Why Timely Asphalt Repair in Seattle Prevents Costly Long-Term Damage

Have you recently spotted alligator cracks popping up on your asphalt driveway or parking lot? What of gaping potholes, massive depressions, or discolored patches?

If yes, that’s your cue to schedule asphalt repair services immediately.

Implementing a proactive repair and maintenance plan is the surest way to extend the durability of asphalt pavements and forestall costly long-term damage.

In this post, we explore the significance of timely asphalt repair for Seattle property owners.

1. Averting Inhibitive Repair Costs

Angie’s List estimates the asphalt driveway repair costs in the United States at $2,461. However, the actual cost may exceed $4,000, depending on the extent of damage, pavement size, and the type of repair required.

One way to lower asphalt repair costs is by enlisting professional help at the first sign of a problem. Contact your asphalt paving Renton company and inform them of the type of damage on your asphalt pavement.

Typically, the contractor will visit your property and conduct extensive inspections to identify the scope of damage. They’ll then issue you with a quote that’s commensurate with the project’s complexity. If you’re on the same page, flag off the repair before the damage spreads.

2. Preventing Complex Repairs

Damages to asphalt pavement don’t occur overnight. They can take several months or even years of neglect to develop.

The damages usually begin small, perhaps with tiny cracks on isolated stretches of the pavement. But if not addressed urgently, the tiny crevices will widen over time and reduce your driveway or parking lot’s structural integrity.

As with most constructions, asphalt pavement is easier to repair before the surface undergoes extensive damage. This guarantees a fast turnaround, which translates to low repair costs while minimizing undue downtimes.

3. Avoiding Replacements

Minor cracks on your asphalt pavement are easy to repair with basic patching. Your asphalt paving company will usually fill such cracks using industry-grade sealants. This helps to reinforce the weak spots, extending the pavement’s longevity.

On the contrary, widespread cracks are challenging to seal. A total overhaul is often the most effective way to address such damages.

Replacing your entire asphalt pavement requires deep excavations and foundation rebuilding. This could impact the structural integrity of your parking lot or driveway, even if diligently undertaken.

Worse yet, the cost of total asphalt replacement can be up to five times higher than minor patch-ups.

4. Minimizing Frequent Vehicle Repairs

Driving through an uneven or potholed asphalt pavement can harm your vehicle’s tires and suspension systems, causing unintended mechanical costs. Depending on the car’s model, you could also incur hefty charges for repairing the undercarriage.

For perspective, replacing a ball joint costs around $200 for a single joint, while a strut replacement may set you back over $1,500.

Operating a vehicle with a damaged suspension presents additional safety risks, making urgent repair imperative. Fortunately, you can minimize these mechanical expenses through regular asphalt maintenance.

5. Forestalling Drainage Problems

Cracked asphalt not only weakens your driveway’s foundation, but it also strains underground drainage channels along the damaged stretch. That’s especially true for pavements in high-traffic areas, such as workplace parking lots.

Sealing minor cracks can forestall damage to adjacent drainage systems.

Note that such channels are even costlier to repair since they often require the intervention of experienced plumbers. Besides, you may need permits from the local municipality before repairing damaged drainage channels underneath your asphalt pavement.

6. Avoiding Slips and Falls

Uneven asphalt pavements are a high risk for slips and falls. These accidents often result from raveling, which refers to the breakdown of asphalt aggregate into tiny pieces.

As raveled asphalt particles are typically unnoticeable due to their minute sizes, you can easily slip on them and sustain severe parking lot injuries. Injuries could also occur while driving along uneven or potholed asphalt pavements.

Despite the cause, the financial implications can be severe. Implementing proactive asphalt repair is the best way to avoid these unintended medical bills.

7. Preventing Legal Liabilities

The risks of walking or driving along cracked asphalt pavement are higher in commercial properties. Damaged asphalt parking lots can cause personal injuries and vehicular damage to your clients.

Unfortunately, not everyone will take these experiences lightly. Some victims may sue your company for negligence, resulting in costly legal implications.

Note that slip and fall injuries attract an average settlement of $10,000 - $50,000. That excludes the cost of medical treatments for physical injuries and emotional trauma, which can be significantly higher.

8. Enhancing Your Brand’s Image

First impressions are the most lasting.

A poorly maintained driveway can serve as a costly deterrent to would-be customers. Why would your clients endure the agony of driving into potholed parking lots when they can always turn to your competitors?

To boost your brand’s image and avoid a customer exodus, it’s best to ensure your asphalt pavements are well-maintained. Repair cracks before they degenerate into unsafe potholes. Otherwise, you’ll incur more expenses addressing asphalt damage while also working to redeem your company’s dented image.

9. Combating Productivity Downtimes

Minor cracks on your asphalt pavement may take a few hours to patch up. In contrast, you’ll require several days or weeks to repair major damage. The turnaround time could even be longer for pavement replacements, as these projects typically involve excavation and resurfacing.

Rendering your commercial asphalt parking lot out of bounds for days may trigger productivity downtimes, impacting the bottom line.

Note that customers typically shy away from businesses undertaking property renovations. To retain high-value clients, it’s best to fix asphalt cracks before they worsen.

10. Stretching Out Your Asphalt Lifespan

Routine maintenance can extend the lifespan of your asphalt pavement significantly, minimizing the need for eventual replacements.

Poorly maintained asphalt parking lots have an average durability of 10 - 15 years. But by fixing cracks early enough, you can stretch that lifespan to 25 years.

Repairing minor damages on your asphalt parking lot makes it more resistant to weather damage. It notably prevents moisture from seeping into the pavement, weakening its foundation.  

Elevate Your Parking Lot With Professional Asphalt Repair Services

Following a proactive asphalt maintenance plan can guard against severe damage and associated costs. Timely asphalt repairs may also save you from indirect costs due to vehicle damage, lost productivity, and (in the case of workplace parking lots) personal injury lawsuits.

To identify early warning signs of asphalt damage, it’s prudent to undertake routine, professional-led inspections.

Choose a local asphalt repair company with a proven record of offering quality workmanship in both inspections and repairs. Besides, prioritize contractors who deploy advanced asphalt repair technologies. That ensures each project is completed within the least time.

Don’t forget to ask for proof of certifications, license, and insurance.