Did you know that the number one enemy of asphalt pavement is water? This is due to the fact that water permeates cracks. Over time it will erode the base and or sub base of your pavement. Sealing cracks will definitely go a long way in helping to solve this problem, but only in areas where standing water, or ponding does not exist. That means if you notice standing water on your parking lot, it is incredibly important to determine the cause. Those puddles that will not quickly go away on their own are trouble. The damage that they can cause will cost you money in the form of repairs, and money in the form of downtime. The good news is that there are a few things you can do in order to discover the problem, and prevent ponding from occurring in the future.
Find The Location Of The Catch Basins In Your Parking Lot
Where are your catch basins? It is incredibly important to inspect your parking lot on a routine basis. During your walk-through, take careful notice of the location of your catch basins. In essence, they should be located in low-lying areas in order to ensure the proper drainage of your parking lot. If the pavement has settled around a catch basin, it is possible that the catch basin is positioned higher than the surrounding asphalt. This of course will impede the catch basin’s ability to function properly.
Count The Amount Of Catch Basins In Your Parking Lot
How many catch basins do you have? The answer should be based on the size and shape of your parking lot. That being stated, the catch basins should be strategically placed within the low-lying areas throughout the entire parking lot. Consider having additional catch basins installed if sufficient drainage does not exists.
Have The Catch Basins Cleaned On A Regular Basis
When was the last time that you had the catch basins cleaned? Catch basins need to be cleaned out on a regular basis in order to ensure that they are free of debris such as trash and wet leaves that can easily clog the drain. The frequency that you should have your parking lot’s catch basins cleaned may vary depending on the vegetation that is present. For example, if you happen to have a significant amount of trees around or near your parking lot, and the weather is particularly wet and or windy, cleanings should occur more often to remove the fallen leaves. In the minimum, you should schedule catch basin cleanings in the fall and spring.
Have The Catch Basins Inspected And Serviced On A Regular Basis
When was the last time that you had your parking lot’s catch basins inspected and serviced? The catch basin units experience a great deal of wear and tear. As a result they may fail to work properly. Did you know that the frame could actually shift, which requires adjusting? The concrete rings, which happen to be the weakest element of the structure, may need to be replaced due to deterioration.
In conclusion, it is important to have the correct amount of catch basins in your parking lot. It is just as important that they are properly placed, cleaned, inspected, and serviced. If you have any questions about catch basin inspection and cleaning for your parking lot, or would like to schedule service we are happy to help. Jolin Paving & Excavating, Inc. is your New England connection for a vast variety of environmentally related services. Our company has been serving Boston Massachusetts, Southern NH, VT & ME as well as Northern CT & RI since 1952. Please Contact us to learn more today.
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