How Can You Tell If Your Parking Lot's Foundation Is Failing?

Your business's parking lot is an expensive investment and a critical part of your operations. Not only does your lot provide a place for employees, customers, or clients to park, but it's also one of the first things visitors to your establishment will see. A poorly maintained, crumbling lot will provide a terrible first impression and potentially pose a real safety hazard.

Fortunately, many minor parking lot issues are repairable without tearing out and replacing your existing asphalt. However, foundation failures are one potential indication that you may need to repave your whole lot. If you notice these three issues forming on your parking lot, you may need to consider a replacement soon.

1. Crocodile Cracking

Despite the amusing name, crocodile cracking is a severe problem. This form of distress is easy to notice since it typically produces a web of interconnected cracks that take on the appearance of crocodile scales. Once you notice crocodile cracking in one area, you'll likely see it spreading and expanding to other areas before long.

These cracks form when the surface and subsurface layers cannot withstand the weight of passing vehicles. Crocodile cracking sometimes occurs if you overload one section of your pavement, but widespread cracking typically means the subsurface foundation layers are failing. Tearing out your existing asphalt and regrading is the only permanent solution.

2. Severe Drainage Issues

Your parking lot relies on its foundation to support the surface asphalt layer. Without adequate foundational support, your asphalt will be unable to adequately spread the weight of surface loads, resulting in cracks, potholes, or worse. Like any other structure, water is one of the greatest threats to the structural stability of your asphalt.

If water begins to drain underneath your asphalt, it will potentially cause the underlying grade layers and soil to shift or weaken. You may notice large potholes forming throughout the parking lot or water pooling in massive ponds. These problems often indicate severe issues with the foundation that may require a complete replacement.

3. Disintegrating Edges

If the edges of your parking lot are beginning to come apart or crumble, that's often an early warning sign that the entire structure is failing. These issues may develop due to a lack of support from the existing subsurface grade, which can cause the weakest parts of the lot (the edges) to crumble and break. You may also notice additional raveling in other locations if your asphalt is old enough.

Once you notice these problems, you should have an asphalt paving contractor inspect your parking lot as soon as possible. Even if you don't need a new parking lot right now, repairing your existing issues will prevent further damage to your lot's foundation and help ensure your existing parking lot lasts for as long as possible.