Your parking lot is an essential part of your property. That’s why it’s important to ensure that it’s well-maintained and safe for visitors. While water puddles may seem innocuous, they can signal major paving problems. Read on to learn what causes puddles and what you can do about it!
What Causes Parking Lot Puddles?
There are a number of causes for puddles in your parking lot. Some are related to the asphalt paving surface, and others are related to the sub-layers and drainage system.
Puddles Caused by Surface Damage
Some puddles may be caused by surface ruts or compaction due to poor parking practices or overly heavy vehicles.
If certain areas of your parking lot are subjected to heavy loads on a consistent basis, those areas may compact causing dips or ruts to form. Then, when it rains, standing water can collect into puddles.
Puddles Caused by Underground Issues
In other cases, puddles may be caused by problems with the sub-layers of your parking area. These include:
- Poor drainage
- Uneven or incomplete compaction in the sub-base
If your parking lot is constructed without adequate drainage, then water that collects on the surface has nowhere to go—thus, puddles form. Similarly, if the sub-base is uneven, that will eventually cause the surface to be uneven as well, and water will collect on the top.
Puddles, Water Damage, and Your Parking Lot Paving
Small puddles that evaporate within a day or so are not typically a major issue because that water simply stays on the surface of your parking lot. However, if you have larger puddles that stay for days on end, your parking lot is at risk for water damage such as:
- Cracking
- Erosion
- Potholes
To avoid these issues, it’s important to, one, identify the causes of any puddles you have, and two, remediate them as soon as possible.
Parking Lot Repair or Replacement
If your puddles are caused by surface compaction, it may be possible to repair the problem via patching. Paving contractors can mill the top layer and reapply the surface to “patch” the asphalt. This will even out any dips or depressions that are collecting water.
If, however, your parking lot has puddles caused by issues with the sub-layer, you may need to reinstall the lot entirely. While that may sound like a daunting prospect, it may cost less in the long run versus ongoing repairs.
If you’re having issues with puddles in your parking lot in the Houston or Fort Worth area, call the team at United Asphalt Paving today! We have over 25 years of experience in the paving business and our team will be able to identify the problem and propose a solution that will save you hassle and money in the long run. United Asphalt Paving—We Know Paving!