Following the end of winter, it is not uncommon for properties to have sustained some damage. The seasonal damages ensue when cold temperatures, snow, ice, and salt causes cracks in the foundation, parking lots, walkways, and patios.

Taking proper care of your commercial property with a complete inspection routine protects your workers and visitors from potential hazards. As severe weather cost Canadian businesses $3.1 billion last year, it is important to prevent any incurred damages from worsening and maintaining a safe environment to preserve your investments.

To prepare for comfort and safety in the warmer months ahead, below are 5 spring cleaning tips for maintenance.

Check property for winter damage

After months of snowfall and ice, it is very likely for commercial properties to have fell victim to some corrosion.

The unavoidable freeze-thaw cycle breaks down the integrity of surfaces over time, as freezing water expands into cracks and then melts to create moisture. It is important to use this time to carefully evaluate the physical conditions of your entire property to get ahead of any needed repairs. This allows you to keep the property safe and optimize on the value of your business.

Remove hazardous debris

Ice, snow, shovelling, and plowing can leave quite the aftermath on your property that isn’t visible until the period of thawing. Proactively removing any debris and dangerous materials from the site lowers the risk of injury while maintaining a trustworthy image to guests and clients.

The appearance of the premises goes a long way when it comes to business performance. An unkept property can be perceived as a neglected business, which can tarnish the overall reputation of the company. A property that maintains its appeal, reflects safety, and serves tenants well works to improve the value of the business.

Repair cracked/unsafe parking lots

Parking lots are usually the first area seen and entered by the public. Neglecting to maintain them can present a variety of safety risks to local drivers and pedestrians. Due to the elements of winter, asphalt surfaces may not have held up well during the cold months, making their repairs a top priority to avoid tenant/visitor vehicle damage.

Water drainage and irrigation systems

The impacts of water can seriously damage your property. Poor water drainage and irrigation failures can cause severe damages as it affects the health and safety of the property, with issues ranging from tripping hazards to flooding. To protect the integrity of your commercial property, it is very important to routinely check on these systems i.e. catch basins, to avoid the cumulative risk of any drainage issues overtime.

Update list of contractors

It is beneficial for owners to maintain an up-to-date list of specialists to help with your property inspections and repairs, including paving and construction specialists. With experts on hand, property owners can better resolve any issues found on their site to ensure everything is in working order for smooth operations.

Spring cleaning is important for commercial properties to recover from the effects of winter and prepare them for the changes the warm weather brings. By being proactive with its maintenance with the right specialists, property managers and owners can sleep well at night knowing they’ve prioritized the safety and professionalism of their property to safeguard their investments.

The post Spring is here: How to revive commercial properties from the effects of winter first appeared on Fort York Paving.

Improper drainage

If your parking lot has excessive pooling and improper drainage after a rainfall or snowmelt, it is a sign your lot needs replacement. Proper levelling and functional catch basins are essential to ensure proper drainage in your parking lot to prevent water from staying on the surface.
Whether it is repairing, resurfacing or a complete replacement, this step is crucial to prevent your asphalt from worsening.

Asphalt cracks

Cracks in asphalt arise over time after extreme weather conditions and prolong use. Oil, gas, de-icing salt and even water can penetrate the surface and cause cracks and expansion in your parking lot. Longer, wider or deeper cracks indicate more extreme damage, therefore depending on the size of the cracks, your asphalt may require a repair and/or replacement.

Potholes

Potholes are common signs your parking lot requires repairing. When a crack begins to form, it usually leads to a pothole when not repaired immediately; this is caused by expansion and contraction underneath the surface which leads to material breakdown. Potholes can deepen and expand from excessive use over a long period of time and weather conditions. When it starts to become a safety issue for vehicles and customers, it is proof that your asphalt and parking lot needs to be replaced.

Overall, these are four signs and indications that your parking lot may need to be replaced or repaired. These tips can help you look out for any damage signs while improving the look and maintenance of your lot and asphalt. For expert repair and replacement, visit Fort York Paving for your parking lot needs here https://www.fortyorkpaving.com/.

The post Signs your parking lot needs replacement first appeared on Fort York Paving.

How can you make your parking lot work for you? Consider the following tips.

• First impressions: Poorly maintained parking lots make a negative first impression. Fair or not, the sight of deteriorating surfaces, tight spacing, and faded (or non-existent) markings can negatively influence how visitors perceive your business.
• Room to move: Crowded lots pose the risk of vehicular collisions and pedestrian injuries. That’s why it’s important to ensure vehicles have ample space to manoeuvre, and that pedestrians have access to safe walkways and facility entrances. It can be tempting to pack as many lots as possible into a single area, but considerations for safe mobility reduce liabilities and keep all users safe.
• A welcome site: Your business claim it’s open to all customers, but a lack of parking spots for special vehicles will demonstrate otherwise. When designing (or re-designing) your lot, make sure to leave space for larger vehicles (e.g., vans, service buses, etc.) and those with wheelchair amenities. Remember, if customers with special considerations can’t find a place near your business, they’re likely to try (and stay) elsewhere.
• Marked for success: Clear signage and lot markings contribute to safer and more efficient site traffic. The more you can do to help customers locate a spot and access on-site amenities (e.g., pedestrian paths, specially-designated areas, etc.), the less frustrated and disgruntled visitors will be when they walk through your door.
• Go with the flow: How easy is it for vehicles to enter and exit your lot? What about pedestrians? The more you can do to facilitate mobility in your lot (e.g., directional markings, user-friendly design, no obstructions, etc.), the easier it will be to keep your customers rotating through your business.
• Visible striping: It sounds like common sense, but clear and visible striping is critical to parking lot design. Degraded or non-existent striping can cause confusion, or worse, leave visitors to park where they see fit.

Your lot says, well, a lot about your business. Taking the extra steps to ensure it is safe, visitor-friendly, and in good condition can go a long way towards making a solid first (and lasting) impression.

The post Increase business with a well-designed and maintained parking lot first appeared on Fort York Paving.

Who’s at fault in a parking lot accident? The answer will vary depending on the incident; however, by taking steps to create a safer driving environment, retail parking lot owners can better protect themselves in the case of a premise liability lawsuit.

Traffic calming measures such as speed bumps are perhaps the most impactful way to deter dangerous vehicle activity. Designed to control the flow of traffic and give motorists a physical reminder to drive slow, they curb the risk of accidents and provide peace of mind for both retail tenants and their customers.

Are you considering a speed bump to enhance safety in your lot? Here are a few things to keep in mind.

• Location counts: Speed bumps are most effective when installed at turning points or close to the exits and entrances of a commercial parking lot. They can also be effective midway through long stretches of road in order to deter motorists from speeding. In all cases, they serve as a visual and tactile reminder for motorists to stay alert and keep an eye for pedestrians.
• Property protection: In addition to promoting safe driving, speed bumps can be used to discourage drivers from using your lot as a shortcut or alternative route. Doing so mitigates wear and tear on your lot and reduces the risk of accidents due to volume.
• How slow will you go? Speed bumps are rated based on their ability to slow vehicles down to specific speeds under normal circumstances. Ask a professional what might work best for your lot based on lot activity, prior incidents, and your own concerns.
• Built to last: When professionally installed, speed bumps won’t budge. At Fort York Paving, our process includes grinding out the pavement to keep speed bumps firmly embedded and easy to maintain. This makes them resilient against severe road impacts or snowplow damage during the long Canadian winters.

Speed bumps may not be the first thing you notice in a lot, but they certainly make an impact. Learn about your options for enhancing safety and mitigating liabilities by contacting Fort York Paving.

The post Reducing the risk of careless drivers in retail parking lots first appeared on Fort York Paving.