Installing a new parking lot or repaving your old one is a big deal. In addition to being a significant investment, it can cost your company downtime.
Fortunately, choosing the right paving contractor can help you streamline the process and get a beautiful finished product.
At Betz Works, we’ve been providing asphalt paving services for more than 30 years, so we know what it takes to create beautiful, functional commercial parking lots.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through each step of the parking lot paving process and help you learn what you need to do to ensure excellent results.
Key Takeaways
- Parking lot paving involves the following steps: talking to and hiring a paving professional, examining the site, obtaining needed permits, grading and preparing the parking lot, installing and compacting the asphalt, striping the paved surface, and installing features like curbs.
- To maintain your paved parking lot, keep it clean, have it sealcoated regularly, and fix any minor damage as soon as you notice it.
- To get a beautiful, durable asphalt parking lot for your business, contact a reliable local paving contractor like Betz Works.
Before You Get Started
Before you get to work on your commercial parking lot, consider the following:
- Will you add a new paved surface or pave over your old one? When it’s time to revitalize your parking lot, you have two choices: tear out the old surface and add a new one, or pave over the old asphalt. The right option for you will depend on a few variables, like the condition of your existing lot, your budget, and your timeline. If your existing lot is in pretty good condition with only a few hairline cracks here and there, you can likely pave over it. If your current lot is unstable, sloped, or filled with large cracks, you’ll need to rip out the old asphalt and lay down a new paved surface. If you’re installing a new parking lot from scratch, you’ll have to hire a contractor to complete the entire job.
- What material will you use? You can pave your parking lot with either concrete or asphalt. Both are affordable, easy-to-maintain finishes, although asphalt is usually easier to install. Additionally, an asphalt parking lot will create less downtime for your business since you can drive on it almost immediately.
- Which paving contractor will you work with? Before you can get started on your commercial parking lot, you’ll need to choose a paving contractor and request an estimate. For best results, we recommend choosing a local company (like Betz Works) that can provide fast service and limit interruptions for your business.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Parking Lot Paving
Now that you’ve decided to pave your commercial parking lot, you’re probably wondering what happens next.
Here’s a brief breakdown of the steps involved in the process:
1. Selecting a professional contractor
Paving a commercial parking lot is not a DIY job. Because of this, the first step is always to talk to a professional about your needs, location, and the logistics involved in the job.
A professional paving contractor will be able to advise you on considerations like the ideal drainage for your parking lot, how thick the gravel base layer should be, and how to ensure the finished product looks great and performs even better.
2. Examination of the site
Once you’ve found a paving contractor you want to work with, they’ll send a team out to survey your site.
During this initial assessment, the team will measure the proposed area, create a parking lot design, and take note of any considerations that may affect the job, like how level (or not) the area is.
3. Permits, preparation, and marking
Next, the team will obtain the permits needed to pave your parking lot.
To keep everyone safe, they’ll also have your local utility company come out to mark the location of buried lines.
4. Grading and leveling the site location
Now, the team will start preparing the site for paving. If needed, they’ll strip existing asphalt down to the subgrade layer.
If you’re installing a new parking lot, they’ll start by grading the area to ensure it’s level and adding a sub-base.
The sub-base is one of the most essential parts of any asphalt parking lot since it provides the foundation for the paving material.
This process will likely take a few days.
5. Asphalt Paving
Once the sub-base is in place, the team will pour the asphalt.
During this step, the team will bring in a dump truck full of asphalt mix and apply it in strips ranging from 8 to 12 feet wide.
For a paved parking lot, the asphalt should be anywhere from 2-4” thick
6. Compaction
After the team has installed the asphalt, they’ll compact it with heavy asphalt vibratory rollers that weigh anywhere from 3-10 tons.
This ensures a solid, stable parking lot surface and helps even out any imperfections.
7. Striping and installing features
Once the paving is complete, your asphalt contractor will paint in parking space lines and add additional features, such as curbs, walkways, and speed bumps.
This step adds the finished product to your parking lot and ensures it’s ready for your customers and clients.
Maintaining a Paved Parking Lot
The best way to protect your asphalt parking lot from costly damage and repairs is to maintain it.
Here’s how:
- Keep it clean. Have your parking lot power-washed at least once a year. Regular power washing prevents the buildup of dirt and debris and allows you to examine the parking lot for early signs of damage, like cracks. It also removes corrosive stains like spilled oil or gasoline residue.
- Have it sealcoated. Sealcoating is one of the best ways to maintain the appearance and stability of your asphalt parking lot. During sealcoating, a layer of protective sealant is applied to the parking lot surface. This protects the asphalt from the elements and helps prevent fading, oxidation, and other issues.
- Repair damage as soon as you notice it. Asphalt is durable, but it doesn’t last forever. Inspect your parking lot regularly and repair cracks and potholes as soon as you notice them. This routine maintenance will help prevent more extensive damage. It will also keep your parking lot beautiful and safe for years to come.
Are you Looking For a Parking Lot Paving Contractor in Santa Cruz County? We can Help!
Do you need a team to help you create a beautiful asphalt parking lot in Santa Cruz, Monterey or Santa Clara Counties? Betz Works is here for you!
Contact us today to learn more about our services, request an estimate, or find out how we can help your business create a safe, beautiful parking lot.
FAQ
1. Why should I pave my parking lot?
Paving your parking lot has many benefits. Here are a few of the largest:
- More parking space. A parking lot allows you to outline parking spots and keep parked cars neat and orderly. A gravel lot, by comparison, only encourages improperly parked cars and frustration for everyone who uses it.
- Reduced liability. Paved parking lots make slips, trips, and falls less likely. They also offer indicators for crosswalks and handicap spots and can provide speed limit signs and other elements that help keep your customers safe.
- Better drainage. An asphalt parking lot helps direct rainwater and snow melt and prevents water pooling, which can damage your building and create safety hazards for your customers.
- Increased curb appeal. A fresh, new asphalt parking lot improves the appearance of your commercial property and enhances your company’s overall value.
- Less long-term maintenance. Paved parking lots will save you money in the long run. Since asphalt parking lots last for decades, they’ll require less maintenance and fewer repairs than gravel or unpaved lots.
- ADA compliance. You want your business to be welcoming and accessible, and paved parking lots help ensure that. Parking lot paving provides accessible parking spots and safe access routes and allows you to mark the surface to accommodate people with disabilities.
2. What material is used for parking lots?
Asphalt, concrete, and gravel are the most common materials used for parking lots, although soil, aggregate, and composite pavement can be used, as well.
3. How long will a paved parking lot last?
A paved asphalt parking lot will last 20-30 years with proper maintenance, sealcoating, and repairs.
4. How much does a parking lot paving cost?
The final cost will depend on a variety of factors, including the size of your lot and what kind of preparation and site work need to be done before paving begins. That said, asphalt paving services usually run from $2.50-$7 per square foot for parking lots.
5. How long will parking lot paving take?
Paving your parking lot will likely take about a week. Various factors can influence the timing, including the size of the site and the time needed for the asphalt to cure and dry – usually between 48-72 hours.