309 Paving Services

Sep 14, 2023

Key Takeaways:

  1. A well-maintained parking lot is crucial for making an excellent first impression on customers and improving their overall experience.
  2. Fall is the perfect time to create a maintenance plan for your commercial mall lot, as asphalt can become more susceptible to damage from water and debris.
  3. The fall maintenance checklist includes cleaning, patching/repairing, parking lot seal coating, striping maintenance, and crack filling maintenance.
  4. Regular maintenance can improve property value, increase the lifespan of the asphalt, enhance safety, reduce expenses, and enhance the aesthetics of the parking lot.
  5. Common fall maintenance mistakes to avoid include not addressing oil spots, ignoring cracks and potholes, failing to seal coat properly, and DIY.
  6. Hiring only qualified and reliable asphalt contractors for proper parking lot maintenance is essential to guarantee successful results.


As the saying goes, you never get a second chance to make a first impression. According to a study by Service Channel, 62% of customers are less likely to return to a store after experiencing even a single negative experience. So, making an excellent first impression from the start is crucial. And where do customers first encounter your mall? The parking lot.

A well-maintained parking lot looks better and provides customers a safer and more enjoyable experience. With fall just around the corner, now is the perfect time to create an asphalt maintenance plan for your mall asphalt lot. As temperature drops and leaves fall, asphalt can become susceptible to damage from water and debris.

But don’t worry; you can keep your lot in top shape throughout the season with just a few simple steps. 309 Paving Services will provide your commercial lot’s fall asphalt maintenance plan. From routine cleaning to seal coating, we’ve got you covered.

Fall Asphalt Maintenance Checklist

Fall brings about many changes and conditions suited for asphalt repair and maintenance. Here is a checklist of the necessary steps to take when creating a fall maintenance plan for your commercial mall lot:

Cleaning

Removing debris, dirt, oil, and other liquids from the parking lot’s surface should be done regularly. It helps preserve the overall look and condition of the asphalt pavement. It prevents water from pooling up in certain areas, which can cause cracks or other issues.

Patching/Repairing:

With heavy traffic going in and out of the mall’ commercial lot, they are prone to potholes and cracking. Parking lots need extensive maintenance to keep them in tip-top shape. Ensuring that weak spots are addressed before winter sets in protects your lot from further damage caused by snow, ice, or heavy vehicles throughout the season. Filling potholes, cracks, or divots is necessary before they worsen with the changing season.

Parking Lot Seal Coating

Parking lots have a lifespan of up to 30 years with proper asphalt maintenance. However, many factors can adversely impact the asphalt quality, including sun exposure, temperature, oil spills, and drainage. Seal coating is necessary to protect the asphalt from these harsh elements. Depending on the use of the parking lot, you should consider regular seal coating. Expert asphalt contractors recommend seal coating every three years to prolong your commercial lot lifespan. In addition, a seal coat will also improve the overall look of your commercial space.

Related: Crucial Benefits Of Seal Coating Your Pavement

Striping Maintenance

In addition to regular maintenance, striping is essential for parking lot upkeep for safety and aesthetics. Striping your commercial lot offers an updated look that keeps up with current trends in asphalt design. Additionally, it ensures regulatory compliance as required by the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). Hire only a qualified and reliable asphalt contractor for proper parking lot striping services to guarantee successful results.

Crack Filling Maintenance

Unaddressed cracks can quickly lead to problems such as water seepage, further damage, and decreased property value. Therefore, ensure that you schedule regular crack-filling sessions during this fall. This maintenance plan is especially beneficial to prevent your lot from deteriorating during the upcoming cold winter months.

Benefits Of Fall Maintenance for Your Mall Asphalt Lot

Now that we know what the steps to fall asphalt maintenance are let us take a look at the benefits that it brings:

Improved Property Value

Regularly maintaining your lot will help increase its overall value and ensure it remains in good condition for years.

More Durable Asphalt

Regular check-ups can help prevent further damage from happening, thus leading to more durable asphalt, which can last longer.

Increased Safety

Did you know that one in five car accidents happen inside parking lots? Although accidents are unpredictable, maintenance can improve your commercial lot’s safety. Thereby reducing the risk of accidents.

Reduced Expenses

Maintaining your lot on time is always a good idea, even if it means spending a little extra initially. Doing so can help you save money in the long run as it will prevent further damage and thus reduce expenses for repair or replacement.

Enhanced Aesthetics

Regular maintenance helps improve the overall appearance of your mall’s parking lot. It keeps it looking fresh and inviting for customers and visitors alike.

Common Fall Asphalt Maintenance Mistakes to Avoid

Not Addressing Oil Spots

Oil spots are one of the most common issues in asphalt parking lots and must be addressed immediately. Failure to do so can lead to further damage due to absorption, which could cause an entire area of the lot to require repair or replacement.

Ignoring Cracks and Potholes

Pay attention to cracks and potholes, which may spread over time, causing further damage. They should be filled and sealed as soon as possible for optimal condition.

Not Seal Coating Properly

It’s essential to use suitable materials when sealing and ensure it is done correctly. Otherwise, this could lead to premature wear and tear in the lot.

DIY Maintenance

Shopping mall owners may want to save money and maintain asphalt themselves. However, it’s important to remember that professional asphalt contractors with extensive experience should only handle maintenance tasks to ensure a quality result.

Final Thoughts

As fall approaches, ensure all areas of your shopping mall are adequately cared for. It also includes the parking lot. Performing maintenance, including cleaning, repairing cracks, and filling potholes, is essential for a safe lot for customers.

Finally, professional help is essential when doing these fall maintenance tasks, as amateur work may lead to more significant issues.

Maintain Your Mall Asphalt Lot in Pekin, IL – Schedule Your Services with 309 Paving Services Today!

Don’t let a poorly maintained parking lot hurt your business’s reputation. Trust the experts at 309 Paving Services to keep your mall asphalt lot looking its best this fall. Our comprehensive services include seal coating, patching, crack sealing, and striping, all designed to protect and extend the lifespan of your asphalt lot. We serve businesses throughout Pekin, IL, and the surrounding areas. Our professionals are dedicated to providing high-quality work and exceptional customer service. Contact us today to get a free estimate.