Winter is a season enjoyed by all for holidays, family, and delicious meals. At this time of year, many people combine all three by gathering at their favorite restaurant. To earn their business, your food and facilities must maintain a five-star rating. If your restaurant is located in a cold winter climate, for example, your heating systems might need extra service and attention. A less obvious area, however, is your parking lot. Even though it might be covered in snow, your pavement should not be buried on your checklist. Regardless of your restaurant locations, asphalt and concrete repairs can and should be addressed throughout the winter months to prevent the spread of problem areas and to mitigate potential liabilities. After all, just one slip-and-fall injury could result in costly litigation, increased insurance premiums, and worst of all–a tarnished image.
The following procedures and treatments can be performed on your parking lot this winter. Understanding your options will help you to make better decisions concerning the maintenance of your restaurant parking lots during cold-weather months and it will help you budget for long-term repairs in the spring.
Patching
Depending on the size, severity, and geographic location, potholes may be patched or the area may be removed and replaced. If your parking lot is located in a mild winter climate and hot-mix asphalt (HMA) is readily available, removal and replacement is the best, long-term solution and it can be completed right away. However, if your parking lot is located in an extreme winter climate where harsh weather conditions and/or the unavailability of HMA are factors, treatment with cold patch can be completed as a temporary repair. Cold Patch is a pliable material that can be placed loosely in a pothole, regardless of ambient temperature, and then compacted by vibratory plates. Before application, the area must be clean from debris and there should be no water in or around the area. Once applied, cold patch material has enough density to remain in the pothole, but it is not recommended as a long-term solution because it does not address the root problem. In the spring, all areas that have been patched over winter should be thoroughly inspected by a reputable parking lot maintenance specialist to uncover the true source of the pavement defect in order to determine the right repair. Read more…