Asphalt Parking Lots for Retailers and Shopping Centers
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Asphalt parking lots play a crucial role in the success of any retail business or shopping center. With the retail industry becoming increasingly competitive, it’s essential to make the right first impression on customers the moment they enter your parking lot.
The retail industry has experienced tremendous growth over the past decade. In the US alone, retail sales grew from $4.53 trillion in 2013 to over $6.1 trillion in 2022. With more physical stores opening every day, parking lots have become a focal point for retailers looking to stand out.
- Parking lot design – Layout, materials, drainage and more
- Maintenance – Preventative and restorative
- Repairs – Common issues and fixes
- Safety and security – Protecting customers
- Sustainability – Eco-friendly options
- Increased customer satisfaction
- Lower long-term costs
- Improved safety
- Greater longevity
Parking Lot Design Considerations
Constructing a new parking lot requires careful planning and attention to detail. From layout to pavement mix, every decision can impact functionality and costs down the road.
Layout and Traffic Flow
A parking lot’s layout directly affects the customer experience. The first priority should be safety and ease of navigation.
Considerations for layout:
- Entry/exit points – Limit to one ingress and egress to control traffic
- Drive aisles – 15-20 feet wide for two-way traffic
- Space angles – 90° angles maximize number of spots
- Space width – 8.5-9 ft standard, more for accessible spots
- Lot shape – Rectangular lots simplify navigation
- Crosswalks – Direct pedestrian routes to store entrance
Accommodating expected foot and vehicle traffic patterns ensures smooth circulation through the lot.
Pavement Slope and Drainage
Proper drainage prevents pooling water which can severely damage pavement over time. Consider:
- Slope – 1-2% grade optimal for drainage
- Catch basins – Collect and drain water
- Subsurface drainage – Perforated pipes below surface
Slope should direct stormwater flows to catch basins while avoiding areas for pedestrian travel.
Base Preparation
The soil and aggregates underneath the asphalt surface layer are known as the base. This provides foundational support and stability.
A strong base uses:
- Subgrade soil – Compacted with roller
- Aggregate layers – Successive layers of stone
- Geotextiles – Filter fabric barrier
Proper soil compaction and base thickness minimize cracking and deformation issues.
Asphalt Thickness and Mix
Asphalt thickness is based on expected vehicle loads. Typical retail parking lots use:
- Surface course – 1.5-2 inches of asphalt
- Binder course – 2-3 inches of asphalt
Consult an engineer on appropriate thickness for heavy delivery vehicles.
Asphalt mix composition impacts strength and longevity. Options include:
- Conventional hot mix asphalt
- Porous asphalt
- Recycled asphalt
Work with a paving contractor to determine the optimal asphalt mix for climate and usage.
Accessible Parking Spaces and Signage
ADA-compliance is required to accommodate people with disabilities. For parking:
- One accessible spot for every 25 standard spaces
- 8 foot+ spot width
- 5 foot+ access aisle
- Ramps, curb cuts, and crosswalks
Paint striping and install signs indicating accessible spaces.
Lighting
Adequate lighting improves safety at night. Strategically place:
- Pole lights – Illuminate driving areas
- Wall packs – Enhance visibility near buildings
- Bollard lights – Low-level pedestrian areas
Use shielded fixtures directing light downwards.
Landscaping
Ongoing Parking Lot Maintenance
Preventative maintenance maximizes the lifespan of asphalt parking lots by minimizing structural deterioration. Developing a routine maintenance plan prevents more costly repairs down the road.
Importance of Preventative Maintenance
Asphalt parking lots slowly deteriorate each year from weather and wear-and-tear. Without maintenance, minor issues turn into major problems.
Benefits of routine maintenance:
- Defer more expensive repairs
- Improve aesthetics – cleaner, newer appearance
- Enhance safety for pedestrians/vehicles
- Extend lifespan 10-15 years
Work with a professional contractor to create a customized preventative maintenance schedule.
Common Defects
Look out for these common asphalt defects:
Cracks
Cracks allow water penetration leading to base erosion and potholes. Different types include:
- Hairline cracks
- Alligator cracks
- Block cracks
Raveling
Surface disintegration via lost aggregate caused by:
- Poor construction
- Lack of sealcoating
- Insufficient compaction
- Weathering/aging
Oxidation
Gray, weathered appearance indicating asphalt hardening and becoming more brittle.
Sealcoating
Sealcoating protects the asphalt surface from fuel, oil, weather damage and prevents oxidation.
- Apply every 2-3 years
- Closes hairline cracks
- Improved appearance
- Sweeping beforehand removes debris
Coal tar-based sealers are carcinogenic. Use asphalt emulsion-based sealcoat instead.
Striping
- Use latex acrylic paints
- Repaint faded lines every 1-2 years
- High durability in high-traffic areas
Sweeping
Frequent debris and sediment removal with professional sweeping prevents collection in landscaped areas resulting in:
- Cleaner appearance
- No clogged catch basins
- Less re-suspension into air
- Reduced slip/fall risks
Target heavy debris areas first then entire lot.
Snow and Ice Removal
Harsh winter conditions introduce safety risks mitigated by:
- Plowing – Clear snow promptly
- Deicing – Apply salt/chemical agents to melt ice
- Sand – Increased traction
Begin when snow depth reaches 2 inches.
Parking Lot Repairs and Rehabilitation
Inevitably, the cumulative effects of weather and wear necessitate more intensive parking lot repairs and rehabilitation.
Full-Depth Asphalt Replacement
Severely distressed, pothole-laden areas with extensive cracking often require full-depth removal and replacement of deteriorated pavement layers.
- Excavate damaged asphalt
- Repair base as needed
- Pave new asphalt surface
- Restripe
Full-depth replacement significantly outlasts short-term patches.
Patching
- Mark boundaries of damaged area
- Square off patch and excavate to sound base
- Fill excavation with fresh asphalt
- Compact flush with surrounding pavement
Milling and Overlay
Milling and overlay involves removing 1-2 inches of surface layer and replacing with new asphalt. Benefits:
- Smoothes roughness
- Corrects moderate rutting
- Enhances drainage
- Extends lot lifespan
Use for overall deterioration and moderate cracking.
Catch Basin Repair
Damaged catch basins lead to flooding and icy conditions in winter. Repair options:
- Clean accumulated debris/sediment
- Reconstruct deteriorated structure
- Upgrade gratings and frames
Inspect regularly to ensure proper drainage.
Concrete Repairs
Common retail concrete repairs:
- Control joint sealing – Fill cracks
- Slab jacking – Lift settled areas
- Mudjacking – Inject material beneath to level
- Grinding – Smooth vertical offsets
Quickly address joint deterioration to limit damage.
Additional Considerations
Security and Safety Features
- Perimeter fencing
- Access control gates
- Bollards protecting building entry
- Camera surveillance
Other measures to ease navigation and prevent accidents:
- Clear directional signage and painted arrows
- Night lighting
- Wheel stops to prevent encroaching on landscaping
Sustainability
- Permeable pavement – Allows stormwater drainage through surface into base reservoir. Reduces runoff.
- Warm mix asphalt – Lower production temperatures conserve fuel.
- Recycled asphalt – Reuses old asphalt to reduce landfill waste.
Signage and Wayfinding
Strategically positioned signs reduce confusion navigating the lot. Use for:
- Store/business identification
- Parking restrictions
- Accessible spaces
- Directional flow instructions
Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
Installing EV charging stations accommodates green-conscious consumers and improves public perception. Promote availability to position as forward-thinking.
Conclusion
A parking lot serves as the gateway to any retail establishment. With the rising competition, construction decisions and ongoing maintenance both play a pivotal role in attracting and retaining patrons. Partnering with an asphalt paving contractor simplifies creating a parking lot tailored to your business needs and budget.
Let the professionals at Buck Bros Asphalt Paving & Concrete help maximize your ROI through optimized parking lot design, quality construction, and preventative maintenance plans. Contact us today for your free quote!
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