Don’t Ignore Your Investment
Holidays may keep your business busy and customers may be aplenty this season, but don’t ignore one of your biggest investments, your pavement. The pavement outside your business, whether it is a sidewalk, road, or parking lot has a big task. It gets your customers inside, it offers direction and keeps traffic moving, and makes an everlasting first impression. Be sure to keep your investment in top shape this winter with these three tips:
1. Keep your pavement clean.
In business, first impressions are everything. So what exactly is that pavement saying about your business? Are customers walking through slush and snow to get inside? Can drivers find the entrances and exits? Are they able to see pavement signs and parking lines? The last thing you want customers worrying about is how to get inside your door and if their vehicle is safe outside in your parking lot. Ice, snow, salt, and sand can pile up leading to decreased visibility, mobility, and safety for your customers. Hire a contractor and keep your pavement clean!
2. Maintain your pavement.
The saying, don’t fix what’s not broken does not apply here. Instead think, don’t ruin a good thing! Whether your pavement is brand new or just in good condition, it will need regular maintenance in the winter to keep it that way. Typical winter maintenance includes parking lot cleaning and sweeping to prevent debris buildup and snow removal to prevent ice from forming. Hiring a contractor to perform regular maintenance will help expand the life of your pavement and will save you money in the future. In the case that you haven’t been maintaining your pavement, here are two basic repairs you absolutely must do: fill those potholes and seal those cracks! Patching potholes and sealing cracks prevent water, salt, and sand from seeping their way beneath your pavement. Once under your pavement, water will freeze and thaw with the varying temperatures pushing the pavement further apart. This means that cracks will grow and potholes will expand allowing even more room for debris and water to enter.
3. Talk to your snow removal contractor.
It’s important to remember that during the winter months, snow removal equipment can damage your pavement. The blades can rip off line striping, directional signage, and may uplift and remove surface-mount raised reflectors. Unfortunately, if this happens, you the owner will likely be responsible for all repairs unless otherwise noted in your contract. Re-read your contract, find out who is liable for pavement/property damages, and discuss your concerns. Haven’t hired someone yet? Ask nearby businesses for referrals, when interviewing contractors point out (and note in the contract) special areas that will require the use of different equipment or attention like speed bumps, raised reflectors, etc. Talking to your snow removal contractor today can save you headaches and money tomorrow.
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