Your parking lot is the first thing that tenants, customers, and employees experience when they visit your property. But it’s also one of the biggest liabilities. Many of the common issues (such as cracks and potholes) are more than just cosmetic issues. They can result in injuries, insurance claims, and even lawsuits.
The challenging part of minimizing these issues is that pavement problems don’t usually show up overnight. They build up slowly over time. And before you know it, what started as a small crack turns into a trip hazard. A shallow dip can become a reservoir for standing water, which can lead to slip and fall claims.
Here are some clear signs that your parking lot or sidewalk may be turning into a liability risk.
#1: Widening Cracks and Surface Separation
Every parking lot will crack over time. It becomes a problem when they widen, multiply, or are left untreated. Small hairline cracks allow water to seep below the surface. And once they get underneath, it will weaken the base.
In areas where the weather is warmer, the water will soften the sub grade. Either way, the surface will start to shift and break apart. Larger cracks can become trip hazards (especially if they’re near walkways, building entrances, and handicap-accessible routes).
You should be concerned if you notice any of the following:
- Cracks that are wider than a quarter inch.
- Multiple cracks that are forming in connected patterns.
- Pieces of concrete that are breaking loose.
- Edges that are crumbling along curbs or sidewalks.
Crack sealing is relatively inexpensive compared to resurfacing or reconstruction, but waiting too long will multiply the cost and the risk.
#2: Potholes and Surface Depressions
Pothole and surface depressions are among the most obvious warning signs, but they’re also one of the most dangerous. A pothole forms when water seeps through cracks, weakens the base, and traffic pressure breaks the surface apart. Once this has occurred, the damage can get worse very quickly.
Potholes can lead to a number of incidents, which can easily become a liability. Some of them include the following:
- Trip hazards for pedestrians.
- Tire and vehicle damage claims.
- Water pooling that increases slip risk.
- ADA compliance concerns (if they’re located near accessible spaces).
A small dip in a high-traffic area may not look serious, but it can be enough to cause someone to lose his or her footing. If potholes are appearing on a regular basis, you may have a deeper structural problem that requires more than a surface patching.
#3: Faded or Confusing Striping
A lot of people think that striping on a parking lot is there for cosmetic reasons, but it’s not. Clear pavement markings control traffic flow, define pedestrian walkways, and designate accessible parking. When the striping fades, it can lead to the following:
- Vehicles driving in the wrong direction.
- Pedestrians walking outside designated paths.
- Improper use of ADA spaces.
- Increased accident risk.
Faded handicap symbols or improperly marked access aisles can cause compliance issues. ADA violations can lead to complaints, fines, and even legal action.
If your parking lot lines are hard to see during the daylight hours, there’s a good chance they’re even harder to see at night or when it rains. Poor visibility increases the chance of vehicle collisions and pedestrian incidents. Re-striping is one of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to reduce your liability. Not only does it improve safety, but it also shows that the property is being actively maintained.
#4: Standing Water After It Rains
After it rains, your parking lot should drain properly and within a reasonable amount of time. If you see standing water that lingers for hours or day, you can see it as a warning sign. Pooling water can create a number of risks. Some of them include the following:
- Slip and fall hazards.
- Accelerated pavement deterioration.
- Hidden potholes beneath water.
- Ice formation during colder months.
Standing water is often a sign of improper grading, clogged drains, or surface depressions. If you let it go for too long, it can undermine the pavement base and lead to more serious structural problems. If water always pools in the same direction and someone falls, it can be harder to argue that the hazard was unpredictable.
If you’re looking for one of the best places for concrete repair in Corpus Christi, be sure to get in touch with Streem Foundation Repair. We have a team of people who would be happy to speak with you!