How can you manage a property's parking lot in extreme weather?

Extreme weather can pose a challenge for property managers who need to maintain a safe and accessible parking lot for their tenants, visitors, and staff. Whether it's snow, ice, rain, or heat, you need to plan ahead and take preventive measures to avoid damage, accidents, and complaints. Here are some tips on how to manage a property's parking lot in extreme weather.

1 Clear the snow and ice

One of the most common and urgent tasks for property managers in winter is to clear the snow and ice from the parking lot. This is not only essential for safety, but also for compliance with local regulations and codes. You should have a contract with a reliable snow removal service that can respond quickly and efficiently to your needs. You should also monitor the weather forecast and communicate with your tenants and staff about any potential delays or closures. Make sure you have enough salt, sand, or de-icing agents to prevent slippery surfaces and keep walkways clear.

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2 Drain the water

Heavy rain can cause flooding, erosion, and potholes in your parking lot. To prevent these problems, you should inspect and clean your drainage system regularly and repair any cracks or damage in the pavement. You should also avoid parking or driving on wet or soft areas that can worsen the conditions. If you notice any signs of flooding, you should act fast and pump out the water or divert it to a safe location. You should also notify your tenants and staff and advise them to avoid the affected areas.

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Brian Beckner “The Asphalt Guy”

Where CRE Property, Community Association & Facilities Managers Come To Make Life Easy and Simple When It Comes To Completing Their Asphalt Projects! Creator of The “In Good Hands” Podcast- Industry Insights & Positivity
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Proactive Parking Lot Asphalt Pavement Maintenance that includes “Hot Rubberized” Crack Filling and Asphalt Seal Coating are essential to not only extending the life of your Pavement Assets, but also enhancing its performance throughout the year during extreme temperature swings. Just as ice cream melts, asphalt cracks. In other words, it’s not a matter of “IF” cracking will occur but “WHEN” will they arise. Make it part of your Proactive Asphalt Pavement Maintenance to inspect your parking lot for signs of cracking in Aug-Sept and again in April-May. This enables you to get ahead of any trouble areas and have any treatments performed prior to the most severe weather occurrences of Winter and Summer months.

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3 Protect from heat

Extreme heat can also damage your parking lot by causing cracks, warping, or fading in the pavement. To protect your parking lot from heat, you should apply a sealcoat every few years to create a protective layer that reflects the sun and prevents moisture penetration. You should also avoid parking or driving heavy vehicles on the asphalt, as they can create pressure and stress on the surface. You should also water your landscaping regularly and trim any overhanging branches that can drop sap or debris on the pavement.

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Brian Beckner “The Asphalt Guy”

Where CRE Property, Community Association & Facilities Managers Come To Make Life Easy and Simple When It Comes To Completing Their Asphalt Projects! Creator of The “In Good Hands” Podcast- Industry Insights & Positivity
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Asphalt Seal Coating of your parking lots should occur every three to five years. One coat of seal under “ideal” seasonal conditions can typically last up to three years and two coats up to five years of protection. The type of application of Emulsion Seal Coat products also should be taken into consideration when hiring an Asphalt Contractor. West of the Rockies, majority of Asphalt Companies use a Hand Spray Wand to apply Seal Coating. A preferred method to enhance seal coat material longevity is to apply it by hand and/or Tractor “Squeegee” method. This leaves behind a more robust amount of seal coat material than “Spray” application as material has to be diluted much more in order to be able to be pushed through a spray nozzle.

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4 Enhance the visibility

Another aspect of managing a property's parking lot in extreme weather is to enhance the visibility of the lines, signs, and lights. This can help drivers and pedestrians navigate the parking lot safely and avoid collisions or confusion. You should repaint your lines and signs periodically to keep them bright and clear. You should also check your lighting system and replace any burnt-out bulbs or fixtures. You should also consider installing solar-powered or LED lights that can save energy and last longer.

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5 Educate the users

Finally, you should educate the users of your parking lot about the best practices and policies for extreme weather. You should inform them about the snow removal schedule, the drainage system, the sealcoating process, and the parking lot layout. You should also provide them with emergency contacts and procedures in case of any issues or incidents. You should also encourage them to report any problems or feedback to you or your staff. By educating the users, you can foster a sense of responsibility and cooperation among your parking lot community.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Brian Beckner “The Asphalt Guy”

Where CRE Property, Community Association & Facilities Managers Come To Make Life Easy and Simple When It Comes To Completing Their Asphalt Projects! Creator of The “In Good Hands” Podcast- Industry Insights & Positivity
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Asphalt Pavement in your parking lots is easy to ignore and often a low list item for Owners and Property Managers. Mainly because you don’t feel the direct impact for years down the line as you do immediately when there’s an issue like a roof leak. Unfortunately, asphalt is also one of the most costliest of repairs when it could’ve been prevented with a Routine Parking Lot Pavement Maintenance Plan. The old saying, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”, certainly also holds true for enhancing the performance and extending the length of lifecycle of your Asphalt Pavement Assets on your properties. “Hot Rubberized” Crack Filling and Asphalt Seal Coating Maintenance is pennies compared to the cost of asphalt repairs.

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How can you manage a property's parking lot in extreme weather?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Clear the snow and ice

2 Drain the water

3 Protect from heat

4 Enhance the visibility

5 Educate the users

6 Here’s what else to consider

Property Management

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How can you manage a property's parking lot in extreme weather?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Clear the snow and ice

2 Drain the water

3 Protect from heat

4 Enhance the visibility

5 Educate the users

6 Here’s what else to consider

Property Management

Rate this article

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