes and repairing patches in asphalt requires using certain types of equipment and personnel who are adequately trained and familiar with the process. High quality asphalt material must be used, and proper compaction, curing time, and environmental factors must also be considered. Failure to take all these into consideration can result in a repair that fails shortly after it is made, costing you more money in the long run.
The choice between professional patching services versus “do-it-yourself” kits can be quite obvious: professional patching offers quality assurance and the guarantee that the job will be done right the first time. DIY kits may provide cost savings and convenience, but they are often not reliable or long-lasting. In most cases, repairing your parking lot by experienced professionals is always your best option for a job well done.
For optimal patching results that stand up to wear and tear, businesses in Nashville should look for expert parking lot repair services with expertise in hot asphalt patching and pothole repairs. Doing so ensures the safety of your customers’ vehicles as well as provides an attractive look for your premises.
Parking Lot Paving
Parking lot paving is laying down a layer of asphalt over a prepared surface to create a durable, long-lasting parking lot. This process often begins with parking lots for commercial and residential properties and public spaces. Building a parking lot involves a lot of planning and preparation. First, the area must be surveyed and marked for the lot, and then the land must be leveled and graded. This is followed by the installation of drainage, which is an essential part of the process. The land can become saturated with water without proper drainage, leading to many problems. The drainage system must be designed to collect and remove excess water from the ground and be prepared to be as efficient and cost-effective as possible.
Asphalt Mill & Fill
After some time, cracks and chips might begin to appear on asphalt because of Nashville’s complex winter weather conditions. However, complete replacement is not always the sole solution when these issues arise. In this case, new hot mix asphalt is poured over an existing surface without removing any original pavement before installation. 1-2 inches of the top layer are removed (or ground) during this asphalt repair option.
Depending on the state of your parking lot, you could benefit from Gaddes Strategic’s Asphalt Mill & Fill service. We’re your best choice asphalt repair company in Nashville, TN. We also provide free inspections and cost-effective solutions. Contact us today!
Infrared Asphalt Repair
Infrared asphalt repair is the most efficient way to repair or prevent your asphalt paving from potholes, alligator cracks, and other pavement issues. The process involves heating asphalt with infrared technology until it seamlessly softens to blend new and old asphalt.
Being a restaurant owner or property manager in Nashville means you’re always up and about, which makes this repair solution perfect as the road or paved surface is open again within 20-30 minutes for business to continue.
Contact Gades strategic LLC to handle your Infrared asphalt repair; our procedures are quick and sturdy, just like our asphalt. Check out an infrared asphalt repair case study that we did in Murfreesboro.
Crack Filling
Crack filling a parking lot means sealing the cracks in the asphalt to prevent water from getting into them and causing further damage. This is typically done as part of regular maintenance and can help extend the life of the pavement. Crack filling is also important for safety, as it can help prevent trips and falls.
Read more on this process or hire a paving company with the proper equipment and expertise for the best results.
Asphalt Sealcoating and Striping
Sealcoating and striping are two of the most cost-effective measures a business in Nashville can take to maintain the health and appearance of its parking lot. Sealcoating provides a dark, even coating that helps protect the asphalt pavement from wear and tear due to regular use, inclement weather, and harmful UV rays. Additionally, it reduces oxidation and fading that occurs over time, extending the life of the asphalt.
Striping your parking lot is equally essential as it provides a marked surface for safe vehicular movement and pedestrian access. It also serves a decorative purpose by making any parking lot look crisp and professional. Furthermore, a clear line of demarcation between parking stalls makes it easier to maximize space utilization and allows the correct distance between vehicles for safety.
The debate about whether to sealcoat or stripe before the other is ongoing. Some argue that sealcoating should be done first because once striping is applied, any damage or markings on the underlying asphalt will be visible and could require costly repairs. On the other hand, some believe that striping first ensures all surrounding lines remain straight, even with minimal effort during reapplication when sealcoating requires redoing. Ultimately, it depends on each property’s needs and what works best for them.
Concrete Maintenance & Repair
Concrete maintenance and repair are essential to keeping your business’s parking lot in good condition. Properly maintained concrete surfaces are necessary for maintaining a safe and attractive parking area. Unfortunately, many companies need to pay more attention to the importance of regular maintenance and repairs – resulting in costly replacements and unsafe surfaces.
Quality is the most significant factor to consider in concrete maintenance and repair. A high-quality surface will last a long time and resist damage from extreme weather conditions and general wear and tear. Of course, there is no one-size-fits-all solution to concrete maintenance, so it’s essential to work with a professional who can assess the individual needs of your particular pavement layout. They can also provide advice on preventative measures that can be taken to keep your parking lot in top condition.
It’s also important to recognize that regular inspections are necessary for any concrete repair or maintenance project. These inspections allow specialists to detect existing damage before it becomes more serious, which can save you money by avoiding costly repairs later.
Finally, remember the essential step of sealing the surface after completing repair or maintenance projects. This protects the new surface from UV rays and other weather damage, lengthening its lifespan without having to perform expensive yearly repairs or replacements.
Investing in quality concrete repair and maintenance services is essential to ensure that your parking lot remains in optimal condition. Working with experts in this field guarantees that your property will stay safe, secure, and functional for years. The following section will discuss block installation and re-leveling – two timely solutions for ensuring your parking lot remains safe for all customers and visitors alike.
Block Installation and Re-leveling
Block installation and re-leveling are critical parts of parking lot maintenance. Quality block installation increases your parking lot’s longevity and makes it more aesthetically pleasing. Re-leveling creates a smooth, even pavement surface and eliminates damage from frost heave.
Whether installing or re-leveling asphalt blocks for the first time or replacing older ones, hiring an experienced vendor who understands the process and can work safely and efficiently is essential. A professional contractor will inspect your parking lot, discuss options with you, advise a course of action, and complete the job on time and within budget. However, when working with any vendor, it is essential to remember that cost savings come at the expense of quality. Finding a trade-off between getting quality services at an affordable price is vital.
When considering block installation and re-leveling services, prioritize safety above all else. These services require trained professionals working with heavy equipment that must comply with local regulations and industry standards; working with an unqualified team can lead to considerable damage and put people at risk.
After assessing block installation, re-leveling is then required to create a stable base for your asphalt. Re-leveling should remove existing surface irregularities, minimize frost heave, prevent water from becoming trapped under the pavement, and reduce overall maintenance costs. An experienced contractor should be able to quickly assess which areas need leveling and determine what type of material is required; they should be able to complete the job in less than one day, depending on its scope.
Block installation and re-leveling are essential to maintaining a safe, appealing parking lot. With the right team on board and an emphasis on safety, these services can ensure years of productivity for businesses in Nashville without breaking their bottom lines.
Crack and Damage Repairs
Crack and damage repairs are an essential part of parking lot repair services. If you have cracks or damage in your parking lot, it can be dangerous and costly. Unmaintained asphalt pavement can easily lead to potholes or other structural deformities that cause water to pool and contribute to further deterioration. In addition, unrepaired cracks create a safety hazard that could affect pedestrians and vehicles, leading to expensive liability, too, if not addressed promptly.
On the other hand, some minor surface cracks may not require immediate repair. Sometimes, heavy-duty crack filler might cause more harm than benefit due to the cracking from the movement of the surface, freezing, and heating at different times of the year. Additionally, the costs associated with repairing certain damages can be prohibitive for some businesses.
At any rate, proper assessment of damage by a professional is required to determine what repair solutions are necessary for your particular needs and budget. The next step for Nashville businesses and customers seeking parking lot repair services is determining whether decorative painting and lines are needed for their facility.
Decorative Painting & Lines
Decorative painting and lines are an essential part of parking lot repair. Not only do they add a touch of personality to the lot, but they also can be accommodating for organizing traffic. Depending on your lot’s size and desired look, you can use various techniques to achieve your style.
Many service providers use traditional methods like line striping with paints and thermoplastic materials to make a quick, neat, and affordable result. Paint has the advantage of being able to be mixed into unique colors to customize your parking lot even more. The downside is that it is not the most durable option, so if this is your main drain on resources, it might require frequent touch-ups to keep up appearances.
On the other hand, services are available for painting stenciled designs or logos directly onto asphalt or concrete surfaces. Expert service providers will use high-grade paint to ensure these decorative touches remain above average even through wear and tear. This technique is much more labor-intensive than line striping and can have a higher price tag. Regardless of the method, a well-painted and organized parking lot looks professional and helps travelers quickly identify their place within the facility.
No matter the desired aesthetic, hiring professionals like Gaddes strategic, specializing in decorative painting when looking for parking lot repair services, is essential. This way, customers can rest assured that their parking lot will look its best no matter their chosen solution.
ADA Upgrades
Is your parking lot inclusive and accessible to people with disabilities? It’s important to know that ADA compliance and safety are the standards for line-striping and pavement markings in parking lots. The same holds even if the layout of your parking lot is bad or the striping fades too rapidly.
Contact us for your ADA-compliant Line striping and pavement markings.
Conclusion
Restaurants in Nashville have long been setting tables in the most iconic way, from farm-to-table to juicy steakhouses. The stakes have become higher, with Nashville’s Hospitality industry accommodating over 16 million tourists as of 2019. There’s no better time to take things up a notch to gain a competitive advantage.
This is why restaurant owners and property managers in Nashville are now combining blends of southern favorites and outdoor culinary scenes with the help of Asphalt Parking Lot Repair for Nashville Restaurants. What are you waiting for? Contact us at (615) 866-2795 for all your asphalt repair needs.
Asphalt Parking Lot Repair Service Areas:
Gaddes Strategic, LLC Services to cities and local communities in Davidson County, TN, as well as other surrounding areas upon request:
Nashville TN, Antioch TN, Bellevue TN, Belle Meade TN, Davidson County TN, Goodlettsville TN, Whites Creek TN, Joelton TN, Old Hickory TN, Madison TN, Hermitage TN, East Nashville, Donelson TN, Green Hills many more!