We talk a lot about asphalt surfaces on this blog. How do you ensure the upkeep and cleanliness of asphalt? What are asphalt repairs, and what is seal coating anyway? However, if you are a parking lot owner or manager and you only think about asphalt, you are missing something. That something is concrete. Look around your property. We are sure you will find at least a few surfaces that are concrete. Cement parking bumpers, dumpster pads, retaining walls, and the obvious: sidewalks. All these are made of concrete. Repairs must be made differently (and sometimes by a different contractor) than repairs to your asphalt paved surfaces. So, let’s talk about concrete. The well-being of your property depends on it.
Who to Call?
Usually we save our encouragement to team up with a local advisor until last. But, here we think it is quite important to make that your first step. Many parking lot maintenance contractors provide services for multiple types of paved surfaces. If they do not, they typically have great connections with contractors who do. If you already have a great parking lot advisor on your team, call them! Let them know you’re ready to address those neglected concrete surfaces. They will be your greatest asset as you move forward.
What to Do?
Maybe you are all on your own. No parking lot maintenance contractors have joined your team yet. Especially if you are new to owning or managing at parking lot, you probably need some guidance. We are here for you! Start by simply walking your property with a notebook or notes app in hand. This may sound too simplistic for our technological era; But trust us: seeing your concrete surfaces up close and personal is invaluable. Note cracks separately from completely crumbling areas. Take pictures of old parking bumpers that need to be replaced. Describe unsightly, worn paint on your loading docks or concrete parking areas. Once you have completed the assessment of your concrete needs, you will be ready to call contractors. Some concrete contractors may only provide certain types of repair. Finding a contractor that can meet all of your needs is best.
When to Repair?
Well, the easy answer here is ASAP! However, we understand that scheduling and budgetary restraints are real. When making decisions regarding scheduling repairs, “safety first” is a great guiding principle. Repair areas that could cause a patron to stumble and fall on the sidewalk. Remove and replace parking bumpers that no longer serve their intended purpose of protecting cars, pedestrians, and buildings. Fill cracks in your loading areas that could cause damage to a loader or trucks as they unload. Aesthetic preferences are next on the list. This is where you can not only repair or replace what is present, but also get a little creative! Think through what really will serve your tenants and patrons best; don’t be afraid to make a change to placement or paint color if it will improve the appearance of your property. Repairs, after all, should be about safety and sustainability of your concrete. But they should also improve the overall look and feel of your property.
Work with a concrete contractor who shares your vision for a safe and beautiful property. Keep an eye on your concrete surfaces regularly. And remember to prioritize safety first when making repairs. When it comes to your parking lot, your concrete surfaces are important. Make sure you treat them that way.
