When you own a hotel, the parking lot is the first thing that most people see when they come to stay with you. If your parking lot is littered, stained, or unkempt, potential guests might assume that the hotel itself is not properly maintained. This could send them away before they even reach the front door. Since you never get a second chance to make a good first impression, it is critical to clean and maintain your parking lot. Regular preventive care also extends the lifespan of your lot, possibly giving you several extra years before you have to replace it.
Plan to Clean and Seal the Parking Lot Regularly
In a business that is as image-conscious as hotel management, you must commit to cleaning and resealing your parking lot at regular intervals. According to Concrete Network, a company dedicated to helping residential and commercial property owners find a concrete contractor, you should plan to completely reseal the parking lot at least every other year. If your hotel is located in a state with particularly harsh weather conditions, you may want to consider resealing annually. For the best results, make plans to reseal when you first notice signs of wear.
For hotels that are located in cold climates, it is important to avoid deicing chemicals because they force thawing and cause moisture to freeze over again. This is especially important if the deicing formula contains ammonium sulfates or nitrates because these attack the structure of the rock directly. If you can’t avoid using deicers entirely, at least hold out for the first winter your concrete parking lot is in place. This will protect it from the harmful effects of salt. If you are concerned about guests slipping in your parking lot, use several pounds of sand so they can get across it safely.
Get Rid of Stains as Soon as You See Them
Grease, oil, and other chemicals tend to stain quickly and leave dark, unsightly spots on your parking lot. This is usually through no fault of your own. People visiting your hotel may not realize that their car is leaking oil or fluid, but the result is the same regardless. A concrete sealer may help absorb the stain and stop it from spreading, but it won’t get rid of it. To do that, you need to arrange for pressure washing from a professional concrete cleaning company like TRUEGRID. It is unlikely that you personally own chemicals that are powerful enough to remove the stains, even if you own your own pressure washing equipment.
While there are basic things you can do, such as sweep your parking lot and prohibit anything with a blade from parking on it, it is best to leave large cleaning, stain removal, and resealing jobs for the professionals. Hiring a professional ensures that the job is done correctly in a minimum amount of time. Professional pavement maintenance companies have the right equipment along with the expertise to make your parking lot look as clean and welcoming as possible. While you may be tempted to do the job yourself to save money, doing it incorrectly will eventually cost you more than working with a professional.
This article was contributed on behalf of TRUEGRID, your number-one choice when looking for improving your pavements. Check out their website at www.truegridpaver.com and see how they can help you!