Your car park surface is at the mercy of external factors such as vehicle traffic, weather conditions, debris, weeds, and so on.
If these factors are not regulated, you could end up spending a fortune calling up a tarmac surfacing contractor to have the structure fixed or, in worse cases, replaced.
To prevent the worst from happening, you’ll need to understand the basic yet efficient maintenance routines that help prolong the lifespan of your tarmac.
8 Maintenance Tips for Prolonging the Lifespan of Your Tarmac Surface
- Inspect Surfaces for any Damage or Poor Drainage
When water seeps through the tarmac surfaces, the bond within them softens, leading to degradation and failure. So, right after periods of rain or snow, be sure to inspect the pavements for pooled water. You should also consider changing the drainage system or fixing the old one if water drainage is poor.
- Clean Surfaces by Sweeping Off Debris
Sweeping the dirt off your tarmac surfaces won’t just make them look nicer but also save them from wearing down easily. Accumulated debris, such as stones or weeds, can interfere with the natural runoff of water. This will cause moisture to accumulate within the asphalt pavement, leaving it prone to cracks and potholes.
- Understand the Impacts of Weather
Changes in climate will be accompanied by different impacts on tarmac surfaces. These are caused by different weather elements and, if ignored, damage the surfaces completely. By planning for each weather, you can predict the possible issues and work swiftly to stop them from happening.
- Eliminate Weed From Asphalt Pavements
Weeds seem like harmless factors to tarmac surfaces, but when left to grow, they become annoying sources of issues for the pavement. For instance, their roots spread underground and cause cracks to open up in the asphalt surface. At the same time, these roots can cause tripping hazards along the road.
- Remove Accumulated Oil Stains
Oil drops from vehicles go below the tarmac surface and affect the bond between asphalt pavements. In essence, motor oil and the bonds between asphalt are a terrible match, so be sure to clean off any oil stain. If you fail to do so, you’ll end up with pavements that have lost their cohesion.
- Fill Up Cracks Immediately
Once you notice cracks forming on tarmac surfaces, you should tend to them immediately by sealing them up. Doing so will prevent water infiltration and freeze-thaw cycles and, in turn, stop the cracks from getting bigger. Leaving surface cracks unattended will only speed up damage to your tarmac surface.
- Reorganize Parking Lines
Once in a while, you should try changing the parking patterns on your tarmac surface to prevent one particular part of the surface from wearing off. By rotating the parking lines, you will ensure even distribution of vehicle load over some time and prevent quick deterioration of surfaces.
- Apply Sealant Coating Occasionally
This is a form of protection against external factors that could damage the tarmac surface. It’s an extra layer of protection, and when applied frequently, it protects the surface from UV rays exposure and stops it from fading and degrading.
Conclusion
The longevity of your car park surface is heavily dependent on the level of maintenance provided. So, if you want a long-lasting tarmac surface, be sure to follow the routine steps above.
Rockies Ripple is the founder and lead writer behind the independent blog tvplutos.com