Whether you have a couple or a couple dozen asphalt paving projects on your to do list for 2021, now’s a great time to update or create a paving maintenance plan for your business. The primary purpose of a paving maintenance plan is to maximize the lifespan of your asphalt and concrete surfaces.  A solid plan with preventive, corrective and major repairs can literally save you thousands of dollars in future repair costs. The key is to be proactive and address issues before they arise, rather than waiting for problems to occur.

Elements of a Solid Paving Maintenance Plan

ASSESSMENT: Complete an assessment of your parking lots, driveways, curbs, and walkways. Things to look for include standing water, cracks, potholes and fading or graying pavement. There are different ways to assess paved surfaces. At the very least, make sure you document the types of damage present and the general condition of your paved surfaces.   If you don’t have the time or resources to carefully assess your paved areas, give us a call.  We’ll do an onsite assessment, provide you with recommendations and get your remediation projects scheduled.

Things to look for include standing water, cracks, and potholes.

BUDGET: Based on the assessment, prioritize, and create a budget for what needs to get done.   Allocating funds for major and urgent repair work ()sinkholes, large potholes, storm water drainage issues, ADA compliance issues) should be done right away to avoid even bigger expenses down the road.  Every 10 years or so you should budget for an overlay/major restoration of well-worn areas of your asphalt or concrete pavement.   Preventive maintenance (sealcoating, crack filling, striping) should be done regularly and will help extend the life of your paved surface.

SCHEDULE – Based on the assessment, identify any major repairs that need to be done immediately, and routine maintenance that may be needed over the next year or two.  ​Most asphalt/concrete contractors typically schedule major projects weeks or even months in advance. Here in Wisconsin, weather can greatly impact the start, end and length of the paving season schedules.   If you have a priority project that needs to get done, get it scheduled ASAP.  Here are some general suggestions for routine maintenance items and timing:

  • Pavement assessment- every year
  • Crack sealing every 1-2 years
  • Patch potholes – immediate
  • Sealcoating – every 2-3 years
  • Overlay: (Adds a layer of new asphalt over the existing pavement) 5-8 years

Identify major repairs that need to be done immediately, and routine maintenance needed over the next year or two.

Having a solid paving maintenance plan in place can help you maximize the return on investment from your paved structures.   If managed and cared for properly, your pavement surface can last 25 years or more. Managed improperly or neglected, and your pavement could deteriorate and require replacement in less than 10 years.  For a free, no-obligation estimate and project assessment, visit our website or give us a call at 262-251-5585.