As we anticipate the icy winter rains of November, we must take measures to protect ourselves from the wet and cold — perhaps by purchasing a new winter coat or inaugurating the central heating at home. It’s important, too, to protect commercial parking lots from this unfavorable weather. Rain is an enemy of the asphalt parking lot: it permeates the surface, creates cracks and erodes the structure over time. This water can be especially damaging in areas where there is ponding. If you are experiencing standing water in your parking lot, you should determine the root cause before serious structural damage occurs. The issue may be a catch basin.
Catch basins are installed in low-lying areas of parking lots to insure the proper drainage of water. If water is ponding in your parking lot, you may be dealing with too few or damaged catch basins. Assess the number of catch basins in your lot. There’s no magic number here, but you should have enough catch basins to drain your lot of rainwater. If there is no catch basin in the problematic area, consider installing one to alleviate the problem.
If there is a catch basin in the ponding area, you must assess the basin itself. When was the last time you had your catch basins cleaned or maintained? It could be a simple matter of removing dead leaves from the basin so that water can drain properly. However, catch basins can experience structural damage themselves, especially when surrounded by asphalt. Your catch basins should be surrounded by a concrete collar — even if you have an asphalt lot — to maintain their strength and integrity.
If you fear that your catch basins are defective in some way, consult a professional before the November weather causes some serious damage. Catch basins are key to preventing water infiltration and preserving the longevity of your commercial parking lot. Take care of them sooner rather than later, before your parking lot turns into a swimming pool.