Answers to Your Parking Lot Repairs FAQs

Have you ever looked at the fading lines in your parking lot and wondered how often you are supposed to have those repainted or spotted a few cracks in the asphalt and wondered if those need repair? Well, you’re not alone. Many landlords and commercial property owners have the same questions when it comes to parking lot repairs. So, to help, we’ve created a list of answers to your most frequently asked questions.

How do I know if I need parking lot repairs?

The earliest signs that your parking lot needs attention are luckily, usually easy to spot. Visible cracks, especially those you’ve noticed growing larger, are a sign that your asphalt is deteriorating and requires maintenance. Left long enough, these small cracks can quickly turn into larger cracks and eventually lead to potholes. Once you’ve reached this stage, the damage becomes more extensive and costly to repair.

Depressions and areas of pooling water are also strong indicators your parking lot needs repairs. These are more serious issues that could indicate either a problem with your substrate, poor grading or drainage, or other structural concerns.

What causes asphalt cracks?

There are a few causes of parking lot asphalt cracks. Moisture, heavy rain and snow, and fluctuating temperatures all contribute to the expansion and contraction of the asphalt, leading to cracks. On the flip side, long periods of the sun (maybe not as much of an issue around Vancouver) can dry your pavement, making it more prone to shrinkage cracks and ravelling. Heavy traffic and age are also contributing factors. Even high-quality asphalt isn’t meant to last forever, so it’s not uncommon for it to need maintenance and repair work over time.

How often do I need to resurface my parking lot?

Unlike filling in a pothole or sealing a few cracks, resurfacing is a much more extensive parking lot repair. In general, a parking lot should only need to be completely resurfaced every 15 to 20 years, however, this timeframe can be significantly impacted by how well it’s been maintained, weather conditions, and the quality of materials and installation. Minor issues like localized cracks and potholes can be patched but if start noticing widespread cracking, uneven surfaces, or areas where the asphalt is crumbling, it’s probably time to consider resurfacing to prevent further deterioration.

How can I avoid major parking lot repairs?

The best way to avoid parking lot repairs is to be proactive rather than reactive about maintaining your lot. Experts recommended having a fresh sealcoat applied at least every 2 to 4 years depending on the weather in your area and the amount of traffic flowing through your lot. A seal coat provides an essential layer of protection from water, moisture, vehicle oil, and sun damage. Sealing minor cracks and filling in small potholes is another way to avoid larger parking lot problems.

How often do I need to have my lines repainted?

Part of maintaining a safe parking lot is ensuring drivers and pedestrians can see parking stall lines and other pavement markings. Repainting will depend a lot on traffic volume and weather conditions; however, in general, you should consider having your lines repainted every 1–2 years (or as soon as you notice them fading) and restriped every 2–3 years.

What’s the best time of year for parking lot repairs?

In many areas of British Columbia, parking lot repairs are limited to the spring, summer, and early fall. However, the milder climate in places like Vancouver, Burnaby and Surrey means that repairs are possible throughout the year, as long as the right materials and asphalt mixtures are used to account for the wetter, cooler conditions.

How long do parking lot repairs take?

Understandably, you don’t want to inconvenience anyone with drawn-out parking lot repairs. The good news is that most repairs can be completed in a day or two, depending on the scope of the work. More extensive repairs, like resurfacing your parking will take more time, but good contractors will be willing to work with your schedule and timeframe to minimize any disruption.