With proper maintenance, parking lots are designed for a 20 year life cycle. But Minnesota weather is brutal! Here are some tips from Civil Engineer Matt Duenwald of MFRA, Inc. to increase the life and look of your pavement.

Isolated Potholes

Potholes occur because of abrupt changes in freeze/thaw cycles. The most common way to address this repair is to saw cut around the pothole, repair the aggregate sub-base below the pavement if necessary, and patch with approximately 3 1/2 inches of new asphalt. Timely pothole repair will add 3-6 years to the pavement life.

Asphalt Overlay

If a large area of the parking lot needs repair, asphalt overlay is a cost effective solution. Here is how it works: The existing parking lot is milled 1"-2" and a new 1"-2" lift of asphalt is put in place. Small defections and cracks are sealed where the pavement was milled before the new asphalt is put in to place.

Seal Coating

Seal coating protects the pavement from sun and water. You should seal coat every 3-5 years as part of a maintenance plan. Seal coat is used to waterproof the surface to keep out water, sunlight, gasoline, oil, and de-icers. It seals small cracks and reduces oxidation of the pavement surface. This also improves the aesthetics of the pavement.