A properly installed and well-maintained asphalt driveway or parking lot can typically last 15 years or longer depending on the climate. For many businesses, the parking lot may not seem like a priority to clean and maintain but make no mistake, your parking lot is a person’s first impression of your business. That’s why it’s so important to take care of your asphalt, otherwise you could be looking at having to replace or make repairs earlier than expected. Don’t let a damaged or dirty parking lot give the wrong impression of your business. Routine maintenance will help ensure that your asphalt surfaces not only look great but last. Here are some Spring asphalt cleaning tips to get you started!
Cleaning
A clean parking lot shows you care about your business’s perception. A parking lot littered with dirt, debris and garbage can give your building an unkempt and uncared for look. Something as simple as occasionally walking around the grounds with a broom and shovel can make a world of difference in helping your parking lot appear cleaner. If you own a larger lot and don’t have the time or personnel to take a trip outside, consider hiring a street sweeping service that can make sure your parking lot is properly groomed.
The Western New York winters can occasionally leave us some unwanted surprises in the form of cracks, upheavals and potholes. As long as the damage isn’t too extensive, small repairs can usually be completed fairly quickly leaving little to no downtime and help restore your asphalt surfaces. A smooth surface helps improve the appearance of your parking lot and allow safe passage for vehicles and pedestrians alike.
Stains
Whether it’s road salt, dirt, debris or that 30 year old pick up truck that’s leaking oil, set in stains can be tough to clean. With a little elbow grease and the right ingredients, you can make those parking lot stains a thing of the past.
Automotive Stains (oil and grease based)
Nothing is worse than an oil spot in the middle of your parking lot. For fresh automotive stains, try soaking up as much of the liquid by applying a layer of kitty litter on top of the stain. Kitty litter naturally works as an absorbing agent that can be applied to the surface and left to sit. You can leave the kitty litter on for a few hours or overnight and sweep it up after it’s had some time to soak up as much as it can. If the oil or grease stain has had time to set in, try a mix of Trisodium phosphate (TSP), bleach and baking soda. Apply the mix directly to the stain, then use a broom with firm bristles to scrub it away.
Mulch or Leaf Stain Tips
Mother nature can occasionally leave a lasting impression on your asphalt surfaces. Left behind mulch, leaves and lawn clippings can contain a chemical called tannins. As these tannins decompose they can leave behind rather unsightly stains. When attacking these tannins, apply soap or vinegar to the surface and scrub it with a brush using circular motions. Then rinse the solution away using low pressure. If the stain is still there, use one capful of bleach with one gallon of water and scrub the stain using small circular motions. Allow the solution to sit for 30 minutes and wash away with warm water.
Asphalt Sealcoating
While asphalt is a resilient material, it is by no means completely maintenance free. Routine maintenance is required to keep your surfaces looking great and last years to come. While these Spring asphalt cleaning tips are a great start, there are other ways to prolong the life of your investment. Protect your asphalt surfaces by having a quality sealer professionally applied every 3 to 5 years and keep up on your parking lots routine maintenance.
Looking for an asphalt company that can make all the necessary repairs and seal your asphalt so your surfaces stay protected and look great all year long? Call Baughman Magic Seal to schedule your estimate today at (716) 836 – 8880!