Key Takeaways:
- Regular parking lot maintenance improves the ROI of commercial properties.
- Best practices include seal coating, crack and pothole repair, debris removal, crack filling, line striping, and proper drainage.
- Hiring a professional contractor saves time and money in the long run.
- A well-maintained parking lot creates a positive first impression on customers and visitors.
- Regular maintenance is necessary to comply with American Disability Act (ADA) regulations and ensure safety and convenience.
The parking lot is often the first thing customers see when they visit a business, which makes it an essential part of any commercial property. Studies have shown that over 60% of shoppers will avoid stores and businesses after just one negative experience. An unkempt, rundown parking lot can harm your company’s reputation, so ensure you keep yours in top condition!
Although parking lot maintenance may not appear to be a significant concern, it can immensely impact your investment’s return. A well-maintained pavement encourages customers and creates positive first impressions that often result in increased revenues.
Atkins Paving will discuss the benefits of parking lot maintenance and best practices for maintaining your pavement assets. We’ll also discuss the importance of hiring a professional paving contractor to maintain your property pavement.
Importance of Parking Lot Maintenance in Improving ROI of a Commercial Property
1. Increases Safety
Business owners must ensure their properties are free of hazards for the employees and customers. Failure to keep your property safe can result in hefty fines and lawsuits. Parking lot maintenance reduces the risk of accidents, ensuring your business remains compliant and secure. In addition, it helps keeps the company compliant with regulations set by ADA.
2. Improves Visual Appeal
An attractive parking lot can make a great first impression on your customers and potential clients. Over time, weather conditions, aging, and oil spills can cause the pavement to crack, erode and discolor. Regular maintenance keeps your pavement in top condition, which helps maintain its visual appeal over the years. It will create an inviting environment for visitors to your property, showcasing your business’s commitment to customer satisfaction.
3. Extends Pavement Lifespan
Asphalt pavement can last 15-30 years with proper maintenance. By regularly scheduling maintenance and repair services, you can extend the lifespan of your pavement, keeping it in working order for many years. It prevents costly replacements due to deterioration from weather conditions or age. Regular maintenance keeps the surface clean and smooth, reducing wear and tear caused by vehicles, pedestrians, and other objects that come into contact with the pavement.
4. Complies with Regulations
Depending on the industry, certain regulations may require your business to maintain its pavement. It is especially true of retail establishments, where standards are set by national or local authorities to ensure customer safety and convenience. By correctly maintaining your parking lot pavement, you can easily comply with these regulations while staying in good standing with governing bodies who monitor these standards.
5. Attracts Customers
Well-maintained parking lots attract customers and create a positive impression of your business when they arrive at your property. A pavement free from cracks, weeds, and grease marks gives customers the impression that you’re serious about their safety and comfort. It is critical for any company looking to build brand loyalty with its clientele.
6. Reduces Repair Cost
Maintenance works like preventive medicine for your parking lot. By regularly inspecting and looking for possible damages, you can identify the problems before they become too severe or costly to fix. This proactive approach helps avoid more expensive repairs, saving time and money.
7. Reduces Accidents
Reports indicate that 20 percent of all car accidents occur inside parking lots due to inattentive drivers and pedestrians. Focusing on maintenance practices such as line striping can help drivers remain attentive to their surroundings. It ensures that any markings are up to code and drivers know where to park and which areas to avoid.
8. Improves Property Value
A well-maintained parking lot not only improves the ROI but can improve the property value as well. Potential buyers will be more likely to purchase a commercial property if the asphalt pavement is in good condition since it requires fewer repairs before beginning operations. Regular maintenance lets you keep your parking lot looking brand new for years!
Best Practices for Parking Lot Maintenance
Now that you know what a well-kept parking lot can do for your ROI, here are some best practices to maintain its condition:
1. Regular Seal Coating
Seal coating is an integral part of parking lot maintenance that helps increase the life of the asphalt. It prevents deterioration due to water infiltration or oxidation. It is recommended that this process be done every three years to keep your pavement looking like new.
2. Repair Cracks and Potholes ASAP
It’s essential to repair any cracks or potholes as soon as they appear, as they can aggravate if not handled immediately. It will help you prevent further damage and ensure your pavement looks great for longer!
3. Keep Pavement Debris Free
A parking lot free from debris and clutter looks better and helps prevent accidents.
4. Crack Filling
Cracks are a common pavement problem caused by aging, water infiltration, and other environmental factors. Filling these cracks is vital for preventing further issues down the line.
5. Line Striping
Line striping is necessary to ensure clear parking lot organization and prevent hazardous driving conditions. Doing this regularly will help maintain order in your parking lot and let customers know where they are allowed to park their vehicles!
6. Proper Drainage
Having proper drainage is essential for keeping your parking lot in top shape. Poor drainage causes water buildup and puddles, damaging the pavement and creating hazardous driving conditions that may put customers at risk.
Why Hire a Professional When You Can Handle Maintenance Yourself?
Although it may seem more cost-effective to do the parking lot maintenance yourself, hiring a professional is often better in the long run. Here are a few reasons for investing in hiring a paving contractor for your pavement maintenance:
1. Experience and Knowledge
A professional has years of experience and knowledge to ensure they get the job done right the first time. They know how to recognize signs of wear and tear and can take preventive measures accordingly.
2. Equipment
Professional contractors have access to specialized equipment unavailable at most hardware stores or DIY shops. These tools help them complete jobs faster and more accurately, resulting in a higher ROI for you as a property owner!
3. Professionalism
Paving contractors are reliable and come with a high standard of professionalism. They follow safety protocols, are well-versed in industry standards, and guarantee quality workmanship.
4. Insurance and Liability
Professional paving contractors carry liability insurance coverage for their business activities, paying for the damages if something goes wrong during the project.
Related: Parking Lot Paving: Don’t Make These 4 Mistakes
Conclusion
Keeping your commercial lot pavement maintained and in top shape is not only beneficial to its overall appearance and safety, but it also translates to increased ROI. Investing in pavement maintenance will give you a return as customers become more likely to visit your property.
Ensure Parking Lot Maintenance with Experts in Fort Mill, SC
Atkins Paving offers a full range of parking lot maintenance services, including pothole repair, striping, and seal coating. We proudly serve the Fort Mill, SC area with our comprehensive pavement maintenance solutions. When you hire us for your parking lot needs, you can rest assured that you will receive the highest quality pavement maintenance services. Get in touch with us to receive a free quote.
