Do Not Wait Until Someone Gets Hurt
Here are five warning signs that mean your lot needs repair now, not next quarter.
1. Alligator Cracking
A pattern of interconnected cracks that looks like reptile skin. This is the most serious sign of pavement distress - it means the base layer has failed. [Seal coating](/services/seal-coating) will not fix it. Small areas can be cut out and patched. Large areas mean [resurfacing](/services/asphalt-resurfacing) or replacement.
2. Potholes
Direct liability risk. A customer trips, a car bottoms out, and you are dealing with a claim. Every day a pothole sits open, water pours into the base and the hole gets bigger. [Get them fixed immediately](/services/pothole-repair).
3. Standing Water
The root cause of most pavement failure in Utah. Water seeps in, saturates the base, freezes and expands. One season of freeze-thaw on a saturated base creates thousands in damage. Identify why the water is pooling and fix it before winter.
4. Faded or Missing Striping
Missing ADA markings can result in federal fines up to $75,000. Invisible fire lanes get you cited by the fire marshal. [Restripe your lot](/services/line-striping) - it is one of the cheapest maintenance items with the biggest visual and compliance impact.
5. Edge Cracking and Raveling
Crumbling edges spread inward over time and allow water to infiltrate from the sides. Minor raveling can be slowed with [crack sealing](/services/crack-sealing). Advanced edge failure needs saw-cutting and patching.
The Bottom Line
A $200 crack seal today prevents a $2,000 pothole next year, which prevents a $20,000 base failure the year after. Walk your lot quarterly and address problems promptly.
See any of these signs? [Schedule a free inspection](/services/property-inspections) or call (801) 406-3543.