Investing in parking lot maintenance for your property’s asphalt paving contributes to its longevity and durability. Spring remains the best time of the year for this, as it provides an opportunity to find underlying issues after a long, harsh winter. Here are a few tips to help you keep the pavement in good condition.

How to Maintain Asphalt Parking Lots
1. Perform a Visual Inspection
By thoroughly examining your asphalt paving for cracks and other damages, you can pinpoint which areas need to be repaired. Although it is tempting to ignore small cracks, take note of them because they can turn into bigger, costlier problems in the long run. 

2. Clean Debris and Puddles
There are several forms of dirt and debris brought forth by changing seasons. After the winter, inspect your parking lot's surface and drainage system for any water that may have gathered there. Remove any overgrown bushes or branches from your parking lot, as well. It will look better and prevent tripping accidents and vehicle damage when it's cleaned up. Consider creating a regular cleaning schedule to make this a more effective solution and make upkeep easier.

3. Sealcoat
After you've cleared your parking lot, sealcoating can give an extra layer of protection against harsh weather. It protects the asphalt pavement from the damaging effects of oxidation, weathering, and vehicle fluids. This procedure also improves the appearance and restores the black shine.

4. Fill Cracks
After inspection and cleaning, it’s time to look back on your list and address the cracks you have found. Your asphalt paving contractor will use various repair methods to fill these cracks. During this process, the experts may uncover other problems. For example, they might find out that tree roots damage compromises the integrity of your parking lot from underneath. 


If you need reliable asphalt paving or snow removal, contact Guarco Construction in Granby, CT. We are family-owned and -operated, and have served Hartford County and the surrounding areas since 1974. We specialize in commercial and residential paving and snow removal. We are renowned for their friendly, dependable service, attention to detail, and competitive rates. Learn more about us online or call (860) 278-5558 to schedule your snow removal or asphalt paving.

If your business is planning a new parking lot installation or another asphalt paving job, you may wonder how long the material takes to cure. Various factors affect drying time, and you should understand that "curing" and "drying" are different. Below is what you need to know about how long you must wait to use a new asphalt parking lot.

Drying vs. Curing
Your parking lot can accommodate foot and moderate vehicle traffic once it is dry. This typically takes two to three days after the installation. However, since it is not fully "cured" or hardened, you should avoid spilling harsh chemicals/auto fluids or driving exceptionally heavy vehicles—such as semi-trucks or construction equipment—on it.

Moreover, you must wait 30 days before you can apply sealcoating, a waterproof sealant that protects it from UV light and extends its life span and integrity. The pavement needs about a month to oxidize and shed oil before you seal it. 

Finally, it takes the lot as much as a full year before it is "cured," or fully hardened. At that point, you can allow most heavy vehicles and machinery to park on your pavement without the risk of damaging it. 

The Conditions That Affect Asphalt Drying Time
Environmental conditions affect how long it takes a parking lot to dry. High humidity in the air means the pavement cannot shed moisture quickly, so it dries more slowly. 

High temperatures, on the other hand, help evaporation and speed up drying time. Finally, sunlight and wind both help asphalt dry quickly, so cloudy days without a breeze and shade trees overhanging your lot will slow down drying.


If you need reliable asphalt paving or snow removal, contact Guarco Construction in Granby, CT. We are family-owned and -operated, and have served Hartford County and the surrounding areas since 1974. We specialize in commercial and residential paving and snow removal. We are renowned for their friendly, dependable service, attention to detail, and competitive rates. Learn more about us online or call (860) 278-5558 to schedule your snow removal or asphalt paving.