With winter right around the corner, many business owners are thinking about snow removal. While snow plows are essential to keeping your parking lot safe and accessible, they can also cause significant damage if your pavement isn’t in good shape. At American Pavement Solutions, we want to help you understand how to protect your investment and ensure your parking lot is ready for the rigors of winter.
How to efficiently plow a parking lot?
Efficiently plowing a parking lot involves more than just pushing snow. It requires a strategy to protect the pavement and ensure a clean result. A professional snow removal company will have a plan that includes:
- Plowing with the slope: Plowing snow downhill or with the natural slope of the lot helps prevent ice buildup in low spots.
- Creating snow piles in designated areas: Snow should be piled in places that won’t block traffic flow, pedestrian walkways, or drainage systems.
- Using proper equipment: The type of plow, blade, and even the shoes on the plow all play a role in preventing damage to the asphalt.
Even with the most professional approach, a snowplow can be incredibly damaging to a compromised parking lot. The immense weight and pressure of the plow blade can easily catch on loose asphalt, cracks, or potholes, turning a minor issue into a major repair.
Why a Freshly Paved Lot is Less Vulnerable
A well-maintained parking lot is your best defense against snowplow damage. A freshly paved or sealed lot offers a smooth, even surface that a plow blade can glide over without catching.
- No Cracks or Potholes: Cracks and potholes are the most vulnerable areas. A plow blade can easily hook a crack or the edge of a pothole, ripping out large chunks of asphalt.
- Smooth Surface: A newly paved surface has no loose aggregate or uneven areas for the plow to catch on.
- Durability: Fresh asphalt is flexible and durable, able to withstand the pressure and weight of a snow plow much better than old, brittle pavement.
The Best Time to Act is Before the Snow Flies
The best way to protect your parking lot from snowplow damage is to address any issues before the first snowfall. Getting your parking lot repaired, sealed, or repaved in the fall provides a clean, smooth surface that a plow blade can’t tear up. Investing in your pavement now is far more cost-effective than paying for major repairs after a long winter of damage.
Ready to Protect Your Pavement This Winter?
Don’t wait for the first snowflake to fall. Contact American Pavement Solutions today for a free consultation and estimate. Our experts can help you assess the condition of your parking lot and recommend the best course of action to ensure it’s ready to withstand snow and ice all season long.