When it Rains, it Pours

As the hopeful, old saying goes, “March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb.”

Sure, but just as we leave the worst winter weather behind us, it’s time for all that springtime rain. The point is, nothing can dish out a beating on a parking lot like water can, and the battle your lot fights against it is never-ending.

Taking care of your complete drainage system should be a top priority. Having your parking lot created is one of the biggest investments you’ll make in your commercial property, so we always suggest putting parking lot maintenance right up there next to it. This time of year, once the snow has melted, you should survey your property and look for any clear signs of damage that might affect how your drainage system is working.

Keep an inventory of any issues, big or small, that you uncover. They will be your to-do list when prepping your lot for the rainy season and beyond. Here are a few things to look for:

CRACKS & POTHOLES
Changes in temperature make materials like asphalt expand and contract. This can lead to cracks in surfaces that haven’t been properly treated and maintained. These cracks are more than unsightly and unsafe, they are a sure sign of bad parking lot issues to come.

Cracks cannot help but attract standing water! Once standing water collects, it’s only a matter of time before it seeps into the foundation and compromise overall integrity. If that happens, even more significant cracking is right around the corner. The same goes for potholes.

BLOCKS & BACKUPS
Take a look in your drains for blockages and build-up, along with the gutters and catch basins. Walk the edges of your lot to see where build-up from the winter may have collected, to be sure that water has a clear path away from your parking lot. Once run-off becomes impeded, the displaced water will be relentless in creating all types of costly issues, from flooding to severe property damage. Because the entire depth of a drain or catch basin may not be visible, it is also good practice to have these physically checked periodically.

NOT SURE WHERE TO BEGIN?
You can schedule the ECIS team to visit your property for an on-site inspection and consultation. We will evaluate the needs and urgency of your situation and provide you a written and visual record of our findings, in many cases on the same day. Having that information means you can make the best decision on how to proceed with a parking lot plan that will save you money in the long run.

HELP FOR WHEN YOU NEED IT MOST
When you work with ECIS, you get the peace of mind that comes with 24/7 support. If anything goes wrong with your drainage system, we can be at your property in no time for emergency repairs and clean-up.

WATER YOU WAITING FOR?
If standing water isn’t shown where to go, it’ll go wherever it wants. And, that’s typically not where you want it! Water damage significantly shortens the lifespan of any parking lot. Cracks, potholes, broken curbs, uneven pavement, build-up and clogs, flood risks – these are all issues that lead to considerable, costly repairs down the line.

While it’s true, March will eventually go out like a lamb, you know how that other famous old saying goes, right? It’s those April showers that bring May flowers. All we’re saying is, now is always the time to save yourself trouble later on. Give us a call and let’s talk about your drainage system.