08 May How to Repair a Crumbling Asphalt Parking Lot: Insights from an Ocala Asphalt Paving Company
Asphalt is the most common material used for paving parking lots. As with any other material that is exposed to the elements, asphalt is also subjected to wear and tear, and in the long run, it tends to dip and develop cracks.
It is vital to fix these cracks in a timely manner to ensure that the parking lot remains durable, and that it maintains its smooth appearance. One of the most common causes of cracks in your parking lot in Ocala could be due to water seepage.
In this post, we’ll discuss the steps you should take to repair your asphalt parking lot in Ocala:
Step 1: Repair Cracks
The first step is to remove all dirt, as well as any plant or leafy debris from the cracks. For this, you could use a mechanical wire brush. If there are loose, broken pieces of asphalt, they can be removed using a masonry chisel.
You can sweep the loose materials with a broom or use a handheld vacuum to clean the area. Finally, clean off any dirt and grease from the cracks by blowing compressed air, or by using the pressure nozzle of the garden hose. If oil and grease still persist, you will need to scrub the area with a strong asphalt cleaning agent.
Step 2: Fill Low Areas
The next step is to fill in any low or sunken areas. These areas can cause small water puddles to develop in your parking lot. The sunken areas also need to be cleaned of any dirt or debris before the patching material is applied.
Using a shovel, spread and level the asphalt cold-patching material into the sunken area.
After patching, prime the area with emulsified liquid asphalt. The purpose of priming is to make sure that the new material adheres to the materials already on the parking lot.
Give the patches at least 24 hours to dry before moving to the next step.
Step 3: Patch Potholes
Potholes are considered to be cracks that are deeper than 2 inches. In the case of a pothole, they first need to be filled with small, angular, crushed gravel. After that, you’ll need to compact the gravel using a steel tamper. Finally, the pothole can be filled with a cold process asphalt repair compound.
Use a tamper to compact the compound tightly in the pothole. Add more compacting material and repeat the process until the parking lot is consistent and level.
Allow the pothole area to cure for 12 to 36 hours before driving over it, then wait for 2 to 5 days before moving to the next step.
Step 4: Seal the Parking Lot
After all the cracks in the parking lot have been filled and you’ve waited for the required curing time, clean the surface again to remove any oil, grease, dirt, and debris. Before applying the sealant, give it a good stir to make sure that all constituents are blended together appropriately. Begin by applying the sealant to small sections of the parking lot and use a roller to spread the sealant around evenly. Give extra time for areas with cracks to soak in the sealant. Barricade the parking lot to ensure that the sealant has at least 24 hours of curing time before it’s open to vehicles.
Are You Looking to Repair Your Asphalt Parking Lot in Ocala?
All Asphalt Services offer a complete suite of services related to asphalt paving, asphalt maintenance, and asphalt repairs. We have a team of highly trained asphalt paving professionals that are well known in the Ocala area for serving both commercial and industrial clients.
If you would like to learn more about our services or have your parking lot inspected, contact us today!
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