Picky drivers will go out of their way to find a service station with clean pavement. The black sludge that accumulates from car and truck traffic is unsightly and even worse when it’s tracked inside. Service station pavement is constantly under attack, whether it’s the continuous use of heavy vehicles or the harsh chemicals used to clean cars. Unfortunately, pavement maintenance is often an overlooked task at service stations.
Here are some tips to help you maintain the pavement at your service station:
Regularly Sweep the Surface to Remove Loose Debris:
Service stations are constantly busy, so there’s always debris on the ground. It could be due to customers coming in and out of your establishment. In any case, it’s essential to get rid of this debris.
It’s no surprise that debris causes pavement problems. Small rocks and pebbles can work their way into cracks, causing them to widen over time. It is what causes potholes to form, further damaging your asphalt.
Sweeping will help prevent bigger pieces from becoming lodged in the cracks and pores of the pavement.
Apply a Sealant or Coating to Protect the Surface from Oils and Gas Spills:
Vehicles and oil spills go hand in hand. Your service station pavement could be prone to asphalt deterioration due to all the oil and gas spills. These spills seep into the asphalt and cause it to break down from within. This breakage can result in potholes, cracks, and other pavement damage.
To protect your asphalt surface from oil and gas spills, you must have a surface barrier. The best way to do this is by applying a sealant or coating on the asphalt. It will prevent these harsh chemicals from seeping in and damaging the asphalt.
You can also try using asphalt sealers specifically designed to protect asphalt from oil and gas spills.
Use a Pressure Washer to Keep the Pavement Clean:
Clean surfaces last longer. That’s why it’s essential to keep your asphalt surface clean. And, no sweeping alone doesn’t always do the trick, especially if you have old and stubborn stains.
The best way to remove these is by using a pressure washer. It will quickly and easily remove all the dirt, grime, and stains that can shorten the asphalt’s lifespan.
However, you must be highly cautious when pressure washing asphalt. Excessive pressure can damage the asphalt, so always use the lowest pressure setting to get the job done. You must also avoid using harmful chemicals and solvents.
Don’t Let Vehicles Park on Asphalt for Long Periods of Time:
Busy service stations see a lot of traffic, which is great for business. But all that traffic can take a toll on asphalt. Asphalt gets softer in hot weather, and vehicles can sink into the asphalt, causing permanent pavement damage. It is what causes potholes and depressions in asphalt. To prevent this, ensure plenty of space for vehicles to park so they’re not all parked on the same spot. When possible, direct traffic to areas that don’t have asphalt. It could be a gravel lot or a parking area made of concrete.
The Final Word:
Regular asphalt inspections will help you spot potential problems so they can be fixed before they cause significant pavement damage.
Garden State Paving & Seal Coating LLC, serving Stratford, NJ, can help you maintain the pavement at your service station. We can also help with all your other asphalt needs, from paving to sealcoating to maintenance.
