Paving Expert Q&A

If you have observed that there are several localized ponding areas of water in the parking lot after a rainy day, then you are not alone. Spills can be inconvenient; if left, they can do much harm as time passes. Here are some of the most prevalent reasons why you might see parking lot puddles and what can be done about this.

What Causes Parking Lot Puddles?

There are a few key reasons why water tends to pool in parking lots rather than drain properly:

Poor Drainage

The leading causes are typically substandard drainage procedures and methods used to construct drainage systems. The structure of parking lots is such that there is a slight gradient that directs water toward the drainage systems. If the drainage pipes beneath have been blocked or corroded, water will accumulate with no outlet for escape. Another example is that, due to settlement or movement of the pavement over time, the drainage system may be affected. Hence, there may be low areas where water stagnates.

Worn Pavement

It is common knowledge that foot and vehicular traffic wear out the asphalt pavement over several years of use. Depressions arise when rainwater can collect and form small pools. The fine cracks or gaps around the water bodies let in water under the pavement foundation during the freezing/ thawing cycle, thus degrading the pavement further.

Spills & Leaks

This is very noticeable, especially in spots where vehicles might leak oil and other fluids frequently pass through because the areas become non-porous. In the rainy season, when water is abundant, it forms tiny, rounded droplets or accumulates on these surface areas, which are water repellent. These are problems that develop when cars are parked most often.

Solutions to Addressing Puddle Formation in Parking Lots

If puddles are becoming a nuisance at your business or property, consider these repair options:

Clear Clogged Drains

Wading through water, scooping it with a shovel, and cleaning up debris in drainage gratings and buried pipes with a plumber’s snake is the most straightforward initial task. By flushing, one can get rid of sediment that may have accumulated within a given system. Specifically, catch basins may also have to be excavated and fixed since there might be cracks or blockages below the ground.

Resurface (or to put it in plainer terms) Replace the Broken Parts of the Road

For worn depressions in the pavement, get new asphalt patched in to level the surface of these depressions. In the case of highly deteriorated pavement, consider initiating a parking lot repaving project that involves paving the entire surface. Ensure that the new pavement has the correct gradient.

Clean Up Oil Spills

Take out the asphalt and the other areas of pavement, as well as the substrate or base beneath them. Instead, lay it with clean fill and pavonite. To avoid such issues of oil spills, maintenance of parking lots should be done continuously.

Install French Drains

Sometimes, in areas with poor drainage, such as in the valley, the solution is to use a French drain. Perforated pipes are placed on the ground, acting like drains that gather and direct water away from the affected area. Catch basins, which are associated with piping, enable the water that has an entry into the system. Still, it does not allow the debris to get through.

The Next Steps

If you are still fighting with parking lot puddles, then consider getting in touch with a drainage expert to determine what exactly your site requires. It is advisable to seek the services of reputable paving contractors as they will examine the problems and suggest the appropriate repair work that needs to be done. Some costs will need to be addressed right now since they may lead to additional costs in the future, if left unresolved.

Solving any issue with puddles as soon as possible helps minimize water injuries and risks within the compound. Structured maintenance and some basic repairs will go a long way towards ensuring your parking lot drains water properly.