Maintaining a functional and safe parking lot is more than a matter of appearance—it’s a responsibility for every property owner and facility manager. Neglected pavement can create hazards that lead to accidents, injuries, and costly disputes.

At Kolton Construction, we don’t provide legal advice, but we do help reduce your exposure to risks by ensuring your parking lot is properly maintained, clearly marked, and built for long-term safety.

Below are five signs your parking lot may be putting you at risk.

1. Cracks, Potholes, and Uneven Surfaces

Even small cracks and potholes can quickly escalate into bigger problems. Uneven surfaces are trip hazards for pedestrians and can also cause damage to vehicles, raising the likelihood of complaints or claims.

Water infiltration is one of the biggest culprits behind asphalt deterioration. Once moisture enters a crack, freeze-thaw cycles or heavy rains can worsen the damage, creating larger potholes and surface instability.

Routine maintenance, such as sealcoating or crack repair, is key to preventing these issues. By sealing your lot regularly, you slow down water penetration, protect the pavement structure, and provide a smoother, safer surface for everyone who uses it.

2. Faded or Missing Line Striping

Clear, visible striping is essential for safe traffic flow and proper use of your lot. When parking spaces and directional arrows fade, drivers can become confused, increasing the risk of fender benders or near-miss accidents.

Striping is also vital for fire lanes, crosswalks, loading zones, and other safety markings. If these areas are hard to see, vehicles may park where they shouldn’t, or pedestrians may not know where it’s safe to walk.

Fresh line striping improves both safety and efficiency. It ensures your lot is organized, compliant with local codes, and easy for visitors to navigate.

3. Poor Lighting or Visibility

Even a well-paved lot becomes hazardous if it isn’t well-lit. Poor lighting can make cracks, potholes, or faded markings nearly invisible at night, heightening the risk of accidents.

While Kolton Construction does not install lighting systems, we do ensure that pavement surfaces and markings are high-contrast and clearly visible. We also recommend that property managers evaluate their lots after dark to check for blind spots or poorly illuminated areas that could pose safety concerns.

4. Inadequate or Non-Existent ADA Accessibility

Parking lots must provide accessible spaces in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This typically includes designated accessible spots, van-accessible areas, proper striping, and posted signage.

If these features are missing, unclear, or poorly maintained, property owners may face complaints, fines, or negative experiences for visitors.

Kolton Construction ensures that striping and layout follow ADA best practices so that your lot is accessible and inclusive for all visitors. While we don’t provide legal interpretations of ADA law, we make sure your pavement markings reflect industry standards and accessibility guidelines.

5. Standing Water or Drainage Issues

Pooling water is more than a nuisance—it’s a safety and structural risk. Standing water can create slippery surfaces for pedestrians, cause hydroplaning hazards for vehicles, and accelerate asphalt deterioration by seeping into cracks and undermining the base layer.

Kolton Construction evaluates drainage during site assessments. We address issues with grading and recommend sealcoating solutions to minimize water infiltration. Proactive drainage management keeps your lot safer and extends the life of your pavement.

Proactive Parking Lot Maintenance Reduces Risk

Parking lot maintenance is an investment in both safety and property value. Regular inspections, especially after harsh weather, help property managers catch smaller issues before they turn into significant liabilities.

Kolton Construction partners with commercial property owners, schools, churches, municipalities, and HOAs to provide reliable asphalt maintenance services. From sealcoating and crack filling to line striping, our team helps reduce risks while protecting your long-term pavement investment.

Call Today for Parking Lot Sealing Services! 

Not sure if your lot is putting you at risk? Schedule a site assessment with Kolton Construction today. Our experienced team will evaluate your parking lot and recommend tailored solutions, whether that means fresh line striping, crack filling, or sealcoating, to keep your property safe, compliant, and welcoming for every visitor. 

Call today to learn more and keep your property safe!