Protecting Your Paved Assets: Insights from Weaver Consulting Solutions

As part of our commitment to sharing relevant insights with our members, we spoke with Andy Weaver, Principal Engineer at Weaver Consulting Solutions, about what building owners and managers should consider when it comes to extending the life of aging parking lots—and how to plan more effectively when building new ones.

We asked Andy to walk us through some of the most common questions he hears from property owners and managers:

“What signs should building owners look for that indicate their parking lot may need attention?”
For newly constructed parking lots, owners should monitor for any cracking that may appear within the first few years. These cracks should be sealed to prevent water from penetrating the pavement surface. Preventative maintenance is key to extending a parking lot’s lifespan and deferring more costly repairs.

In older parking lots, signs of deterioration are usually easier to spot. Various types of defects can develop, each with its own root cause that needs to be properly identified and addressed.

“What kind of maintenance planning should owners have in place to extend the life of their pavement?”
Like any asset, pavements and parking lots require ongoing management. A yearly evaluation is important to determine whether preventative maintenance can help extend the lifespan of the lot. During this annual review, necessary repairs can also be identified and budgeted for.

“When designing a new parking lot, what decisions made early on can save money or problems down the road?”
Subgrade strength is critical in parking lot design. Weak subgrades must be supported by thicker layers of gravel to handle future loads effectively. It’s important to note that asphalt thickness is just one of several key design considerations.

“When it comes to aging parking lots, what are the most common issues you see—and how should property owners approach them?”
Older parking lots often show signs of fatigue. Common issues include significant cracking, rutting, heaving, raveling, and potholing. These conditions typically indicate the need for rehabilitation or reconstruction. A professional evaluation can help determine the most appropriate rehabilitation method based on the current condition. Budgeting for these repairs also allows owners to plan proactively.

“How often should property owners be reassessing their parking lot condition—and what does that process typically involve?”
Parking lot conditions should be assessed annually. A typical evaluation includes a condition rating for each lot in the portfolio, followed by recommendations for preventative maintenance where applicable, and identification of lots that may require more in-depth rehabilitation.

Thanks to Weaver Consulting Solutions for sharing practical guidance on how to get more life out of paved assets through proactive design and maintenance. These insights offer a helpful starting point for property owners and managers looking to better plan, protect, and maintain their parking lots over time.