Articles

Retail Pavement Management–A Study in Success

Pavement management is the process of overseeing the maintenance and repair of one or multiple parking lots. The two key benefits of performing pavement management are improved pavement conditions and reduced maintenance costs. Essentially, with any parking lot, the key is to maintain the pavement in good condition (at a relatively low cost) for as long as possible before utilizing more expensive structural remedies such as resurfacing or reconstruction.

To help organize the process of pavement management, it is helpful to develop a plan of action. Pavement Management Planning or PMP is a systematic, long-term approach in optimizing pavement maintenance that ties together various maintenance options in one plan based on available funding. Through this proven, six-step process, parking lots can be managed effectively over an extended period of time, thus prolonging the functionality of the structure. This article will discuss the six steps utilized in an effective PMP and an actual plan of approach for a portfolio of retail stores.

To request a copy of this article in full, please contact us and indicate the article title(s) you desire in the comments section.

4 STEPs to Successful Parking Lot Management

Managing parking lot maintenance for one or multiple retail sites requires more than hiring a reliable contractor; it depends on well-executed project management. By definition, project management is the discipline of planning, organizing, and managing resources to bring about the successful completion of specific goals and objectives.

On the surface, parking lot repair may seem like a simple maintenance procedure. But, there are actually many factors to consider, especially concerning retail parking lots. This is because retailers often have large and very busy parking areas. In fact, the biggest challenge in trying to maintain retail parking lots is planning repairs around the flow of vehicular and pedestrian traffic so that business continues uninterrupted. This article details the various STEPs—Set-up, Timetable, Execution, and Post-job— necessary to properly plan and manage parking lot maintenance to ensure maximum convenience and safety to both retailers and customers alike.

To request a copy of this article in full, please contact us and indicate the article title(s) you desire in the comments section.

April Showers Bring…Potholes? Crack Sealing to the Rescue!

Rain showers can wreak havoc on a store both indoors and outdoors. Leaky roofs, windows, and plumbing fixtures are just a few issues that may result after a heavy rain. Oftentimes overlooked or unrealized, however, are the detrimental effects of moisture on pavement. Water seeps into cracks and softens or weakens the sub-base. During temperature fluctuations, common in spring, water that is trapped beneath the surface can widen cracks and even cause pavement heaving. If left untreated, cracks can quickly spread to adjacent areas and worsen with heavy traffic loads. Not only is this unsightly in terms of curb appeal, it is also dangerous. Open cracks, uneven transitions, asphalt depressions, and potholes can pose tremendous liability and safety issues to customers and employees.

Paying attention to cracks and applying sealant in a timely manner is the most beneficial service that can be performed on a parking lot. When applied properly, sealed cracks on a sound pavement should remain sealed for three to ten years. The length of time depends on the original condition of the pavement (severely deteriorated pavement will not benefit from crack sealing), geographic area (pavements in cold locations deteriorate faster than those in warm locations), and weather conditions (pavements in humid or wet climates deteriorate faster than in arid climates). Crack sealing is also cost effective because it delays more expensive restoration such as resurfacing or reconstruction.

To request a copy of this article in full, please contact us and indicate the article title(s) you desire in the comments section.

Enhance Your Curb Appeal for Summer!

During these challenging economic times, there are a few simple steps that you can utilize to “enhance your curb appeal.” A well-maintained pavement projects a positive image to prospective tenants and it provides a safe driving and walking surface for existing tenants. Whether you have pot holes, severely deteriorated pavement, damaged sidewalks and curbs, or just need a fresh coat of sealcoat and striping, it is important to take care of defects in a timely manner.

Preventative parking lot maintenance not only serves to beautify your property, but it is a solution used to prevent further deterioration of a parking lot. It is imperative in this economic climate to have a positive impact on all tenants, customers, and employees affiliated with your properties. When they enter your parking lot, make sure that their first impression is a great one. Parking lot maintenance includes corrective measures such as crack sealing, sealcoating, and asphalt patching/repair.

To request a copy of this article in full, please contact us and indicate the article title(s) you desire in the comments section.

Asphalt v. Sustainable Solutions—Go Green or Go Home?

Within the past few years, the green movement has swept the country and the world in ways we never could have imagined. Many U.S. businesses have altered their practices to become more sustainable, to keep up with the changing environment. This includes everything from increasing recycling efforts and using energy-efficient light bulbs to obtaining LEED certification points. As an asphalt paving company we, too, had to take a long, hard look and come up with ways to reevaluate our products and provide alternative solutions to our customers. In December of 2007, an opportunity presented itself, for both the baseball industry and Rose Paving.

Baseball stadiums around the country have made a commitment to “go green” in 2008 – through practices like energy use, purchasing, concession operations, water use, recycling and transportation. In the midst of all of this, Rose Paving had an opportunity to compare the cost and sustainability of a traditionally-paved asphalt parking lot versus a permeable paved parking lot, for the home of a local World-Champion baseball team. Issues such as parking configurations, entrance and circulation patterns, security issues, pavement types and landscape treatments, along with lighting improvements and identity treatments were explored in the beginning stages.

To request a copy of this article in full, please contact us and indicate the article title(s) you desire in the comments section.