Why Infrared Asphalt Pothole Repairs Are Essential for Maintaining Safe Retail Parking Lots in Boise

Parking is an important consideration for every business, but it’s especially critical for retailers. A small medical clinic might need no more than 10 or 15 spaces to accommodate patients, but retailers need dozens or even hundreds of stalls to keep up with the flow of traffic. 

Over time, all this traffic can cause cracks to form in the asphalt which then develop into disruptive potholes. Fortunately, it’s possible to repair potholes with infrared technology. Find out how the repair process can help you maintain a safe retail parking lot in Boise.

Common Asphalt Problems

Asphalt is extremely versatile, so it’s often used to create parking lots, playgrounds, game courts, and driveways. Despite its versatility, asphalt is also susceptible to damage caused by exposure to heat, cold, sunlight, and chemicals. Stress from heavy vehicle traffic also causes asphalt to break down over time, leading to these common problems.

Cracking

Water damage, tree roots, fuel spills, and extreme temperatures can all cause asphalt to crack. If you see a crack in your parking lot, it’s important to repair it right away. Cracks can damage vehicles or cause pedestrians to trip and injure themselves, making them a major safety hazard in retail environments. 

In some cases, exposure to the elements results in alligator cracking. Instead of forming a single fissure in the asphalt, alligator cracking causes a patchwork of cracks that look like alligator scales. 

Alligator cracking is a problem because it allows moisture to seep below the surface of a parking lot, causing structural issues. If a paved surface doesn’t have enough support underneath, it’s difficult to keep customers, employees, and vendors safe.

Rutting

Rutting is a specific type of asphalt damage caused by the wheels of cars and trucks. It occurs when vehicles travel the same path many times per day over a long period. For example, if you operate a retail center with 10 or 20 stores, you may notice rutting in the lanes leading from the road to the front of each building.

Depressions

Grade depressions form when a section of asphalt settles below the other areas of a paved surface. Depressions aren’t as deep as potholes, but they still cause problems. For example, water typically pools on a depressed surface, creating a safety hazard for patrons. Depressions also make your parking lot look worn out instead of welcoming.

Potholes

Potholes are the most extensive type of asphalt damage, as they typically form after you allow cracks and other types of damage to persist. Cracks, depressions, and rutting are all susceptible to moisture, heat, cold, and solar radiation, causing them to continue breaking down long after they first form. If you don’t block off the damaged area, additional stress from heavy vehicles can accelerate the formation of potholes in paved surfaces.

How Infrared Pothole Repair Saves You From Extensive Repairs Down the Road

It’s best to fix cracks, depressions, and potholes right away. Immediate repairs reduce the risk of accidents and make your parking lot look more appealing. If your Boise business doesn’t have the budget for repairs, however, you may end up with several potholes. Fortunately, potholes can be repaired with infrared technology. 

Infrared pothole repair is extremely cost-effective, as it recycles some of your existing asphalt. Since you don’t have to replace the asphalt completely, you spend less on repairs, making it easier to run a profitable retail business in Boise. 

Infrared heat softens the existing asphalt, which allows a contractor to remold it and mix it with new asphalt. The process creates a smooth surface, making your parking lot look better than ever.

Eliminating potholes also enhances safety, as your customers won’t have to worry about twisting their ankles or damaging their vehicles. Overall, infrared pothole repair reduces maintenance costs, helps you preserve your property value, and protects customers from harm, making it an excellent investment for any Boise business.

Eradicate Potholes in Your Parking Lot

If your Boise parking lot is filled with potholes, customers may question your commitment to running a successful business. Potholes also increase the risk of injuries and lawsuits, making them a danger to your business. Learn more about asphalt pothole repair services at EverLine Coatings to find out how we can help you address these concerns.