Are you preparing to install a parking lot? You’re probably deciding between concrete, asphalt, and gravel. While concrete parking lots are a popular choice, there are many problems associated with them. We’ll dive into the most common parking lot problems you’ll encounter when you choose concrete and why gravel might be your best solution.
5 Common Parking Lot Problems With Concrete
Since parking lots are exposed to cars, foot traffic, and weather elements, they experience a lot of wear and tear. Before investing in a concrete parking lot, familiarize yourself with the most common issues associated with them.
1. Cracking
Concrete driveways can experience cracking due to internal and external forces. Heavy loads put pressure on the surface, and thermal changes can cause shrinking and expansion. When enough of these forces occur, the driveway will crack and will have structural damage. This can cause major safety issues for vehicles and pedestrians.
2. Faulting
Faults in parking lots are elevation changes that form between two adjacent concrete slabs at the joints or cracks. Faulting is a result of an unstable subbase that shifts. When this occurs, you’re left with a non-level parking lot surface.
3. Exposed Steel and Wire Mesh
Many concrete parking lots use steel mesh for additional reinforcement. When cracking occurs in the concrete, water and salt from the environment will infiltrate and end up corroding the mesh. Then this steel mesh will be visible from the surface, which will be both an eye sore and a safety risk.
4. Deterioration
Whenever it rains or snows, water will get trapped inside concrete parking lots and freeze. When it freezes, it will have nowhere to expand, resulting in built-up internal pressure, which will cause breaks in the bond of the concrete’s paste. This freeze-thaw damage can cause severe surface deterioration and cracking.
5. Warping and Curling
As mentioned above, hot and cold temperatures can cause driveway surfaces to expand and contract. This can also result in the driveway’s edges warping and curling up. This is a foundational issue and can result in more severe problems, such as sinkholes, and may require extensive repairs or demolition.
Why a Gravel Parking Lot Might Be Your Best Solution
If you’re concerned about investing your money in a concrete or asphalt parking lot only to have to make costly repairs, we understand. The best solution for you could be to opt for a gravel parking lot. Some of the best benefits of gravel parking lots and driveways include the following:
- Cost-efficient
- Simple to install
- Easy to maintain
- Porous (mitigates issues caused by heavy rainfall)
- Many colors and materials are available
Gravel Parking Lot Installation and Maintenance Made Easy
Are you interested in investing in a gravel parking lot or driveway? It’s essential to maintain the area to get the most out of your investment. Consider investing in the Driveway Scraper!
Our award-winning DS Series Driveway Scraper is perfect for leveling dirt and gravel driveways, parking lots, and playing surfaces. It attaches to the 3-point hookup on your tractor and is available in three sizes, so you’re sure to find one that suits your needs. Contact our team today to learn more.
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