Key Takeaways:
- Porous asphalt pavement is a type of asphalt that allows water to drain through the pavement.
- It’s ideal for parking lots, driveways, sidewalks, and other areas where drainage is important.
- Sweep it regularly to remove leaves, debris, and sand.
- After a rainstorm, inspect your pavement for any damage, such as cracks or potholes.
- Repair any damage immediately to prevent further problems.
- Be on the lookout for tree roots damaging your pavement, and have them removed as soon as possible.
- Power wash it to remove dirt and debris – Use a mild detergent and a low-pressure setting.
- This pavement allows water to drain through and into the ground, which means no runoff.
- It also helps filter pollutants from the water before entering the ground.
- It has the added benefit of cooler surface temperatures because it absorbs less heat from the sun.
Maintaining a parking lot is an important part of keeping it looking great and functioning properly. If you have a porous asphalt pavement parking lot, you must remember some specific things when performing maintenance. We’ll discuss the most important tips for maintaining a porous asphalt parking lot. We’ll cover everything from cleaning to repairing potholes, so you can keep your lot looking great and functioning well!
What is Porous Asphalt Pavement?
It’s a type of asphalt pavement that allows water to drain through the pavement. The pores are created by adding small stones or aggregate to the asphalt mix. Porous asphalt is used in parking lots, driveways, sidewalks, and other areas where drainage is important.
It’s a sustainable way to manage stormwater runoff. The pores in the pavement allow rainwater to drain into the ground. It reduces the amount of stormwater that runs off into sewers and waterways.
Parking Lot Maintenance Tips
1. Sweep Your Pavement Regularly
One important thing you can do to maintain your pavement is to sweep it regularly. Sweeping removes leaves, twigs, and other debris that can clog the pores in the pavement. A debris build-up can cause water to pound on the pavement’s surface, eventually leading to cracking and potholes. Sweeping also removes sand and grit that can damage the asphalt.
You should sweep your pavement at least once a week during the fall and winter. You may need to sweep more often during the spring and summer when there is more debris on the pavement. If you have a large parking lot, you may consider renting a sweeper to help with the cleaning. You can also hire a professional parking lot cleaning company to sweep for you.
2. Inspect Your Pavement After Rain or Storms
After a rainstorm, it’s important to inspect your pavement for any damage. Look for any cracks, potholes, or other problems. If you notice any disfigurement, repair it promptly. If you wait, it will deteriorate further and become more expensive to fix.
3. Remove Tree Roots
You should also inspect the tree roots if you have many trees in your parking lot. Tree roots can damage an asphalt pavement by growing under the pavement and lifting it. If you notice any tree roots damaging your pavement, you should have them removed as soon as possible.
4. Power Wash Your Pavement
Power washing your pavement is a great way to remove dirt, debris, and other contaminants that can damage your pavement. Power washing also helps to improve the appearance of your parking lot. When power washing your pavement, you should use a mild detergent and a low-pressure setting. You should also avoid using it on hot days, as this can damage the pavement.
Check out our blog post about understanding the value of preventive parking lot maintenance.
Benefits of Porous Asphalt Pavement
It is important to note that this pavement type does require more frequent sweeping than traditional asphalt to maintain its effectiveness. However, the benefits of porous asphalt make it well worth the extra effort. If you are looking for a durable, sustainable, and cost-effective option for your parking lot, porous asphalt is the way to go.
No Runoff
It lets water drain through the pavement and into the ground, which means no runoff. This can help reduce flooding and erosion. Porous asphalt pavement also helps filter pollutants out of the water before it enters the ground. This protects our groundwater from contamination.
Reduced Maintenance Costs
It requires less maintenance than traditional pavement because it is not as susceptible to potholes and cracks. You’ll save money on repairs and replacement over the lifetime of your parking lot.
Cooler Surface Temperatures
It also has the added benefit of cooler surface temperatures. This is because the pavement absorbs less heat from the sun than traditional asphalt. It will be beneficial in hot climates where pavement temperatures reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
Better for the Environment
It allows rainwater to seep back into the ground rather than run into storm drains. This helps recharge groundwater supplies and reduce the amount of water pollution.
No Standing Water
Another benefit is that it doesn’t allow standing water to pool on the surface. This can be a major problem with traditional asphalt because standing water can lead to several problems, including potholes, cracks, and even sinkholes.
Less Slippery
Porous asphalt is also less slippery than traditional asphalt, making it a safer option for pedestrians and drivers. This is because the pores allow water to drain away rather than pool on the surface.
Drawbacks of Porous Asphalt Pavement
Although there are many benefits to porous asphalt pavement, there are also some drawbacks.
Porous Pavement Installation Requires a Specialist
The porous pavement needs to be installed by a specialist who has experience with the material. This type of pavement also needs to be installed on a well-prepared base, which means that the installation process can be more time-consuming and expensive than traditional asphalt paving.
Not Strong Enough for Heavy Traffic
Another drawback is that it’s not as strong as traditional asphalt. This type of pavement can’t handle heavy traffic as well as traditional asphalt, so it is not a good choice for roads or highways. It’s ideal for parking lots, driveways, and patios, however.
Conclusion
Porous asphalt pavement is a great choice for parking lots, driveways, and patios. It is eco-friendly, low maintenance, and can even help with drainage problems. Remember that it’s not as strong as traditional asphalt and needs to be installed by a specialist.
There are many reasons to consider Landmark Paving, serving Jacksonville, for your asphalt parking lot maintenance needs. First, we strongly commit to customer satisfaction and will work with you to ensure your needs are met. Second, we use the latest technology and equipment to deliver high-quality service. Finally, we offer competitive pricing and will work with you to find a payment plan that fits your budget.
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