RISK MANAGEMENT

Filling Cracks in Asphalt Problem: When pavement cracks develop, it gives water a direct route under the surface where it will deepen existing fissures and create new ones.

Spruce Up Your Parking Lot This Summer

Parking lots are more important than we often give them credit for. When well maintained, they help create a positive first impression for customers and visitors and create a safe environment for cars and pedestrians. Proactively managing parking lots can help them last longer, which saves you money.

If you’d like to spruce up your parking areas this summer, start with these suggestions.

By Risk Improvement Department, EMC Insurance Companies, Des Moines, Iowa

Solution: Commit to a regular walking tour of your pavement (at least twice per year) so you can spot issues and fix them before they get worse.

Make a Clean Sweep Problem: Leftover sand from winter ice treatment can be slippery and impede drainage. Piles of leaves can hold moisture, undermining the pavement foundation while creating a slimy, slippery layer. Drips of gasoline, oil and antifreeze can be slick and damage your pavement’s surface.

Solution: Regularly clean your pavement to keep it safe and in good shape. We recommend a combination of sweeping and power washing as needed.

Seal Your Pavement Problem: Water penetrating the pavement’s foundation can shorten the life of your parking lot investment.

Regularly Check Your Lot for Safety Hazards pavement sealing. They’ll have the equipment and knowledge to do the job right.

Problem: You’re busy, so you rely on complaints from others to let you know when there’s a parking lot problem.

Solution: Keep cracks in check with regular maintenance. Start by removing any weeds that have made themselves at home, then select an appropriate fill method. Hot rubber fill may work well for minor cracks, but cold rubber fill tends to stick to asphalt better. Hot asphalt might be the best option for larger cracks (over 1 inch); an asphalt mix is poured into the crack and then compacted and sealed. Hiring a reputable contractor for this task is a good idea for the best results.

Pothole Prevention and Repair Problem: Potholes and heaved concrete can damage vehicles and create a hazard for employees and visitors.

Solution: Work with a contractor to determine repair or replacement options for your parking situation. While working on a permanent solution, you can temporarily repair a pothole with paver base (sold in bags at home improvement stores).

Parking Lot Striping Standards

Problem: When your parking lot paint wears thin, you restripe over the old lines without ensuring the arrangement is working for you and your visitors.

Solution: Start by comparing your parking layout with the latest Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards. There’s more to it than making sure you have a minimum number of handicapaccessible spaces, like ensuring the access route between your door and those spaces doesn’t go into the path of traffic. Visit www.ada. gov for more information.

Painted pavement can also be slippery when wet, so once you’ve determined your ideal arrangement, consider whether the painted areas overlap pedestrian paths. You may need to apply an aggregate to the paint to increase traction, especially if the pavement surface is smooth.

For more tips on increasing safety, go to www.emcins.com/losscontrol.

Solution: Seal the pavement to make it last as long as possible. Sealing should be part of your regular maintenance routine, and we recommend seeking out a contractor who specializes in