There are many factors that can cause a crack in a parking lot. One of the most common reasons that a parking lot will get a crack is due to the sun. The sun can be very hard on parking lots, as it causes the asphalt to dry out. This dryness, along with chemicals, oil, and dirt will deteriorate the asphalt’s surface. The UV sun rays are constantly shining down on the asphalt and it can no longer expand, so it cracks instead. When the crack starts it will allow water to get into the base of the pavement, and as it gets into the pavement it will erode and possibly collapse if the parking lot is not being taken care of.
Heavy traffic on a parking lot can cause also cause the asphalt to crack. Many businesses complain that semi-trucks cause cracks in their parking lot. When the semi-truck pulls up to deliver products, they have to drive across the parking lot. A semi-truck can wear over 80,000 pounds, which is a lot of weight for any parking lot.
If the asphalt has been improperly applied, then it can create cracks. Asphalt that is too thick or too thin will cause cracks to form. The asphalt has to be applied correctly to prevent cracks from forming quickly. The weather can always contribute to the cracks, but if cracks form right after the asphalt has been laid, this means that the asphalt was not put down properly.
Tree roots can cause cracks in asphalt too. Tree roots grow under the asphalt, and as the tree root grows and expands, the asphalt will crack and even buckle up. The only way to prevent this from happening is to remove the tree before laying the asphalt or not to plant any trees near the parking lot before you have the asphalt applied.
When you see a crack forming in your parking lot, you should have it repaired immediately. Leaving the crack will only cause extensive damage to the parking lot, which will cost more money to repair the parking lot. Always keep an eye on your parking lot by walking through it at least once a week to make sure there are no small cracks. By doing this, you will prevent costly repairs later on down the road.
For more information Kansas City’s top parking lot solution, click here.
