Keep Your Pavement in Pristine Condition

A civil engineer engineers most commercial projects. The engineer then provides pertinent information regarding sub-grade requirements, number of drains and sizes, and material depths of gravel and asphalt. These projects typically require approval from all governing parties and specific permits required by those entities.

In general overview, asphalt thickness in many commercial parking areas is 2 1/2". In some cases, the parking areas will have a 2 1/2" mat, while the drive-isles will have a 3" compacted mat. Heavy truck traffic areas will require heavier sub-grade requirements and a minimum of 3 1/2" asphalt mat, and up to two 2" mats under heavy volumes of truck traffic. Remember to keep drainage flows in mind when considering your asphalt needs.

Basic asphalt paving standards and applications vary from site to site. The thickness of application will be influenced by traffic patterns, load weights of vehicles required, and volume of traffic. Sub-grades are also areas of concern when considering the thickness of your asphalt mat. The sub-grade is as vital to your asphalt mat as the foundation is to your home. With regard to structural needs, also keep in mind the necessity of proper drainage. Water affects asphalt, much like it affects wood. Just as wood will rot and deteriorate with excessive exposure to water, so will your asphalt without proper drainage. Areas prone to long-standing water are a detriment to the structural integrity of your pavement. Keep all these things in mind as you evaluate your asphalt needs. Even if you have to compromise, insist on having as much drainage as existing elevations will allow.

Overlays are a repair option for many reasons. For some, it is a top consideration due to the new drainage laws enforced by many municipalities. Under many of the new laws, partial or complete reconstruction of a parking lot requires the submittal of plans to the municipalities for review of existing drain fields, landscaping, and street appearance.

Overlays have a variety of looks for many different purposes. In preparation prior to any overlay, consult a reputable contractor regarding the need for paving fabrics, a wedge, and leveling course, crack fill of existing cracks, and repair of alligatored areas. Once the necessary steps have been identified, talk to your contractor about the long-term goals for your property, expected traffic volume, and vehicle weights. Each of these areas plays an important role in your decision for capital investment in your property.

Asphalt patching consists of repairs to existing asphalt surfaces. Some repairs require sub-grade excavation and replacement of structural materials, while others require either minimal addition to the existing road-mix or re-compaction of existing gravel materials and placement of new asphalt. When patching drainage can sometimes be a challenge due to the existing elevations that must be met. In such cases, the asphalt patches are placed and compacted to push water off the new asphalt surface, if at all possible.

When it comes to asphalt overlays or repairs to an existing surface, remember to take into consideration the fact that you are dealing with predetermined elevations. There are times when adequate drainage cannot be achieved without drain installation or complete parking lot redesigns. As an owner, this is a reality which is sometimes unavoidable at no fault of your own or the contractor. It is an issue that was designed and installed by others before and left to you to remedy.

Take proactive measures; walk the site with your contractor, and discuss the repairs you expect to see. Ask if your requests are reasonable, and find out what areas of concern your contractor sees. When evaluating your drainage situation, use a little common sense of your own. Ask yourself if the drainage you expect is achievable without significant reconstruction of your parking area. The more you educate yourself in the process, the less likely you are to be disappointed by the end result. The minimum cost of repairs in the short-term does not always equal the best investment in the long run. Please feel free to contact us with any questions or to receive a quote!