- Remove snow and ice from surfaces regularly to prevent long-term damage and increase customer safety.
- Apply deicing agents correctly for optimal coverage and reduce the risk of liability.
- Inspect pavement for any areas of weakness, cracking, or settling caused by winter weather.
- Repair cracks in the pavement as soon as they are discovered to maintain a smooth surface.
Winter weather can be hard on commercial parking lots, leading to damage and expensive repairs. Snow, ice, and cold temperatures combine to create a unique set of challenges that you must address to keep the lot in good condition.
Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to ensure your commercial parking lot is properly maintained during the winter months. This guide will provide an overview of how you can protect your investment from the harsh conditions of this season.
Remove snow
Clear snow and ice
Winter weather can be tough on businesses with outdoor spaces and parking lots that need regularly cleared of snow and ice. Not only is it essential to keep customers safe, but snow and ice buildup on surfaces can cause long-term damage that can be expensive to fix. It’s essential for business owners to regularly clear their parking lots of any build-up as soon as possible; this includes walkways, pathways, stairs, and entrances.
To ensure optimal customer safety, businesses should hire professional snow removal services to help with bigger jobs; it’s worth the investment! Clear surfaces will reduce the risk of liability caused by snowy or icy conditions. Clear your commercial lot can benefit the business and its customers in many ways. For example, everyone stays safe, avoids potential damages and accidents, and customers can come in anytime!
Apply deicing agents
Applying deicing agents to a commercial parking lot during the winter is essential for keeping it safe and operational. The process should be conducted carefully, removing all excess snow and then spreading a thin layer of salt or ice melt as evenly as possible. Regular maintenance and reapplication are vital in preventing the formation of icy patches, cracks, or potholes.
Not only does proper deicing help to keep your parking lot functional in winter weather, but it also helps prevents accidents like slips and falls, which can result in costly injuries for everyone involved. Taking proactive measures such as regularly applying deicing agents is essential to staying aware and promoting safety during inclement weather.
Maintain pavement
Inspect the pavement
A parking lot typically sees a significant amount of traffic; therefore, it is essential to maintain its condition throughout the year, especially during winter when heavy snow and rain can wreak havoc. Inspecting the pavement regularly is vital to identify any cracks or wear and tear before they become significant weaknesses.
Clearing away debris, filling cracks, patching lanes, noticing potholes, etc., are all part of proper inspection and provide a safe environment for drivers. In addition, for businesses, this will help ensure customer safety and eliminate liability issues. Furthermore, inspecting the pavement during the winter season will increase the longevity of your parking lot structure by helping avoid any costly future repairs or replacements.
Repair cracks
In the winter, properly repairing any cracks in the commercial parking lot is essential for safety reasons. Allowing cracks to remain unchecked can lead to water infiltration, dramatically increasing the chances of accidents occurring due to snow and ice. Water infiltration will expand existing cracks and can eventually cause them to become wide enough and deep enough to cause a vehicle or pedestrian to trip.
To avoid such dangerous conditions, it is crucial to patch up any existing cracks using sealants suitable for outside weather conditions. Additionally, apply sealant no less than six inches away from all edges so that when the surface expands or contracts due to temperature change, the sealing material won’t crack. These preventative measures will ensure your parking lot is safe and secure during the winter while maintaining its overall integrity.
Ensure traction
Winter is incredibly challenging for parking lots since snow and ice can create dangerous conditions. Properly using salt, sand, or gravel in the wintertime is a great way to provide customers with extra traction – helping promote safety for them and nearby pedestrians.
The additional grip prevents vehicles from slipping and sliding into each other or out-of-control obstacles such as light poles, storefronts, and guardrails – all while providing customers with a safer environment to park their vehicles.
These are just a few tips to help keep your commercial parking lot well-maintained during winter. By following these steps, you can rest assured that your investment is safe and secure from weather-related damage.
