Why Drainage Matters
Water is asphalt's worst enemy. Standing water in a parking lot accelerates deterioration, creates slip hazards, damages vehicles, and makes your property look neglected. In Florida, where afternoon thunderstorms dump inches of rain in minutes, proper drainage is critical for parking lot longevity.
Common Causes of Poor Drainage
Poor drainage in commercial parking lots usually stems from one or more of these issues:
- Inadequate initial grading during construction
- Settled or sunken areas from soil compaction over time
- Clogged or damaged drain inlets
- Asphalt surface depressions from heavy vehicle loads
- Root growth displacing the surface grade
- Failed or undersized storm drain pipes
Solutions for Standing Water
The right solution depends on the cause and severity of the drainage problem:
- Infrared patching: Heats and re-compacts low spots to restore proper grade
- Milling and overlay: Removes surface and adds new asphalt at correct grade
- Drain inlet cleaning: Clears debris and ensures proper flow
- Additional drain inlets: Installs new catch basins in problem areas
- Trench drains: Linear drains that collect water across wide areas
- French drains: Subsurface gravel drains for areas with high water tables
Prevention
Preventing drainage problems is far cheaper than fixing them. Regular maintenance including sealcoating (prevents water infiltration), crack filling (seals entry points for water), and annual drain inlet cleaning keeps water flowing properly. Schedule a free drainage assessment to identify and address problems before they cause structural damage.
