Fall is finally here. And for many of us, the cooler temperatures are a welcome relief from the heat of the summer months. But autumn brings its own set of challenges; namely falling leaves. While there’s no doubt that those multi-colored leaves are part of what we love about the fall season, leaves that are left for any length of time on a paved surface can not only create a slick surface when wet; they can also end up damaging your pavement. So what is the one simple thing you can do to save your asphalt parking lot? We can sum it up in one word: sweep!
It may be hard to believe, but by simply keeping your parking lot clean, you can avoid a lot of other problems as well as save money. What follows are some of the benefits you’ll enjoy from a clean and tidy parking lot:
- Removing falling leaves will make the surface safer for traffic and pedestrians. If you’ve ever tried to walk on fallen leaves – especially if they’re wet – you know just how slick that surface can be. Sweeping leaves from your parking area will keep it safer for your customers and other visitors.
- Sweeping leaves off of your pavement will prevent moisture from being trapped underneath the leaves and on the surface of the pavement. One of the most common ways that pavement is damaged is by water seeping under the surface through tiny cracks. Once that happens, greater damage to the pavement is inevitable. Removing leaves from the surface prevents them from trapping moisture on top of the paved surface and improves drainage
- Removing leaves improves the “curb appeal” of your business. Imagine yourself in front of two companies: one with a well-kept, clean parking lot; and the other with a parking lot obscured by falling leaves and other debris. Which one would you choose to do business with? The vast majority of people will always choose the one with a clean parking lot. Make your business more appealing to returning and new customers by keeping your parking lot clean.
- Sweeping leaves and other debris off of your parking area on a regular basis will allow you to assess the condition of your pavement. When it comes to maintaining any paved surface, it’s important to have minor repairs made as quickly as possible. This will prevent further damage from occurring and, as a result, will save you from major expenses later on.
It may be hard to believe, but the simple act of sweeping your parking lot can not only help to maintain your pavement investment; it can help your business as well. To find out more about how to properly care for your paved surfaces, contact a local paving contractor today.