August in Northeast Ohio offers commercial property managers an opportunity that is easy to miss.
Your pavement has already made it through last winter, spring rain and much of the summer heat. That makes this an excellent point in the year to see how it is really holding up, while there is still favorable weather available to do something about the problems you find.
Instead of thinking of August as the end of summer, think of it as your property's pre-winter pavement checkpoint.
Take a Late-Summer Walk Around Your Property
Start at the entrance and work your way through the parking lot.
Are there cracks that have grown since spring? Are potholes developing in high-traffic areas? Do you see broken pavement around catch basins? Are there depressions where water collects after a storm? Have pavement edges begun to crumble?
Then look at the areas that experience the greatest stress: loading docks, delivery routes, dumpster areas, turning lanes and busy entrances.
These problem areas tell a story about how your pavement is aging, and which weaknesses could become more serious during the coming winter.
August Gives You Options
Finding a problem in August is very different from discovering it in December.
Warm weather gives paving professionals more flexibility to perform asphalt work under favorable conditions. It also gives property managers time to evaluate different repair strategies rather than rushing into an emergency fix after colder weather arrives.
An isolated failure might call for patching. More widespread surface deterioration could indicate that resurfacing is appropriate. Cracking may need sealing, while recurring pavement failures near low spots could point to a drainage problem that should be addressed as part of the solution.
S&K Asphalt & Concrete offers asphalt paving, repairs, crack sealing, drainage solutions, concrete and curbing, and parking lot striping, making it possible to consider the property as a whole.
Northeast Ohio Winter Will Find the Weak Spots
Snow and ice are only part of the winter challenge in the Akron area.
Temperature fluctuations can be especially damaging when water has already entered pavement cracks. Moisture freezes, expands and eventually thaws, placing repeated stress on compromised asphalt.
A pavement surface that already has significant cracks, potholes or drainage problems is therefore heading into winter at a disadvantage.
Repairing vulnerable areas before that cycle begins can help prevent avoidable deterioration and give your pavement a stronger start to the cold-weather season.
Think About Safety, Too
Pavement maintenance isn't solely about extending pavement life.
Potholes, uneven surfaces, damaged curbs and faded markings can create problems for drivers and pedestrians. As daylight hours grow shorter and eventually give way to winter weather, clearly marked and well-maintained parking areas become even more important.
Addressing these conditions during late summer can improve appearance, functionality and safety at the same time.
Make Your August Inspection Count
S&K Asphalt & Concrete has served Northeast Ohio since 1988, helping commercial property owners manage pavement through the region's demanding seasons.
If your August walk-through reveals problems, don't simply make a note to look at them again next spring. There is still valuable paving weather ahead, but the window won't stay open forever.
Contact S&K Asphalt & Concrete today to evaluate your property and determine which improvements should be completed before winter arrives.