— By Bob Zaprzal —
The benefits of comprehensive pavement assessments.
In retail and restaurants, a customer’s experience starts long before they enter the building and continues after they leave. Parking lots, sidewalks and other pavement features create critical first and last impressions. This article will explore ways in which to redefine pavement services through innovative, systematic property assessments.
A tailored pavement maintenance plan not only protects your brand reputation but also enhances customer satisfaction, increases safety and saves money over time.
Why Pavement Maintenance Matters
Picture pulling into a business where the parking lot has potholes, cracked sidewalks or faded striping. These issues not only inconvenience customers but also send the wrong message about your business. Research reinforces the value of well-maintained pavement:
• Safety First: A smooth, hazard-free parking lot reduces the risk of accidents, as one in five vehicle collisions occurs in parking lots.
• Curb Appeal Equals Revenue: Well-maintained pavement attracts customers and enhances loyalty.
• Liability Reduction: Addressing hazards early reduces legal risks and potential claims.
• Operational Efficiency: Proactive maintenance minimizes disruptions by reducing the extent of emergency repairs needed.
• Long Term Savings: Preventive measures, like sealing and crack repairs, extend pavement lifespan and avoid costly replacements.
“A customer’s experience begins in the parking lot,” says Eric Brownlee, senior vice president of exterior services at Powerhouse, a nationwide leader in exterior and facilities maintenance. “If your pavement isn’t inviting, it reflects poorly on your brand and may discourage customers from returning.”
The Powerful Difference: A Pavement Assessment Program
A pavement assessment program goes beyond traditional approaches by offering a comprehensive, systematic evaluation of your entire property portfolio. Here’s how to do it:
Evaluation Across Your Portfolio
Inspect parking lots, sidewalks and other pavement features for cracks, drainage issues and general wear.
Customized Summary and Planning
After gathering site-specific data, get a detailed summary of your portfolio’s condition, highlighting immediate repairs and long term opportunities for improvement.
Tailored Maintenance Plans
3-, 4- or 5-year plans can be customized to your budget and operational needs. These plans ensure your properties are improved to optimal standards and maintained for long term durability.
Ongoing Care for Sustainability
Implement proactive maintenance schedules to extend pavement lifespan while minimizing disruptions through routine inspections and preventive measures.
The goal is to not only bring your pavement up to standard but to maintain it with smarter, cost-effective solutions.
Why Portfolio-Wide Assessments Outperform Piecemeal Approaches
A smart approach evaluates your entire portfolio instead of addressing properties one at a time.
Key Benefits of a Comprehensive Approach
• Holistic Insights: Identify trends, prioritize repairs and create unified 3-, 4- or 5-year maintenance plans.
• Consistency Across Locations: Maintain the same high standards nationwide to protect your brand and enhance customer experience.
• Cost Savings: Leverage economies of scale to secure bulk pricing and optimize resources.
• Simplified Management: Centralized communication ensures one point of contact for coordination, reporting and invoicing.
• Proactive Expertise: Avoid reactive fixes with tailored, forward-looking solutions informed by national expertise.
Smarter Maintenance: The Data-Driven Advantage
Preventive maintenance is a proven strategy to save money and improve safety. Research shows it can be up to six times more cost-effective than waiting for significant repairs. Addressing cracks early and applying sealcoating extends pavement life and reduces future repair costs.
Key Advantages of Preventive Maintenance:
• Cost Savings: Address small issues before they escalate.
• Enhanced Safety: Maintain smooth, hazard-free surfaces for pedestrians and vehicles.
•Improved Lifespan: Routine maintenance significantly extends pavement longevity.
Comprehensive Pavement Services
We offer a full range of pavement services designed to meet the unique needs of businesses nationwide:
• Parking Lot Repairs and Resurfacing: From crack filling to full resurfacing, we ensure safe, smooth and visually appealing surfaces.
• Sealcoating and Striping: Protect asphalt and provide clear markings for efficient traffic flow.
•Sidewalk Repairs and ADA Compliance: Ensure accessible, hazard-free walkways while meeting regulatory requirements.
•Snow and Ice Management: Keep your pavement safe during harsh winters with proactive snow removal and de-icing.
• Lighting and Landscaping: Enhance visibility, security and curb appeal with expert lighting and landscaping solutions.
Partner With a Pavement Services Provider Today
Maintaining your pavement isn’t just about aesthetics — it’s about protecting your investment, ensuring safety and creating lasting positive impressions. With the right systematic approach, you can gain a partner dedicated to excellence, innovation and customer satisfaction. n
— By Bob Zaprzal is the director of pavement services at Powerhouse, a nationwide leader in exterior and facilities maintenance. Powerhouse is the nation’s third-largest exterior service provider, supported by over 4,000 vetted vendors. For more information, email [email protected] or visit www.powerhousenow.com.