Facilitating drainage will extend the life of your parking lot. While asphalt can withstand the elements, it's not designed to remain submerged underwater for an extended period. If any areas of your lot are consistently full of pooling water, here's what you should know about diverting the excess moisture.

Why Is Drainage Important?

If water is left to pool on an asphalt surface, it can break down the sealant over time and seep into the underlying aggregate. In a climate like New England's, this poses a major problem. Once the temperature drops, the water that has infiltrated the pavement will freeze. As it expands, it places undue stress on the asphalt. After enough freeze/thaw cycles, the asphalt will start cracking and crumbling. 

With a proper drainage system, you can prevent pooling entirely so that water never has the chance to threaten your lot's structural integrity. This will not only extend the life span of the lot but also mitigate the need for costly repairs. 

How Can You Improve Drainage?

There are several ways to divert rainwater and melted snow off your parking lot. You can install ditches and grates at strategic points, for example, so that the runoff enters the sewer system. Erecting curbs around the lot will push the water toward any grassy terrain surrounding the perimeter rather than allowing the moisture to remain on the asphalt. 

Adjusting the angle of the lot is also a viable solution. For optimal drainage, an asphalt lot should have a slope of between 2% and 5%. Naturally, modifying the slope is a significant job that should be done by seasoned contractors who know how to achieve the correct grade.

If your asphalt lot needs repairs or replacing due to poor drainage, turn to L.J. Beausoleil. Based in East Providence, RI, this family-owned and -operated contractor serves clients across Rhode Island, northern Massachusetts, and southern Connecticut. With over 50 years of experience, they're equipped to install parking lots, fill cracks, and stripe lines. Learn more about their asphalt services online, or call (401) 596-4980 to discuss your needs.