Five Reasons, The Best Time to Maintain Your Asphalt Is NOW!

The last 18 months have been rife with uncertainty and riddled with worry for nearly everyone. With businesses closing temporarily or permanently, the Bay Area’s paving situation has never been as dire as it is now. The fact is, if your parking lot, driveway, and other paving problems aren’t corrected early, they’ll get worse and more expensive to fix later. Here are five reasons the best time to maintain your asphalt is NOW!

1. Fluctuating Oil Prices

The price of oil impacts everything, perhaps especially in the construction industry. Asphalt and concrete batching and production processes are uniquely affected by the cost of oil. In July 2020, the cost of asphalt tumbled to a low not seen since March 2017. One year later, the price has increased by nearly 50%, spurred on by rising oil prices and a concurrent rise in the cost of refining, processing, and batching. With prices going up, now is the best time to lock in current rates for asphalt and concrete before the cost jumps even higher.

 2. Curb Appeal

How can you tell the difference between a closed business and a business that’s open and ready to take care of its customers? The truth is your customers can’t, especially if they’re driving by on the street. Cracked, faded, potholed parking lots with worn-out striping are unattractive to the eye and send an unflattering message to potential clientele. By repairing your parking lot, access-ways, and other curb and drive installations, you clearly communicate that you’re open for business, ready to get to work, and able to assist your customers with all their needs.

 3. Safety

Did you know that cracked or potholed asphalt, offset sidewalk slabs, and other defects and damaged portions can be a safety hazard? It’s true! If a customer trips and falls because of poorly cared-for paving, your business may be liable for any injuries they sustain. Such hazards can also impede disability access to your business and maybe an ADA violation with a fine of up to $75,000 for the first infraction and $150,000 for each subsequent violation. When you add up the stiff financial and reputation costs of noncompliance and the potential for injury to your staff, customers, and the general public, having your parking lot and sidewalks repaired looks like a pretty good bargain.

4. Weatherproofing

When cracks form in asphalt paving, it allows water to infiltrate the subbase. A small trickle of water isn’t a big deal, though, right? Unfortunately, no. As water seeps into the pavement, it wears and washes away the surrounding material and pools within the matrix, allowing plant seeds to take root and start to grow. During colder weather, it may freeze and expand. These erosive processes accelerate cracking and pothole formation as well as undermining the structural integrity and flexibility of the overlying surface. At a certain point, the paving will be beyond repair and will have to be completely removed and redone to work properly. A well-maintained parking lot will perform and look better for years to come.

 5. Increase And Safeguard Your Property Value

Faded, cracked, or faulty paving can be expensive in more ways than you think. It can also drag down the property value, especially if you’re considering selling in the near future. If your paving looks good, it will also perform well for years to come, making the property a better investment for anyone who might end up buying.

All in all, maintaining your asphalt paving is a smart investment with a lot of benefits and virtually no downside over time. Whether you need a simple sealcoat and restriping, a spot patch and repair on a faulty section, or a complete tear-out and rebuild of your asphalt and concrete paving, Calvac Paving is here to help with proven, durable results that give you, your tenants, and their customers the great performance and appearance they expect and deserve. For all your Bay Area paving needs and a job that’s done right the first time, every time, click here to contact Calvac Paving today!