It is no secret that well-maintained asphalt pavements will look better, last longer, and require fewer major repairs. They will also be safer, more likely to comply with all relevant laws and codes, and less likely to expose property owners to lawsuits. However, proper asphalt maintenance does not just happen; you need to establish a comprehensive plan, and winter is an ideal time to do this.
Why Is Winter a Good Time for Creating an Asphalt Maintenance Plan?
Although some asphalt maintenance services can be performed virtually any day of the year in the Dallas area, there are others that will need to wait until warmer weather arrives. By then, you might find that you need to adjust your budget to cover your Dallas asphalt maintenance, and this could take some time. The most trustworthy asphalt maintenance companies are often booked weeks or months in advance, preventing you from obtaining the services you need as quickly as you would like. While you are waiting, your pavement could be incurring more and more damage. Taking the time during the winter months to plan for your paving maintenance in Dallas helps you ensure that your budget is in place and that you can secure the services of your preferred asphalt maintenance company.
What Should an Asphalt Maintenance Plan Include?
Basically, an effective plan for asphalt maintenance in Dallas will include all the services your pavement will need as well as a timeline showing how often they will need to be performed. The precise maintenance services and their frequency will depend on a number of factors, including your pavement’s use, age, and condition. However, most Dallas asphalt maintenance contractors recommend using the following information as a starting point to create a customized plan.
1. Asphalt Sealcoating: Sealcoats are triple-duty products that help protect against damage, improve safety, and enhance the appearance of the pavement. New pavements and overlays should be sealed within 12 months of installation, but they should not be sealed until the asphalt has had time to cure. Local paving maintenance companies find that parking lots usually need additional applications of sealcoating every two years.
2. Crack Repairs: Timely cracks repairs are an important part of effective maintenance in Dallas. Every time it rains, water can enter through the open cracks, work its way through the entire structure, and begin to erode the foundation. Once the foundation has been sufficiently weakened by erosion, it will no longer be able to support the pavement, leading to costly repairs. The best schedule is to have your asphalt maintenance company locate and repair cracks every spring and autumn. However, if you notice any significant cracks, you should call your Dallas maintenance contractor for a prompt repair instead of waiting for a scheduled inspection.
3. Pavement Markings: Painted lines and markings in Dallas parking lots usually need to be repainted about every two years. Centerlines and other road markings normally need to be repainted every 12 to 18 months.
4. Traffic Signs: The life expectancy of traffic signs and their mounting poles can vary widely. Some signage does not need to be replaced or repaired for more than five years. That said, it is a good idea to ask your Dallas asphalt maintenance contractor to inspect your signs annually.
HI-TEK Paving Services would be happy to tailor an asphalt maintenance plan that includes all the services your pavement will likely need. We can also provide you with one-off asphalt maintenance services, including crack repairs, sealcoating, and parking lot striping. In addition, we offer asphalt paving, concrete installation, asphalt repair, asphalt overlays, and concrete repairs. We have a superb reputation for service, craftsmanship, reliability, and professionalism. For a free quote, use our online form, call 214-908-9641, or send an email to Kevin@HI-TEKPaving.com.