May 22 2020 0Comment
asphalt-damage

Common Asphalt Damage Claims During Hurricane Season in Florida

Asphalt damage that can be caused during hurricane season.

Hurricane season in Florida is known for wreaking havoc in various ways, including concrete and asphalt pavements. Understanding the common asphalt damage claims during the season helps you minimize the risk. By doing so, you’re able to prolong the lifespan of your asphalt paving as well as cut the parking lot repair costs.

Flooding is the most common asphalt damage during a hurricane. The probability of your parking lot flooding is high if you fail to inspect the storm drains and the catch basins regularly. Make sure you perform regular inspections in the area surrounding the catch basins and the storm drains. While at it, remove any debris or obstruction such as leaves or accumulated mud to prevent blockage.

It’s essential to ensure the pavement around the area is also in good condition for these drainage channels to perform appropriately. Performing the following parking lot maintenance practices before the hurricane ensures your parking lot is functional even during extreme weather.

Asphalt Sealcoating

If water seeps through your asphalt, it disintegrates the pavement from inside out, making your parking lot look like a jagged canyon. A sealcoat layer acts as protection against UV rays, vehicle fluids and spills, and water. Sealcoating doesn’t repair damages such as cracking and potholes but rather prevents them from forming. It’s, therefore, necessary to include asphalt sealcoating in your regular asphalt repair and maintenance schedule.

Asphalt sealcoating in Tampa also includes a stormwater management plan. Doing this ensures the water doesn’t collect on the surface of your paving, as doing so damages the surface with time. The asphalt is designed such that it percolates through several layers instead of gushing off through into the drainage system, making it overloaded and hence flooding of your driveway.

Crack Filling

As time goes by, your asphalt starts to break down, and cracks start developing. When this happens, you need to seek asphalt patching and repair services immediately before they escalate. Filling cracks before the hurricane prevents water from penetrating through the asphalt surface and destroying the foundation of your pavement. The process also helps in:

  • Preventing the cracks from trapping debris and inhibiting weeds, and later blocking block the water when the rains come
  • Eliminating the chance of the cracks developing into potholes

With the cracks taken care of, you can rest assured that there’s no chance of water eroding your parking lot foundation during the hurricane.

The impact of Florida’s heavy rains and storms is more than just flooded parking lot if you leave the cracks unfilled. The heavy rains enlarge the cracks, and as the storm continues, these tiny cracks expand. If you keep postponing the asphalt patching and repair, the cracks may develop into alligator cracking, which is more complex and expensive to repair.

Focus on Proper Drainage

Having a proper drainage system goes a long way to mitigate the impact of rain on your asphalt paving. Unfortunately, many property owners fail to include a design that facilitates runoff water, leading to flooding, the primary cause of asphalt damage during the hurricane. During your regular parking lot maintenance schedule, ensure that the contractor checks your parking lot drainage system. If it’s not adequately designed, make sure it’s redesigned such that the water flows smoothly even during extreme weather.

Contact PLS Florida for Asphalt Damage Solutions

Protecting your asphalt paving from common asphalt damage during hurricane season requires working with a professional contractor. Parking Lot Services in Tampa offers a variety of asphalt repair and maintenance services. Be sure to contact PLS if you are looking for asphalt repair in Tampa, asphalt sealcoating in Tampa, and ensure that your parking lot meets the ADA compliance requirements.