Swerving around a pothole in a parking lot is frustrating and potentially hazardous for your clients. Their first impression is that the owner of the building does not care about them or the damage it can do to their vehicle. Taking care of your parking lot potholes helps put your clients in the right frame of mind before they walk through your door.

Parking lots are constructed in layers. The surface layer is meant to be water-resistant and is designed to drain water away from the asphalt. When cracks develop on the surface, water seeps through into the base. In winter weather, these wet areas freeze and expand. A bubble forms under the pavement as the surface is forced upward. Driving over these sections breaks up the asphalt into loose chunks, and now you have potholes.

It's a bigger challenge to drain water away from your parking lot in the winter when the precipitation is in its frozen state. Keeping your parking lot clear of snow and ice is critical and must be done safely. Use the following tips to keep your parking lot properly cleared: 

• Use a professional plowing service that can remove the snow without gouging your asphalt.
• Keep the drainage areas or storm drains clear, giving meltwater a way to escape.
• Pile snow away from the lot where it can safely drain as it melts.
• Use only de-icers that are safe for the environment and won't damage the structural integrity of the asphalt.

Hitting a pothole is very upsetting for your customers. You can be liable for the damage caused to their vehicles. At Maintain It All, we recommend heading into winter with your pavement in good condition. That means repairing existing cracks and potholes long before the freeze sets in. Our goal is to help you provide your customers with a better experience while extending the life of your asphalt. Contact us to learn more about our services for taking care of your parking lot potholes.