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Parking Lot Uneven? Why This Might Happen

Jun 19, 2023

Why is your parking lot uneven? Did your company's paved lot go from a neat, clean, even layer of asphalt to dips, sags, or pits—and you're not sure what happened? Take a look at the top reasons for these asphalt issues and what you can do about your parking lot's uneven surface.

Asphalt Parking Lot Installation

It all starts with installation. A poorly installed parking lot won't stand up to the test of time or your customers' cars. Without adequate compaction, the parking lot could sag or sink unevenly with wear. The base layer materials and the asphalt surface products require proper compaction. Without a base that is firm and compact (the materials are pressed down tightly), anything on top of it could shift.

The materials for the base layer and the composition of the asphalt on top can affect compaction and the evenness of your lot's surface. Voids left in the materials or air pockets, installation during the wrong time of year or temperature, the thickness of the asphalt product, and the temperature of the mix for your lot can all impact compaction.

A loosely compacted lot that sags due to installation issues may require a major renovation. If the initial installation was low quality or there are significant faults, contact a reputable asphalt contractor to assess the sagging or unevenness and address the problem. They may need to repave the lot or create a new base.

Elements, Weathering, Age, and Erosion

Even though asphalt is a highly durable surface, it won't last forever. The rain, ice, cold, heat, and other weather or climate-related factors can affect the surface of your company's parking lot. Over time, the aggregate in the asphalt and the asphalt binder can erode and weather. As the outer layer wears away, the underlying aggregate becomes the surface and can dislodge (raveling).

Water, ice, and the freeze-thaw cycle can also cause erosion issues. The moisture can erode the surface and cause cracks, potholes, or other damage that results in an uneven surface. Likewise, temperature changes can cause the materials to shrink and expand, also resulting in potholes or unevenness.

A contractor could possibly fill and repair minor cracks and smaller potholes. But a quick fix won't solve a serious sag or major weathering damage.

If raveling is ravaging your parking lot, the contractor may need to remove and repave a large section of the asphalt. This can stop further damage and prevent additional erosion. The contractor may also need to repave areas with deep potholes, sagging surfaces, and issues that could spread to other parts of the parking lot.

Asphalt Parking Lot Upheaval

This type of unevenness is the result of subgrade swelling. Frost heave is a common reason for this parking lot problem. Ice pockets can form under the surface as the temperatures go up and down (freezing and thawing the material under the top layers). The ice causes swelling and pushes the base upwards.

As the base pushes upwards, the top heaves and grows higher than the rest of the surface. While the surface can sometimes possibly self-correct as the general outdoor air temperature rises, this process can also cause cracking and other types of surface damage. Not only can upheaval cause serious damage, but it also poses a safety risk for anyone walking or driving in your lot. These potential results make it important to consult a professional contractor.

Cracks left behind allow water and ice to get below the parking lot's surface. This can add to the problem and make it more likely that the lot will grow uneven. To correct the problem, the contractor may need to repair parts of the lot or replace surface and base layers.

Does your company's parking lot sag? Contact J & B Asphalt and Paving for more information.

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Common Asphalt Paving Mistakes You Should Know About

01 Feb, 2023

Asphalt paving is important in constructing and maintaining roads, driveways, and parking lots. It is a low-cost, long-lasting material that withstands heavy traffic and extreme weather conditions. But a few common mistakes can be made when paving with asphalt, leading to a weak surface that only lasts for a short time. Here are some of the most common blunders to avoid when paving with asphalt. Inadequate Base Preparation The asphalt surface will probably crack and get holes over time if it is not leveled or packed down well. The base must be excavated to a specific depth and width before the asphalt can be laid. The base material should mix crushed stone, gravel, and sand to provide a stable and long-lasting foundation for the asphalt. Then, this material should be leveled and pressed down with a roller to make a smooth, stable asphalt surface. Using the Incorrect Asphalt Mix The asphalt mix is made by mixing asphalt cement with a certain amount of aggregate, such as crushed stone, gravel, or sand. The ratio of aggregate to asphalt cement will change based on how the surface will be used and how much traffic it will get. When the wrong mix is used, the surface becomes weaker and more prone to cracking and damage. A mix that is too heavy on aggregate and too light on asphalt cement, for example, will not provide enough stability and will crack under heavy traffic. A mix that is too heavy on the asphalt cement and too light on the aggregate, on the other hand, will be more prone to rutting and deformation. Not Properly Compacting the Asphalt After laying the asphalt, it should be compacted with a roller. Compacting the asphalt removes air pockets and ensures a smooth and stable surface. Asphalt that has not been properly compacted is more prone to cracking and shifting. Compaction should be done in multiple passes, beginning with a light pass to remove any air pockets, followed by heavier passes to ensure a smooth and stable surface. The installer should move the roller slowly to ensure the asphalt is properly packed. Leaving the Asphalt Unsealed Sealing the asphalt will protect it from the elements and extend its life. A seal coat is a thin layer of asphalt that is poured over the asphalt. This liquid asphalt layer will shield the surface from water, oil, and UV rays. If the asphalt is not sealed, it is more likely to crack and be damaged by water, oil, and UV rays. The seal coat should be applied a few months after asphalt installation to let the asphalt fully cure. Not Using a Professional Asphalt Contractor Hiring a contractor who isn't qualified or doesn't have enough experience can lead to bad work, a weak surface that doesn't last long, and even expensive repairs or complete repaving. However, a professional contractor will know how to prepare the foundation, use the right mix, pack down the asphalt, and seal it. Working with a professional contractor ensures all permits and inspections are in place and that the work is done according to local rules and codes. They will also have all the tools and resources they need to do the job well and quickly. Look no further than J & B Asphalt & Paving for professional asphalt paving services. Our skilled and experienced professionals are dedicated to delivering lasting, high-quality results. We take special care to ensure a smooth and long-lasting surface. In addition, our team is up to date on all requirements to ensure your work is done per local codes and regulations. Don't take any chances regarding your asphalt paving requirements. Contact us today to set up a consultation and learn more about how we can assist you with your next project.