Even on a warm sunny day, navigating a commercial parking lot in Toronto can be difficult, with vehicles coming in and out, people idling their car waiting for a spot, and pedestrians and shoppers with carts.
Did you know that an estimated 20% of all traffic accidents in Canada take place in parking lots? Add in freezing cold, icy, wintery weather, and it can be a nightmare.
Winter weather can wreak havoc on commercial parking lots in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), that’s because ice, snow, sleet, and water can damage asphalt parking lots, and result in cracks, potholes, and buckling—all of which can result in costly repairs. But it doesn’t need to. Preventative maintenance can extend the life of a commercial parking lot, saving the owners a lot of money and headache.
Below are some of the ways that winter weather can damage a commercial parking lot in the Greater Toronto Area.
Cracks
Cracks might not seem like a major problem, but if left untreated, they can wreak havoc on your property. That’s because moisture can seep into cracks in a commercial parking lot. The volume of water expands when it freezes and shrinks when it thaws. Due to the constant freezing, thawing, and refreezing during the winter, if left unchecked, small cracks can grow into much larger cracks, several inches wide. These cracks can even grow into a maze of cracks that look like a spider web.
Potholes
Potholes are the bane of every property owner’s existence. Potholes that develop in the winter are formed the same way that cracks are. Water seeps into the asphalt, expands when it freezes, and thaws when it warms up. Potholes are concentrated and significantly larger and deeper than cracks. They can also cause a lot more damage to pedestrians and vehicles, which could become a liability. To prevent small cracks and holes from growing into massive potholes this winter, make sure you have a pothole repair services company in Toronto on standby.
Faded Parking Lot Markings
Hazardous winter weather is also responsible for issues you might not even have considered, like faded parking lot markings. Without clearly marked parking lot lines, it can be dangerous because people may not know where to park or they may park on angles. This can reduce the number of vehicles the parking lot is designed for and increases the number of door dings.
Faded commercial parking lot markings can also make it difficult to tell where handicap parking spaces or fire lanes are. If you’re looking for parking lot line painting in Toronto, an experienced paving company can repaint faded markings and lines, ensuring it continues to be a safe place all yearlong.
Snowplow Damage
Without a doubt, snowplows are an easy way to clear snow and ice. However, if the driver is inexperienced, they might set the blade too low, which can cause scrapes along the surface of the parking lot. This can lead to cracks and potholes. If you notice gouges in your commercial parking lot, you’ll need to have it repaired by an asphalt crack sealing company in Toronto.
Rock Salt
One quick way to melt away snow on your commercial parking lot is by tossing rock salt on it. It does melt away the snow, but what you’re left with is moisture. This can seep into the asphalt and when it freezes, expand into cracks and even potholes. You also run the risk of damaging your asphalt when you use rock salt.
Most rock salt is made with sodium chloride, which is a substance that can wreak havoc your pavement and accelerate the deterioration caused by freeze-thaw cycles.
Contact Ivy Property Services Inc. for a Free Quote for Your Commercial Parking Lot Needs
If you’re looking for weather-related commercial asphalt repairs, paving, or snow removal services in Toronto, the professionals at Ivy Property Services Inc can help with all of your asphalt repair and maintenance needs.
We understand the weather in Toronto can be entirely unpredictable and that every asphalt paving job is a little different. That’s why we provide free quotes so you can better plan for your project. We can get your paving project completed fast and efficiently, on schedule, and on budget.
Some of the asphalt services we provide include: asphalt repairs, snow removal, parking lot resurfacing, pothole repairs, asphalt speed bumps, repainting markings and lines, commercial parking lots, industrial parking lots, condominium parking lots, residential driveways, concrete curb and sidewalk repairs, excavation and grading, culvert replacement, and more.
With fast turnaround times, exceptional customer service, and affordable estimates, let Ivy Property Services Inc. be your first choice for commercial asphalt paving and snow removal.
Call us today and get a free quote and consultation, so you know exactly what you get when working with us. Contact us at (416) 818-0970. We are always available at info@ivypropertyservices.com and are ready to respond to all client inquiries.
