Common Parking Lot Damage and How to Fix It in Seekonk, MA
Common Parking Lot Damage and How to Fix It in Seekonk, MA
A damaged parking lot isn’t just an eyesore—it’s a safety hazard. Cracks, potholes, and faded striping can cause accidents, confuse drivers, and lead to expensive repairs if ignored. The good news? Most parking lot issues can be fixed quickly if caught early.
The best way to fix parking lot damage is to seal cracks, patch potholes, and repaint faded lines before they get worse. Regular maintenance helps extend the life of your asphalt, prevents costly replacements, and keeps your lot looking professional.
In this guide, we’ll break down common parking lot problems and how to fix them. Whether you need to fill cracks, resurface asphalt, or prevent future damage, these expert tips will help you protect your investment.
How to Quickly Fix Parking Lot Damage
Parking lot damage gets worse over time, making repairs more expensive. Small cracks turn into potholes, and faded lines make parking confusing. Fixing issues early is the best way to save money and prevent bigger problems.
Don’t Wait—Fix Damage Early to Avoid Costly Repairs
Ignoring minor cracks or surface wear can lead to full asphalt replacement down the road. Regular maintenance can extend your parking lot’s life by years and keep repair costs low. A simple crack seal today is much cheaper than repaving later.
How to Spot Parking Lot Problems Before They Get Worse
Check your lot for these warning signs:
Small cracks forming in different areas
Potholes that grow bigger after rain or snow
Faded parking lines making spaces unclear
Standing water pooling in certain spots
Loose gravel or crumbling asphalt on the surface
Catching these issues early means easier, faster, and more affordable fixes.
The Most Common Parking Lot Issues & How to Repair Them
Parking lots face a lot of wear and tear from weather, traffic, and time. If left unchecked, small problems turn into major repairs. Here’s a breakdown of the most common parking lot issues and how to fix them before they get worse.
Cracks (Alligator Cracks, Linear Cracks, Edge Cracks)
The Problem: Cracks may start small, but they allow water to seep into the asphalt, weakening it from the inside. Over time, cracks expand, causing potholes and deeper structural damage.
Fix It: Crack sealing is the fastest way to stop cracks from spreading. Professionals use a rubberized sealant to fill the cracks and prevent moisture from getting in. For large areas of cracking (like alligator cracks), an asphalt overlay or resurfacing may be needed.
Potholes: The #1 Cause of Pavement Breakdowns
The Problem: Potholes form when water enters the pavement and weakens it. As vehicles drive over the soft spot, chunks of asphalt break away, leaving a hole that continues to grow. Potholes are a major safety risk and can damage vehicles.
Fix It: Pothole patching is the best way to repair small to medium potholes. For temporary fixes, cold patch asphalt can be used, but a permanent repair requires a hot asphalt mix and proper compaction. Lots with multiple potholes may need resurfacing.
Faded & Worn-Out Striping Hurts Safety & Visibility
The Problem: Faded parking lines make it harder for drivers to park, leading to congestion and accidents. Worn-out markings can also cause compliance issues, especially for ADA-required parking spaces and fire lanes.
Fix It: Repaint parking lot lines every 1-2 years. High-quality traffic paint improves visibility, prevents confusion, and ensures compliance with regulations. Bright, fresh striping also makes a parking lot look well-maintained and professional.
Surface Deterioration: When Asphalt Starts Breaking Apart
The Problem: Over time, asphalt can start to break down, leading to loose gravel, rough patches, and erosion. This happens due to traffic pressure, exposure to UV rays, and lack of seal coating.
Fix It: Seal coating every 2-3 years helps protect the surface from moisture, oxidation, and traffic wear. If the top layer of asphalt is too worn down, a thin asphalt overlay may be needed to restore a smooth finish.
Prevent Future Damage: Proactive Parking Lot Maintenance
Fixing damage is important, but preventing it is even better. A solid maintenance routine can extend your parking lot’s life, reduce repair costs, and keep it looking fresh. Here’s how to stay ahead of common parking lot problems.
Sweep & Remove Oil Stains Regularly
Why it matters: Dirt, debris, and oil spills weaken asphalt over time. Oil and gas leaks from vehicles break down the pavement, leading to soft spots and cracks.
What to do: Sweep your lot weekly and clean up oil spills as soon as possible. Using a commercial degreaser helps remove stubborn stains before they cause damage.
Fix Drainage Problems to Prevent Water Damage
Why it matters: Standing water is a major threat to asphalt. It seeps into cracks, expands during freezing temperatures, and weakens the pavement’s foundation. Poor drainage can lead to potholes and premature surface wear.
What to do: Regularly clear drains and gutters to prevent blockages. If water pools in certain areas, regrading or installing additional drains can help redirect water away from the surface.
Seal Coat Every 2-3 Years to Protect Asphalt
Why it matters: Seal coating acts as a protective barrier, preventing moisture, UV rays, and chemicals from breaking down the asphalt. Without it, the pavement dries out, becomes brittle, and starts cracking.
What to do: Schedule seal coating every 2-3 years to maintain a smooth, durable surface. For high-traffic lots, seal coating may be needed more often.
Inspect Your Lot Each Season to Catch Small Issues Early
Why it matters: Seasonal weather changes put stress on pavement. Winter freeze-thaw cycles cause cracks to expand, while summer heat softens asphalt, making it more prone to ruts and surface damage.
What to do: Perform a seasonal inspection to spot early signs of wear. Check for cracks, drainage issues, and fading striping. Catching problems early prevents them from turning into costly repairs.
When to Resurface or Repave Your Parking Lot
Regular maintenance can extend the life of your parking lot, but at some point, repairs won’t be enough. Knowing when to resurface or repave can save you from wasting money on temporary fixes when a full restoration is needed.
Signs That Simple Repairs Aren’t Enough
If you notice these issues, it may be time for resurfacing or repaving:
Widespread cracking (especially alligator cracks) across large areas
Multiple potholes forming in the same spots
Uneven or sunken areas due to failing subbase
Asphalt erosion with loose gravel and rough patches
Water pooling in multiple areas, even after rain
If repairs are no longer lasting, a bigger solution may be necessary.
Resurfacing vs. Repaving: What’s the Right Choice?
Choosing between resurfacing and repaving depends on the condition of the asphalt base.
Resurfacing: A new layer of asphalt (1.5-2 inches thick) is applied over the existing pavement. This is a great option if the surface is worn, but the foundation is still strong.
Repaving: The old asphalt is completely removed, and a new parking lot is built from the ground up. This is needed when the pavement has structural damage and repairs won’t hold up.
A professional assessment can help determine which option is best for your parking lot.
Get Professional Parking Lot Repairs in Seekonk, MA
Fixing parking lot damage early saves you money and prevents bigger problems. Whether you need crack sealing, pothole patching, resurfacing, or fresh striping, staying ahead of maintenance keeps your lot safe, functional, and looking professional.
For expert parking lot repair and maintenance, trust All-Phase Asphalt, Inc. Serving Seekonk, MA, Southeastern Massachusetts, and Rhode Island, they provide high-quality asphalt solutions to extend the life of your pavement. Contact All-Phase Asphalt, Inc. today to schedule an inspection and keep your parking lot in top shape.