Signs to Repair or Replace Your Concrete Parking Lot
If a concrete lot is taken care of, it is not unusual for it to last 20 to 30 years. However, every parking lot regardless of care and maintenance will eventually begin showing signs of age, like cracks and warping. Thankfully, many issues are cosmetic and can be repaired, but some problems may be so significant that they require the complete removal and replacement of the lot. G&G Concrete & Construction is a company made up of trained concrete parking lot contractors, and they can help you determine the problems that are redeemable versus those they are detrimental to the integrity of your lot.
Cracks
Every parking lot will experience cracks, which can be caused by settling or temperature fluctuations. Settling is one of the most common causes of cracking and may occur at any time within the first year or two of a new concrete pour. For businesses that operate in colder climates or areas where there are significant temperature shifts between the seasons, cracking can occur because of thermal cracking. For settling and temperature shifts, concrete contractors can probably make surface repairs.
Warping
Warping of a parking lot can be a sign of a more significant issue, like soil washout, which is the washing away of the sediment base. Washout and warping may be the most dangerous and detrimental causes of lot damage and degradation. This can happen because of poor drainage. Essentially, sediment is washed away leaving a gap between the bottom of the parking lot and the soil beneath, if neglected this gap can cause a significant crack or hole to form in the lot, also referred to as a sinkhole. For the washing out of soil and warping of a lot, a concrete contractor will likely need to remove the lot in the affected area and fix the foundational issue before resurfacing can happen.
Another common sign of warping and foundational issues is the puddling of water in areas where there shouldn’t be. Parking lots vary in size and therefore have different drainage concerns. Some will have sewers with the outside edges of the lot angling toward them. Other lots will be small enough that they drain out toward streets or fields. If you notice significant and persistent pooling in an area that is away from sewers and not in a designated drainage area, then you should contact a concrete specialist to inspect the area for signs of warping.
Deterioration and Potholes
Beyond the degradation of the underside bedrock and soil portion of a parking lot, the top layer of concrete can erode due to the regular use of the property. After several years of use, a lot will show signs of breakdown. For instance, the outside boundary may begin to break up, or areas near sewers may crack and separate, resulting in potholes. If you notice any surface damage in areas that are frequently used or are exposed to natural elements like pooling water, then you may need a surface repair.
Superiority of Concrete
While there are certain situations where a concrete replacement will be necessary, a concrete parking lot is still superior to other varieties of lots. True, damage can occur, but the life span of a typical concrete lot is 20 to 30 years, and with that increased life span come reduced maintenance costs.
There will come a time when a parking lot needs to be replaced, and it can happen because of any number of reasons. However, if you work with a recognized concrete parking lot installation company, like G&G Concrete & Construction, then you know you’re getting quality. Contact a G&G representative at (586) 992-0964 to get a quote on your parking lot repair or installation.
