Attracting and retaining high caliber tenants is the primary goal for every successful commercial property owner. But for these owners and their property managers, their additional responsibility to keep visitors and occupants safe necessitates an emphasis on maintenance.
Increasingly, drivers are adopting risky driving habits within parking lots which are made even more dangerous by maintenance issues like large potholes, ineffective lighting, and inefficient traffic direction. According to the National Safety Council, 66% of drivers say that they are comfortable with making phone calls while driving in parking lots, among many other attention-diverting activities.
In order to keep a parking lot appealing and safe, here are a few maintenance standards that every property owner and manager should consider.
What Causes Parking Lot Deterioration?
Any features that are forced to withstand direct impact from exterior elements are bound to experience routine wear and tear. For commercial properties, which are much larger and more complex than residential lots, this means a wider space to manage and monitor.
In climates that experience excessive water and seasons of mounting snow, moisture that seeps into the parking surfaces can cause cracks to expand, potholes to develop, and further deterioration of materials. In general, concrete is more durable and lasts longer than asphalt, though the cost of installation is greater.
Other causes of quickened deterioration include heavier-than-average vehicles and, of course, reckless driving. Industrial lots that work with hefty machinery will place additional strain on their lots’ surface and tend to require more regular maintenance and attention.
While cracks and damage are ultimately inevitable in commercial lots, there are many ways to extend the life of a parking lot surface. If you are looking for ways to improve your parking lot maintenance plan, add these tips to your routine today!
Top Strategies for Parking Lot Maintenance
For more information on how to manage a parking lot at your residential building, check out our previous article! NPI cares about keeping property owners safe and informed. Get a quote from one of our premier inspectors today!
