What do pros use to pave parking lots?
Professionals use asphalt paving machines, rollers, compactors, and grading equipment, along with hot-mix asphalt designed for durability and traffic load.
Do you need a permit to pave a parking lot?
In most cases, yes. Paving a parking lot often requires permits from your local city or county, especially if the work affects drainage, zoning, accessibility, or public access. Requirements vary by location, so it’s best to check with your local building or planning department before starting.
What's the best time of year to pave a parking lot?
Late spring through early fall is usually ideal, when temperatures are consistently above 50°F, allowing asphalt to cure and compact properly.
How do I choose the best professional for parking lot companies?
When looking for a professional for parking lot companies, make sure you complete the following steps:
Verify their license and insurance: A reputable company should have general liability insurance and workers' compensation. Licensing requirements for paving or general contracting vary by region, so it’s wise to check your local regulations.
Get several estimates: A proper estimate should be itemized, breaking down the costs for labor, materials, and specific services like surface preparation, crack filling, striping, and seal coating.
Read their reviews: Look for comments that mention the company’s professionalism, clear communication, and the durability of their work. Red flags can include complaints about poor drainage, messy line painting, or surfaces that crack or fade quickly.
Look at their portfolios: Check their past work for projects similar to yours. Pay attention to the quality of the finished surface, the precision of the line striping, and proper water drainage in the photos.
Find out if they have warranties: Ask if they offer a warranty on workmanship or materials. This could cover issues like premature cracking or peeling, and it’s important to know what’s covered and for how long.
Ask important questions: Before hiring, ask questions like, “What is your process for surface preparation?” and “How will you manage traffic and safety on-site during the project?”
What factors can impact the cost of hiring parking lot companies?
There are several factors that might impact the cost of this project, including:
Lot size: Larger parking lots require more materials, time, and labor, which can increase the overall price.
Current condition: The amount of prep work needed plays a big role. A lot with extensive cracks, potholes, or drainage problems will cost more to repair than one that’s in better shape.
Scope of work: The specific services you need will determine the final cost. For example, a simple restriping job is typically less expensive than a full resurfacing or applying a protective seal coating.
Materials used: The quality of the materials, from the grade of asphalt to the type of paint used for striping, can influence the project’s price and durability.
Site accessibility: If your parking lot is difficult for heavy equipment to get to, it may add to the labor costs.
How long does it take to complete a parking lot installation?
Typically, it will take a few days to several weeks for a professional to complete a parking lot installation. There are a few factors that may impact how long it takes. For example:
The overall size and complexity of the parking lot are the biggest drivers of the project's duration.
Extensive site work, like excavation, grading, or installing drainage systems, will add significant time compared to a simple resurfacing job.
Paving is weather-dependent, and rain or extreme temperatures can cause unexpected delays.
The time it takes to secure local permits and pass required inspections can vary and may impact the start date.
Additional features like concrete curbs, line striping, and applying a protective seal coating will extend the final timeline.
Remember: The timeline for your project will vary depending on many factors. Always ask your pro to provide an estimate.
What are the signs that I need to restripe my parking lot?
Common signs that indicate it’s time to restripe your parking lot include:
Faded or barely visible lines, especially at night or in bad weather, which can create safety issues for drivers and pedestrians.
Chipped, cracked, or peeling paint from regular wear and tear over time.
A need to update your parking layout, such as adding ADA-compliant stalls, EV charging spots, or changing the traffic flow.
Your current markings no longer meet local or ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) requirements, which can change over time.
You’ve recently had other pavement work done. A fresh seal coating or asphalt repair job will cover old lines and require a new application.
What type of maintenance is required for parking lot surfaces?
Your parking lot typically needs regular cleaning, crack filling, and fresh line striping to stay safe and functional. For asphalt, periodic seal coating is crucial to protect it from water, oil, and UV damage. Addressing small issues like potholes early can prevent larger, more expensive repairs down the road.
