Commercial parking lot paving isn’t an afterthought or a DIY experiment.
It is the first point of contact for clients and customers and an integral part of your business.
How it looks and functions affects your bottom line, and a clean, even, and well-maintained parking lot creates an inviting property.
When paving a parking lot in Jurupa Valley, CA, you will need an experienced paving contractor. If you’re looking for a parking lot expansion or upgrade, it can be helpful to familiarize yourself with the basic parking lot paving process.
Parking Lot Surface Options
The three most common surface options for a parking lot are asphalt, concrete, and permeable gravel.
Asphalt Paving
This is the most popular type of parking lot. It’s dark black in appearance, cheaper than concrete, and can be installed in a couple of days. There are many types of asphalt in Jurupa Valley, CA you can choose from.
Concrete Paving
Concrete parking lot paving is a traditional paving method that costs more upfront but requires less maintenance over time. Concrete is better suited for warmer climates than asphalt and is less likely to crack.
Permeable Paving
This includes pervious concrete, porous asphalt, and permeable interlocking concrete pavers. This parking lot paving option is a newcomer on the market but is less expensive and more environmentally friendly than concrete. It has a rough surface texture and allows for better runoff, reducing your risks of flooding or pooling water.
Tar & Chip Paving
Liquid asphalt (tar) is poured onto a layer of gravel used as the base layer; next, a coating of stones (chip) is applied. Then it is rolled over with a machine to press the stones into the liquid asphalt.
How To Choose the Right Material for Your Parking Lot
All three parking lot paving materials can provide a beautiful, finished product.
So how do you choose which one is best for you?
Three main factors will determine the type of material you will choose for your parking lot in Jurupa Valley, CA: cost, environment, and your contractor.
Cost
Parking lot paving is an investment. Your budget may determine the type of materials you choose. Using concrete is the most expensive option but doesn’t carry the same maintenance requirements as other pavement options. Asphalt is the best option if you don’t want an initial high cost and don’t mind a little upkeep every few years.
Environment
Consider the annual climate changes in Jurupa Valley, CA. If you live in a cold region prone to snow and ice, asphalt is a better option because it thaws faster. Concrete parking lots work better in warmer climates because they reflect sun rays and don’t absorb heat like dark asphalt. Gravel parking lots work well in areas where water drainage is a concern, and you don’t mind giving up the smooth surface.
Contractor
Always choose a contractor who has proper experience working with the parking lot paving material you choose. You should also hire a contractor who is knowledgeable and up-to-date with the latest ADA ramp requirements and permits in Jurupa Valley, CA.
Choosing the Right Parking Lot Contractor
After you decide on which type of parking lot paving material you want for your property in Jurupa Valley, CA, the next most important step is to hire the right contractor for your project.
Remember, constructing your parking lot is a big project and shouldn’t be handed to just anybody.
- Get Recommendations – Ask your friends, colleagues, or neighbors for recommendations. If possible, pay a visit to the parking lot installed by the contractors they recommend so you can assess the quality.
- Get Multiple Quotes – Don’t be pressured to sign a contract with the first contractor you contact. Even though you may not be constrained by budget, it is good to get multiple quotes from multiple contractors before you make a choice.
Parking Lot Paving Process
While the specifics may differ based on the type you choose, the general steps for paving a new parking lot, or expanding an existing parking lot, are almost the same.
Step 1: Preparation and Permit
The first step is to call for any permits and to get a full utility mark-out on the property. Your contractor should help you with these to ensure there are no surprises or hold-ups once your parking lot paving begins.
Step 2: Demolition and Removal
Anytime you’re doing a new installation, the existing pavement should be removed. Installing a new material over existing damaged pavement is not a good idea and will likely lead to further damage.
Step 3: Grading
After demolition and removal of the existing pavement, the next step is to grade and level your surface to the desired slope. This allows for effective water management and prepares the surface for the sub-base.
Step 4: Sub-Base Design
This is the most important part of your parking lot design. The sub-base serves as the foundation of your parking lot paving. An unstable sub-base design will lead to an unstable parking lot. After the sub-base is installed, a binder layer may also be installed, as in the case of asphalt.
Step 5: Installation of New Material
After the sub-base is prepared, you are ready to install your new material. Whether you choose asphalt, concrete, or gravel, this is when your new parking lot takes shape.
Step 6: Final Touch
Once the material is installed, your paving contractor will add the finishing touches, like parking lot striping, ADA requirements, curbing, etc. These finishing details give a good impression and ensure optimal use of parking lot space.
Importance of Parking Lot Striping
Professional striping is a part of parking lot paving for any public building in Jurupa Valley, CA.
It has to be done right to give an improved first impression, improve efficiency, and meet ADA handicap requirements.
In addition to being a requirement of public businesses, parking lot striping carries several additional benefits.
- Safety – In addition to improved efficiency, properly painted parking lots also improves the safety of vehicles and humans to prevent accidents.
- Improved Curb Appeal – A clean and properly painted parking lot looks beautiful and gives a professional first impression.
- Compliance With Regulations – Every state has regulations that ensure that parking lots and businesses are accessible to all. Parking lot striping is one of the ways to stay compliant with local codes on accessibility.
When it is time to stripe your parking lot, you have to consider the design. It’s important to consider the purpose of your parking lot. Different parking spot angles and sizes are best for certain types of scenarios.
It’s important to choose the best design for your business for these two reasons:
- Space Optimization – A properly painted parking lot will maximize the space available. A parking lot that is not properly marked leaves visitors confused.
- Increases Efficiency – A clearly painted parking lot increases traffic flow, saving people energy and time. It also enhances the user experience for both staff and customers.
What is the Cost of Paving a Parking Lot?
The total average cost of parking lot paving in the US, including labor and material, is between $2.50 and $7.00 per square foot.
This will vary depending on the choice of material.
Expect to pay between $10,000 to $700,000 for a 10-car space to a 300-car area, respectively.
- Asphalt Parking Lot Cost – The total average cost to pave a new parking lot using asphalt ranges between $2.50 and $4.50 per square foot.
- Average asphalt material cost ranges from $1.00 to $2.50 per square foot.
- Average asphalt labor cost is usually between $1.50 and $2.00 per square foot.
- Concrete Parking Lot Cost – The total average cost to pave a new parking lot using concrete ranges between $4.00 to $7.00 per square foot
- Average concrete material costs range from $3.00 to $4.00 per square foot.
- Average concrete labor cost is between $2.00 to $3.00 per square foot.
- Permeable Parking Lot Cost – The total average cost to pave a new parking lot using permeable materials ranges between $2.00 to $4.00.
- $2.00 per square foot for porous asphalt.
- $3.00 to $4.00 per square foot for interlocking pavers.
- $0.50 to $40 per square foot for labor, depending on design and material.
ADA Ramp Requirements for Parking Lots
In the US, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was enacted to make public places accessible to people who use wheelchairs, walkers, or strollers.
If you don’t have ADA ramps and handicapped stalls in your parking lot, this can be interpreted as discrimination against people with disability under the law.
NOTE 1: When door swings onto landing 42′ min. plus door width.
NOTE 2: Maximum horizontal distance of each ramp and run vary
- Dimensions – The ratio of the running rise to the length slope should be 1:12. ADA-compliant ramps must have a minimum of 36 inches between handrails. The maximum run or length should not be more than 30 inches. A break or platform should be added if it exceeds 30 inches.
- Landing – This is the area at the top and bottom of the ramp. The landing should be flat and at least 60 inches long. It should be constructed to prevent the buildup of water.
- Handrail – Ramps that are 6 inches or higher require handrails on both sides of the ramp.
- Edge Protection – Where necessary, edge protection should be installed to keep users from falling.
- Signage – International symbol of accessibility should also be placed. The sign must be placed in a visible position. The minimum size requirement for signage is 12 inches by 18 inches.
How To Maintain Your Parking Lot
These strategic plans and techniques can be adopted for proper maintenance and to ensure that your parking lot maximizes its service life.
Crack & Pothole Filling
Due to weather conditions and heavy use, cracks are a common occurrence in asphalt paving parking lots. While it doesn’t always call for alarm, it’s better to fill and seal cracks early before they get worse. In freezing temperatures, water can seep through and expand the cracks.
Routine Inspection
When was the last time you took a walk around your parking lot? Take the time to perform a routine physical inspection of the property for any signs of damage. Look for cracks, standing water, potholes, or harmful oils. It will usually cost less to repair damage when it is spotted early.
Regular Cleaning
Regular cleaning removes dirt and debris that may trap moisture. You should also clean any oil and gasoline that dripped on your parking lot as soon as you see them. They attack the glue that holds concrete and asphalt together, causing deterioration.
Sealcoating
If you want to maximize the life of your asphalt paving parking lot, sealcoating is a strategic maintenance practice that should be done every few years. The frequency will depend on weather conditions and the amount of traffic.
Reroute Traffic
Another paving maintenance technique is to reroute the traffic where feasible to spread the wear.
Resurfacing
Resurfacing adds a fresh layer of asphalt without completing a brand-new installation. This is best completed when your parking lot starts to show serious signs of damage like several potholes, distortion, cracks, and fault lines.
Striping
We recommend re-striping your parking lot every 18 to 24 months. Not only does this enhance your curb appeal, but it also improves safety.
Pave a Good First Impression
In a world of innovation and technology, parking lots haven’t changed a lot in the last 50 years.
To ensure your parking lot paving reaches its full potential, choose the best materials for your area and a reputable contractor.
At Navarro Paving, we help our clients develop strategic plans for installing and maintaining their parking lots for generations to come. Give us a call today!
