Do you have a large parking lot at your business that needs to be maintained? If so, you may be wondering what you should be doing to keep the blacktop in good condition. Here are some tips that will help you do it.

Fix Stress Cracks

One of the first things that you need to do on an ongoing basis is fix stress cracks. These cracks are always going to start out small, but they will eventually grow into big cracks that can cause problems. What happens is water will get inside the cracks and start deteriorating the blacktop material. In the winter, water can get inside, freeze, and expand, which will cause the stress crack to become larger and create a pothole that is harder to repair.

Stay on top of stress cracks by sealing them as soon as you notice them. This process involves opening up the crack slightly, getting rid of all the loose debris inside, and filling the crack with new asphalt. This prevents more water from getting in, which will prevent the crack from getting worse. 

Apply A Seal Coat

With all of the stress cracks repaired, you can apply a sealant to the blacktop to prevent damage. A seal coat protects the material from the sun, stops water from getting in, and gives the blacktop protection from leaking car fluids from customers that come to your business. 

One thing to keep in mind about seal coats is that you need to pick the right time to apply them. The weather must be fairly warm with no rain in the forecast, and you can't have people driving on the blacktop right after it is sealed. You'll need to find a good day that your business is closed so you can seal the blacktop in one go, or do the blacktop in portions so that it can remain open. 

Re-stripe The Lines 

Keeping the parking lot looking good means that you also need to take the time to re-stripe all the lines in the parking lot. This is especially necessary after applying a seal coat since those lines will be covered up. However, it can just be a good thing to do periodically when you notice that the existing lines are fading. The paint is going to look fresh and neat, providing a nice look to customers that come to your business and use your parking lot. It makes a good first impression before they even enter the building. 

To learn more, contact a commercial parking lot maintenance service.