Potholes are a common problem for business owners, especially those with large parking lots or other paved areas on their property. Not only are potholes unsightly, but they can also be dangerous for customers and employees.
In addition, potholes can damage vehicles and cause tire damage. According to AAA auto club, pothole damage costs U.S. drivers $3 billion per year. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to prevent potholes from forming on your property.
Seal cracks
Potholes are caused by water seeping into cracks in the pavement and then freezing. As the water expands, it creates a hole in the pavement. To prevent potholes from forming, it is crucial to seal the cracks in the pavement. This will help to keep water out and prevent it from seeping into the cracks. It will also help to keep the pavement in good condition for longer.
There are several ways to seal the cracks in your pavement. One way is to use a cold asphalt patch. This is a material that you can buy at most hardware stores. It comes in a tube and you simply apply it to the crack. It will harden and seal the crack.
Another way to seal the cracks is to use a sealant. This is a liquid that you can buy at most hardware stores or home improvement stores. You simply pour it over the crack and it will seep into the crack and seal it.
Both of these methods are simple and easy to do, and they will help to prevent potholes from forming on your property. However, it is vital to note that these methods will only work if the cracks are small. If the cracks are large, you may need to have them repaired by a professional.
Schedule regular maintenance
In addition, it is crucial to have a regular maintenance schedule for your pavement. This will help to identify any potential problems before they become serious. Once a year, you should have your pavement professionally inspected. This will allow you to catch any problems early and take care of them before they become bigger issues.
One thing to inspect is the surface condition of the pavement. This includes checking for any bumps, ridges, or other abnormalities. If there are any problems with the surface, they will need repair before they become worse.
Another thing to inspect is the pavement’s depth. The depth of the pavement is essential because if it gets too thin, it can start to crack and form potholes. So, you should ensure that the pavement is at least two inches thick.
Finally, check the drainage of the pavement. The drainage is important because if water does not drain properly, it can cause potholes to form. So, make sure that all the drains are clear and working properly.
Repair potholes ASAP
Finally, it is essential to repair any potholes that form as soon as possible. The longer you wait to repair a pothole, the bigger it will get and the more difficult it will be to fix. Potholes can become larger over time and can cause more damage to vehicles and tires. Filling the potholes will also help to prevent them from forming in the future.
If you have a pothole on your property, you can either hire a professional to repair the pothole or do it yourself with some cold patch asphalt. Simply follow these steps:
- Clean the area around the pothole. This means removing any debris or vegetation from around the hole.
- Pour some cold patch asphalt into the hole.
- Use a shovel or your hands to spread the asphalt over the hole.
- Smooth out the surface of the asphalt.
- Allow the asphalt to dry for 24 hours.
- Test the surface to make sure it is smooth and level.
- Repeat steps 2-6 if necessary.
By following these steps, you can easily repair a pothole by yourself. Just be sure to do it as soon as possible so the hole does not get any bigger. But if you wait too long or the hole is too big, you may need to hire a professional.
Potholes can be a major problem for business owners with paved parking lots or other paved areas on their property. Not only are they unsightly, but they can also be dangerous and cause damage to vehicles. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to prevent potholes from forming, including sealing cracks in the pavement, having a regular maintenance schedule, and repairing potholes as soon as they form. By taking these steps, you can keep your business property looking its best and avoid costly repairs down the road.
